jsalemi

Wasn't sure exactly where this fits, so I figured I'd drop it in here. I finally got she-who-must-be-obeyed to agree to the idea of a larger tank in our family room (where we spend most of our time). I just have to figure out a new home for a book case, and run another outlet to the area where the tank would go, so this will probably be a Fall project.

Anyway, I measured and have about 44" width in the place where the tank would go, so while I was at PetSmart Sunday I started measuring tanks to see what would fit. It came down to two choices -- a 49 gal bowfront that's 38" wide, and a 55 (or 50? can't remember right now)) gal tall tank that's 36" wide. Either would work in the space.

Now, a gallon or so one way or the other doesn't make a big difference to me, since it'll be the biggest tank I've ever owned anyway. But it is a factor. I'm planning on mostly smaller fish -- some danios, smaller barbs (like cherries), corys, otos, maybe a dwarf gourami, smaller angels, fish like that. Generally no fish over 3-4" tops (except for maybe a red-tailed shark). Plants will be a combo of artificial and live (probably about 60/40).

My only solid criteria is that the tank should be a minimum of 30 gal, and something in the 40-55 gal range is preferred. Given those factors, which tank would you choose? Or do you have another suggestion? I could go either way right now -- the bow front looks neat, so I'm kinda leaning that way, but another 6 gallons for a couple more fish wouldn't hurt either.

capekate

Hi there, great choices.. it would be a tough call on that one. The petsmart 55g tank measures 45 inches across, I have one.The 49 gal bow fronts are really nice, and you are really able to see the fish that way and since you are going with small fish, it may just be a decision on expenses.
~ kate

jsalemi

Then the tall tank may be a 50 instead of a 55 (I just can't remember). My only concern with the bowfront is that it's not a standard width if I want to upgrade the light hood in the future. But it sure looks nice.

capekate

Yes, that is true and a valid point for sure!

Kevin

i would go with the larger (55/50) tank...it gives you more room for error, and holds more fish, also, extra parts for bowfronts are hard to find...and i think bowfronts tend to cost more than regular tanks

jsalemi

In this case, the price for tank and stand (and some stuff they throw in, like a light, filter, etc) are within $50 of each other, so that's not a big factor. But yea, I've been looking around the web at the various aquarium suppliers, and it seems like stuff for bowfronts is rare. So now I'm leaning back toward the rectangular tank again.

Plus, at least in the display units, the bowfront comes with a Whisper filter while the rectangular tank comes with an AquaClear, and since I'd use either a Penguin/Emperor or an AquaClear with it anyway, not having to buy a new filter and toss the one that comes with the tank would be a plus.

Thanks!

Kevin

then i would definently get the rectangular tank