Need some help deciding. Long or bow

I currently have a 20G cube setup. I've been getting the itch to setup one of my other tanks just collecting dust.

I have a 33G long and 46G bow front.

The 33G (48" x 13" x 14")
Tank only.
- I would need to buy or build a stand for it.
- I would need to buy or build lighting. I could make due with lighting from 46 below.

The 46G (36" x 15" x 20")
Tank, stand and a lot of accessories (canister filter, c02, extra lights, decor..etc)
- I wouldn't need to buy or build a stand.
- I wouldn't need to buy or build lighting unless I wanted something other than the fluorescent that it came with.


I really like the dimensions of the 33, the only thing holding me back at this point is the stand. I could make due with the lighting that came with the 46G,

I've had a 46 bow before and it is a nice tank overall, I'm just not sure about it due to the height. The lights are more than capable to support the plants. It was a family friend that had this setup previously with the same 36" T8? I think, there is a 2 bulb fixture and 1 bulb fixture. He was also running the c02 with a marineland c360 canister filter.

I prefer the smaller fish types ( cardinal, neons, raspbora, Ram.. etc) to get the most lively setup possible.

What are your thoughts? And sorry, No, I will not be setting up all 3 tanks Already a small petting zoo. (2 dogs, cat (possibly a second), 2 red claw crabs in addition to my tank).

Thanks,
Outlaw

 

I'd do the 46 gallon. More room more fish, and less cost buying supplies since you have all of them already. Lots of cool setups you could do.

 

Agreed. Go with the largest tank possible. I think people regret getting smaller tanks more than they regret getting larger ones!

 

That was fast! lol And thanks for the input.

This is where I talk myself towards the 33. Technically, I would only need the stand for the 33. The lights from the 46 would work, they would just be a few inches short.


Here is where I'd like to bring either of them back to (what my 20 cube used to look like)



Also, added a poll.


Thanks again,
Outlaw

 

I agree on size 100%. If I could, I would have a 100-125 setup right now lol.

Oh, the 46 is missing the center brace. It does still have the plastic rim, just the center piece is broken. This did not appear to effect anything when previously setup.

 

I think you know which one you really want to set up. Haha! To me, I much prefer the dimensions of a long tank over other varieties. I find them much more eye-appealing, and feel like you can make them into beautiful accents to any room (well, I guess that goes with any tank). I've never minded not having enough tank space to put absolutely everything I wanted in it. Meh, is just me.

 

I think you know which one you really want to set up. Haha! To me, I much prefer the dimensions of a long tank over other varieties. I find them much more eye-appealing, and feel like you can make them into beautiful accents to any room (well, I guess that goes with any tank). I've never minded not having enough tank space to put absolutely everything I wanted in it. Meh, is just me.

+1 Plus I like the dimensions of the 33...not too mention it's perfect for a planted tank


TAA, Signing Out

 

If the 46 is missing the center brace, I change my vote to the 33. I wouldn't want to have to worry about the long-term structural stability of the tank.

 

I think you know which one you really want to set up. Haha! To me, I much prefer the dimensions of a long tank over other varieties. I find them much more eye-appealing, and feel like you can make them into beautiful accents to any room (well, I guess that goes with any tank). I've never minded not having enough tank space to put absolutely everything I wanted in it. Meh, is just me.

Lol Thanks. Yes. I do really want the 33. The dimensions are what make me like it. Since I've seen a 100 gallon like it (72 1/2" x 18 1/2" x 19 3/8"), i've always wanted a shallow. At the very least, it would make cleaning easier.

Found a pic of my 46G bow. I do miss it. (plants are fake)

+1 Plus I like the dimensions of the 33...not too mention it's perfect for a planted tank
TAA, Signing Out

Thanks. That is what I'm thinking. Much easier to manage and lighting doesn't need to be anything extreme or powerful.

If the 46 is missing the center brace, I change my vote to the 33. I wouldn't want to have to worry about the long-term structural stability of the tank.

lol. sorry. Should have put that in the beginning. Like I was saying, our friend had this setup long term in his house. I'm pretty sure he's had it before I met him ~10yrs ago. Maybe not that long.. but I do know it's been a while. If I were to go the route of the 33, I would sell the 46 to make some money to put towards the 33.


Thanks everyone.
Outlaw

 

With the type of stock that you want, I would go for the the 33.. You would have lots of room for a really pretty setup, and like Texas Domer mentioned. I would be worried about having 46 gallons of water and dead fish on my floor one of these days with that center brace missing. Alison

 

In the end, outlaw, you're going to have to go with the one you like most, or else you're going to set them both up in a month or two.

I have a 20H, 20L, and 30 right now going on in various rooms.., my wifey wanted me to set up the 20H when I was having a similar conflict in decision, so I did... And about a week later I set up the 20L because I could just see more possibilities. Now I have them both running anyways because I didn't set up the one I really wanted right away.

Yeah... Three tanks now and a quarantine tank... I think I have a problem...

 

Better yet, just set up both? Problem solved.

 

With the type of stock that you want, I would go for the the 33.. You would have lots of room for a really pretty setup, and like Texas Domer mentioned. I would be worried about having 46 gallons of water and dead fish on my floor one of these days with that center brace missing. Alison

Thanks. I like your thoughts.

In the end, outlaw, you're going to have to go with the one you like most, or else you're going to set them both up in a month or two.

I have a 20H, 20L, and 30 right now going on in various rooms.., my wifey wanted me to set up the 20H when I was having a similar conflict in decision, so I did... And about a week later I set up the 20L because I could just see more possibilities. Now I have them both running anyways because I didn't set up the one I really wanted right away.

Yeah... Three tanks now and a quarantine tank... I think I have a problem...

Better yet, just set up both? Problem solved.

While I would be OK with setting them up right in a row, I'm not sure the floor or more importantly, the wife would care for it. I've been in the MTS stage with 4 or 5 tanks at one point when our cichlids were breeding. That took over the living and dining room.

BUT.... If I can get the computer desk made and have the 33 used as a divider then the 46 in the corner were the 20 is... lol... hmmm there's possibilities. And there is always... "Honey, you want another cat?... I want another tank.." haha

Thanks everyone.

 

I like the way you think. Meow.Alison