Upgrade woes? Did I make a mistake?

[Brianne3826]

At the beginning of last month, I set up a new 40 gallon long. For around four years, I had a 33 long. In case anyone doesn't know, the 33/40 long are the same dimensions as a 55 gallon, the only difference being a 33L is 13 inches tall, and the 40L is 17 inches. At that's how mine are. I really loved my 33L tank and sadly, I left it outside and the seams got ruined, so I junked it. I am kinda regretting "upgrading," and almost wish I hadn't. 33 long was easier to maintain and get your hands down in there, easier to aquascape with no real dead spaces, and it just looked unique honestly with the short height.

I am really considering going to my LFS and seeing if they will order me another one. Am I crazy? Or should I stick with what I got? I got so much enjoyment and success out of that tank whereas this new one I'm kinda like meh. Perhaps I am sentimentally attached to the idea of it. I also considered just downgrading to a 20 long instead, since its similar to 33.

Any thoughts/advice? I've also put a few pics in to compare the two.

 

[jdhef]

If you are unhappy with the 40g and it wouldn't be a finiancial hardship, then you should buy the tank that makes you happy. I think a downgrade to a 20g long might be a disappiontiment, since for one thing, you will be more limited on number and/or size of fish you can keep.

BTW...there are no pics.

 

[Brianne3826]

Whoops!

First three pics are 33 long. Last two 40 long.

 

[Fisch]

How long is the 40gl running?
You may want to add some additional plants, with a bit time they should fill in.
I can understand your dilemma, but don't give up yet....

 

[StarGirl]

Where did all the plants go from the 33L? I think that is why you are displeased with the 40L. Its not as full as the old tank was. It will grow in.

But like jdhef said if it will make you happier trade back. I agree with the 20L being too small also. Unless smaller WCs are a incentive for the smaller tank.

 

[Fisch]

I hope you won't be disappointed in case you should go back to the old tank size, as the plants will look sparse in there as well, for a time. Patience is yhe name of the game

 

[Brianne3826]

A lot of the plants I gave to LFS for store credit. Also, its not just the plants. I think the 33 long is probably my favorite tank size. Only advantage for me with the 40 gallon is that there is a bit more volume, with a bit more space. The 33 long wouldn't look sparse because all I'd have to do is trim some of the plants and replant the trimmed portions. I've done it before. Also, the tank is less likely to look empty due to its short height. The 13 inches in height really helps with having dead spots height-wise in the tank, and was another reasons I really liked it.

Still mulling it over. I really wish I hadn't of stored the tank in my garage and ruined the seams/silicone. If I still had it and it was in good shape, I'd tear down the 40 and put it back in its place.
Actually, in an ideal situation, I'd have some kind of double stand and have them both setup in my living room.
Unfortunately, I am pretty certain my wife would probably kick my rear end if I did that. Lol
I may order the 33 long, and also purchase the 20 long for another room as another project or a quarantine tank.
We shall see.

 

[John58ford]

I like both form factors. All tanks have a starting point, I actually started a thread on that recently and would enjoy it if you were to contribute with this tank as an example too.

I have planted a few tanks, moved around form factors and experimented quite allot. Whenever I wipe a slate I choose my healthiest or favorite plants and move them in to the next, selling or gifting all my trimmings and rejects. I typically plant thin, allowing my tanks to grow into what they would naturally. I have found the beginnings to look sparse, a true shadow of the tank before them. It seems to take me 9 to 18 months to get a tank to the "wow" moment, but I don't mind waiting. With fertilizer and CO2 I could probably move faster but I personally don't mind.

I don't personally think the form factor will be an issue once you get used to using the longer tongs and scissors involved. Your situation is a little like moving a scape from a 20 long into a 29, but still at least longer aspect ratio. In the case of 25% depth increase I have found a 40-50% increase in brightness to bring similar results to the lower canopy plants, and I also enjoy the extra height I can get for the stem plants, they start to bow and add a bit of motion. At 17" deep you could add water lily into the equation and get some really cool pads going, where in a shallow tank you typically need to trim all the pads and focus on the lower canopy, using floaters to get the top half filled out. Different options are available to you with this one.

I do agree with the theory of if it doesn't burden you financially, buy what you'd rather have. I do believe you could be happy with this taller tank though, it looks like a good starting point if you give it time and adjust your planting techniques.

