Butters

so heres my questin: should I get a 20 gallon high, or a 20 long? Does it really matter what kind i get? I went to my LPS today and saw a 20 long with dimmensions of 30"x12"x12" which seems kind weird cuz it looked so short and really long! So, what do you think I should get?

Devon

It really has a lot to do with the type of fish you want...

Amanda

I agree with Devon. If you want fish with labrynth (spell) organs, such as gouramis or bettas - then the long is better. If you want to keep something like an angel (althought only one would fit in that tank), then a tall is better.

Butters

well, I think i might get a school of something (like that helps at all ) maybe harlequin rasboras or some sort of tetra. Some platys for sure and possibly a BN pleco or some otos. and possibly some cories...maybe, and maybe a good centerpiece fish, beside a gourami. If that helps.

tkfury

Longer tanks give you a few more options due to surface area. Ideally I'd like to get a long 20g and divide it up a few times for some bettas since my family has been on me about all the tanks ^^;

Taller tanks, angelfish are the first that come to mind that need some kind of height. I do believe you have to understock a little bit due to the lack of horizonal swimming space but it may depend on the size of the fish. I've a 22g tall thats more of a square so it was just all awkard - once I get some more money I'd like to just turn it into a planted species tank for either sparkling gouramis or threadfin rainbowfish due to their small size.

I say go with the long tank. It has enough ground area to make a nice school of cories happy, its length is great if you go with an active school of tetras and from experiance, much easier to decorate.

Butterfly

I love my15g long, 20g longs and 30g longs. anything that needs lots of horizontal swimming room is perfect. Small rainbows come to mind or Kuhli loaches because of the size of the bottom, a good size shoal of corys..The fish you named will look awesome in it also.
Carol

Butters

thanks for the help guys, i think the long sounds like a good idea. Now I just have to find room for it in my room, its quickly getting filled up with tanks! darn MTS

0morrokh

Yup that MTS sneaks up on ya doesn't it. With a few exceptions tanks with a larger surface area are always better for fish. Imo 20 highs are only useful for small climbing reptiles/amphibians.

Butters

lol, it sure does. I just wanted to get a little tank and keep some neat looking fish...and then all of a sudden, I want more fish and more tanks and this and that and wow! I did not expect this to happen , but at least its a great hobby!

joy613

If you start getting into plants you will want the long tanks....they are easier to grow live plants in. Just throwing that thought out there encase you find yourself sudden drawn to a more natural tank for your fish. The only reason I have tall tanks is because of my angelfish.