New tank

Hepcat021 · 09-09-2006, 12:37 AM

I am planning on getting a new tank in the near future. Thing is at the current time I do not have a new place for a tank. Where my tank is now I could replace with a bigger one, maybe 20 or 30 gallons. The catch is it could not be a taller tank then the one I have now just longer and wider. So I am not sure if I were to get a longer but not taller tank if that would be functional for me. I have seen things like tanks for turtles that are quite a bit longer but not taller. I can imagine my neon tetras would be fine since they hang at the bottom and with more bottom surface to live in I could have more. Still my guppies are top dwellers mostly and I wonder if this would limit the movment.

So I just wonder if anyone knows either about these aquatic turtle tanks being ok for certain fish or if you know of a good place to get long but not taller and longer tanks. Please help me, a good place with a good assortment of these particular types of tanks would be helpful.

Thank You
BILL

Jay · 09-09-2006, 06:12 AM

It would be helpful if you could give us a reference.

How many inches L x W x D will fit?

Jay

ahill3780 · 09-09-2006, 02:29 PM

Agreed.

As for some background on your questions, tank height is probably the least necessary length of a tank. Of course it needs to stand up at least 18" but fish will appreciate longer wider tanks more than they will taller tanks. Fish tend to swim more side to side front to back than they do up and down.

To quote Bob Fenner, "put a fish in a tall 2 liter bottle and another in an equal amount of water in a shallow pan and see which one does better." He suggests that you save you time and a fishes health and just points out that the one in the pan will fare better. (I love this bit)

The height of a tank can affect the lighting needed to penetrate down to the bottom. A tank that is 18"-24" is ideal as far as lighting costs go IMO. The turtle tanks will do just fine for your fish. Some tanks come in long versions versus tall versions. Ie, 20 gallon tall, 20 gallon long.

HTH,
Aaron

Hepcat021 · 09-09-2006, 05:46 PM

Ok, I kind of was thinking in that direction. I appreciate the helpful advice. Though my tank right now is only 12 inches tall ( I just measured it). It could not be any taller then that. So my current tank is a 10 gallon of 20 X 10 X 12. I could probably house a tank that is 40 X 15 X 12. It could probably be a little wider or maybe a little longer by a few inches. So hopefully it will work out.

Thanks again,
BILL

Hepcat021 · 09-10-2006, 05:30 PM

So it should be 18" tall at least? hmmmm...

Bill

ahill3780 · 09-10-2006, 11:03 PM

No, not necessarily. 12" is fine. The shallower the water, the more light per gallon of volume you will achieve.

Hepcat021 · 09-14-2006, 12:19 AM

I have definately found the tank I need where I work, but it costs $40. Seems a bit high for just a 20 gallon glass tank. Guess I'll shop around. The internet seems little help in this venture. Does anyone know where I can find a 20 gallon glass aquarium long that is only 12 inches high? There has to be one, I have went to some other previous suggested sites I have read since I joined here with no luck. Otherwise I'll just have to buck up and buy it as well as all the other acessories I'll need.

Thanks for the help Ahill,
Bill