Here's my thread I recently started on when I realized a lack of perspective (my own) regarding time and results, it should help me and hopefully others to look forward to happiness with what we have, in case we feel we miss what we used to have, or want what others are showing off, it's not an instant thing, which I sometimes forget.
It takes time: my photo journal | Freshwater Aquarium Journals Forum

 

[Brianne3826]

Honestly, I just like the look of the shorter tank. I really like shorter tanks.
33 long, 30 gallon breeder, 20 long, and also the very hard to find, almost non existent 45 gallon frag tank, which is essentially a 75 gallon, but 12 inches in height.

I had also considered going a completely different way, and ordering a 30 gallon breeder tank. But I'd rather have a four foot aquarium for my living room.
And I do agree to a point, it takes time. The thing is, I'm kind of impatient... And I noticed, at least from my experience, the 33 long always filled in really quickly for me. When I originally setup the tank, in March 2020, I had added some plants around May/June, and in September, I found it to be pretty full to my liking and I loved the way it looked. Unfortunately, the next month, we moved and I had to tear the tank down and start over. Also, for the most part, I noticed my plants have been growing pretty much the same.
Only thing that I've noticed is my crypt balansae, which used to grow like a weed for me in my older tank, isn't really doing much anymore.

 

[John58ford]

And I noticed, at least from my experience, the 33 long always filled in really quickly for me

Are you using the same light source and similarly dirty(seasoned and fertile) sand? Boosting light for the depth is pretty significant, and if you're using all fresh sand that slows it down a lot too. I had 2 29 gallon tanks worth of dirty black sand I capped with fresh stuff to get my most recent project going and it worked out a whole lot quicker than when I started with all fresh sand in the versions before it. The extra height you need to grow in is also a factor for sure and for quick results you are right that a 12" tank is way faster as most plants will hit that height fairly young. Most of the plants I prefer outgrow the shallow tanks pretty quickly when they mature unless I bind the roots. I used to use small bowls hidden in the sand of my 20 long to keep the swords looking healthy but not sticking out of the water and hitting the lid for example.

I get the impatience and if you like to work on the tank every couple weeks, a shallower tank is a better fit for sure.

 

[Brianne3826]

Yes. Basically same everything. I like using Finnex Stingray fixtures and I am using the original one, which I had bought around four years ago for the 33L. I was honestly quite surprised how fast plants used to grow in that tank, especially if you put in a little extra effort. I have always used caribsea sand and it is probably what I will always use. The only difference is I switched from a tan colored sand to white.
Yeah, my Rotala Indica in my 33 long would grow so nuts that it would constantly curl over and block out parts of the light. Every so often I would trim it. I didn't really fiddle with it much, and just kinda let it do its thing. Honestly, just typing this is bumming me out due to how enjoyable the tank was lol

I was able to grow rotala, water sprite, amazon swords, many different crypts, and also a little bit of jungle val which I always found to be extremely finnicky, in any experience I've ever had. In any tank I've had it in, it will grow runners, but the original plants or the runners will never grow any height. I'm sure there are probably others I could grow in the tank, but just haven't found any. I have noticed I was able to grow crypt wendtii, balansae, parva, lucens, and also spiralis.

Also, I've been doing planted tanks for years. I've had various different setups, and honestly, the 33 long was the first tank in years I ever had success with plant-wise. I've had a 55 gallon, 58, 75 gallon and several 40 breeders where nothing ever happened and I was never able to get anything to grow. I think my success was related to having the 12 inch tall tank combined with the fine sand, and the decent lighting of the finnex stingray.

 

[BlueRaccoon]

Buy the one you want. Nothing you said sounds weird to me. If I have the money, I do what I will be happier with, and what I consider easier. That simple. Also, sell the other one. Someone will want it.

 

[Brianne3826]

Buy the one you want. Nothing you said sounds weird to me. If I have the money, I do what I will be happier with, and what I consider easier. That simple. Also, sell the other one. Someone will want it.

I think this does sound reasonable enough. The particular LFS I had purchased the tank at originally is now defunct and out of business. They used to stock 33 longs regularly, because they are normally a special order tank. I suppose I will see what I can do. Given all the things I've listed about the reasons I like the 33 long and my experiences, I think this is one of the reasons I would rather have one is because I'm also sentimentally attached to it. I'm a bit OCD I suppose and look at things from all angles lol

 

[John58ford]

This is an after thought here, more so regarding plant growth speed. But in some cases you might even need to switch plant species. When you moved, are you still on the same neighborhood water system? It's possible you moved from a source with high or low alkalinity and or hardness to one with very low, or visa versa. Just an after thought but since plants do much better one way or the other. That could be a factor in addition to using the same light on deeper water, and new sand instead of dirty fertile sand.

