Lucy

I'm trying to decide which one to get.

Petsmart has a 20g kit, not too sure about the dimensions, it appears to be the same length as my 10g just taller and wider, or a 20g long.
A couple things to consider:

1) The kit would fit where my 10g is now.
If I got the long, I'd have to move some furniture around. (Unless I can convince my husband that the dining room is a good place for a tank)
2) The kit is, well, a kit, all in one box convienence. The long, I'd have to buy things seperatly.


I have serpae and neons....I'm wondering if they would prefer a longer swimming area or a taller, wider one.

Any thoughts?

Shaina

Faced with the same decision a few weeks go (in my case, 29gal kit or 29gal tank w/o any accessories), I actually chose the plain tank after doing research on different parts. I didn't care for the stuff that came with the kit, since I really wanted a better heat and filter. I ended up buying the tank and glass canopy/light fixture from my LFS and shopping around for all the other odds and ends.

On the other hand my mum got their 20 gal kit a few years ago and it's still going strong.

The 20 gal long gives you a little more flexibility in #'s of fish since the greater surface area means better oxygenation for your water, but as long as your filter creates decent surface agitation I doubt the difference is significant.

I hope that helps a little -- good luck!

capekate

HI Lucy
tough call on your options... With a 20g tank and set up, cheaper is pretty good and can be hassle free. It would be fine of course for your neons and serpaes. BUT with the longer tank.. it would give them more swimming area which they would really like. BUT... with the longer tank as you said you would have to buy the equipment separate and then have to try and make room for it. Dining room table? hmmm... maybe a good idea at the moment, but later down the road may not be found to be such a good idea. So.. that is why its a tough call. Its going to have to come down to personal preference on this one.

~ kate

COBettaCouple

I'd get both. ..but i don't have a problem, no.. not me..

I'd lean towards the kit probably.

Lucy

HeHe, not the dining room table, I have ...is it called a butler? Like a bureau except for a dining room.

Blub

finmama

I would get the long, but thats just because ive always wanted a long tank. Im sure you can find room somewhere hehehe

SereneReyn

i would get a plain tank. the stuff that comes in those kits is cheap, it either breaks or isn't good enough in the first place (the filters tend to be the absolute minimal) so you wind up buying things separately anyway. if you want a tank that 'fits' get a plain 20g high.

MissMTS

If money allows it I would definetly go with the long. The greater surface area means that you can stock it a little more heavily and your fish will have more room to swim. Honestly, with all but two of my tanks I started out with kits and I have ended up trying to constantly upgrade on the equiptment. I needed better lighting for plants. The plastic tops have a habit of breaking, so I got glass versa tops instead. Honestly the whisper filters aren't the best either. The heaters have all worked fine though. Honestly, in the long run it would be a better investment to get the 20 Long, but the 20 gallon kit will work fine if that is what you can afford and you can always upgrade later.