I still get the shallow tank thing though, that was just a thought that crossed my mind on a background detail. Some of the plants I grow can't tolerate hard water, and allot of plants don't do well as acidic as I keep my tanks. When sharing plants with club members across county lines we've noticed and confirmed some of the pickiness to be mineral and ph related.

 

[Brianne3826]

It's not relevant. I moved around four years ago. I've had pretty consistent growth in the tank, and have had the tank setup longer at its current location than the first location.

Yeah, I haven't really noticed too much honestly, despite moving from one county to another.

 

[Brianne3826]

So. I spoke to my LFS today and he has a 33 long coming for me next week. Price wasn't too bad. Not much more than I originally paid for it, around 120 bucks. He was concerned that they might have stopped making them, or will in the future. So, I feel a bit better knowing I'll have one. Whatever I decide to do, I will probably store one tank away properly. I may upgrade my entire setup with a new stand, setup the 33 long, and then sell the 40. Not sure yet. Or, store away the 33 long for a rainy day. Haven't decided yet.

I also picked up a 15 gallon while I was there, for a side project or potential quarantine tank. I wanted to do a 20 long, but I already had a 24x12 stand, so I figured there's no use in going out of my way and spending more money for a new stand if I don't have to, especially for only 5 gallons and this tank isn't even going to be out in our main living space.

They had so many cool tanks there. I'm sure people have heard of the 50 gallon lowboy tanks? They had one there. Pretty cool. I didn't know they made them in other sizes, though! They had what they called a 28 gallon lowboy. Dimensions were 36x18x10. Basically a 30 gallon breeder, minus a few inches. If I would have seen a 30 breeder though, I probably would have snatched it up.
I also had another thought... If I upgrade my stand, setup the 33 long in my back, spare bedroom with the extra stand so I can watch the tank while on my computer. Also, I could be biased towards the 33L, but it seems like they are more popular than the 40L.

But, I have a feeling still, that my wife might consider removing my private parts or something to that regard if I do that. Lol.

 

[Brianne3826]

Ugh. So the tank was supposed to be in today, but got bumped up until next week. Pretty annoyed by that. Perhaps this is just fate's way of telling me to let things be lol I am certainly glad I haven't paid anything yet for the tank, or I would be extra annoyed.
I do like this 40 gallon tank still though, and I like how if you're standing looking at the tank, you don't really have to be completely slouched over to see into it lol
And I do like having more stocking options essentially. I currently have the 15 White Clouds, and if I wanted to, I could add a few more potentially, and another school of something else if I wanted to, and still be relatively okay stocking-wise. However, with the 33 Long, it was a little bit more limited IMO.
I like the 33L mostly for visual purposes.

 

[sunflower430]

Keep the 40, and then make the substrate a few more inches thick to make it seem a little "shorter" lol

 

[John58ford]

Keep the 40, and then make the substrate a few more inches thick to make it seem a little "shorter" lol

This is true too. I run ~5" sand and grow long term. My 125 looks crazy wide because of that, and the 2" lip it sits down into

 

[Brianne3826]

I'm not entirely sure that would create the illusion for me lol

Guess I will see what happens and if the 33L comes in next week or not. I think either way, I will pick it up.

 

[Brianne3826]

I finally got the new 33 long. I am still not sure what I'm going to do, but I'm happy to have it in my possession again.

 

[Brianne3826]

So... I'm at a bit of a standstill here! The 33 long, which I really like and is easy to maintain, and great for aquascaping... But the 40 long has a bit more room for fish, and slightly more room for error and stocking. What I may do is keep the 33 long tucked away, and possibly set it up for my soon in his room one day as he really likes the tank. But, I'm not entirely sure yet.

It's definitely nice not having to lean over to look inside the tank when up close to it. This isn't really an issue with the 40 long lol

 

[Brianne3826]

I think I am going to tear down the 40, clean it up, and tuck it away this time in my spare room. I will re-setup the new 33 long in it's place. In all actions, honestly, I like the 33 long more. The short height and ease of maintenance makes it super enjoyable.

 

[briangcc1997]

Just setup the 40 elsewhere and give in to the dark side of the Force. 2 tanks isn't all that much work over a single one. We have cookies

**Coming from a guy who's currently running 10 tanks of various sizes with a 75 sitting empty in the garage (just need to finish up the stand for it) and (2) other 10 gallon tanks in storage...

 

[sunflower430]

Glad you made a decision! Hope it all works out well!

 

[Brianne3826]

Just setup the 40 elsewhere and give in to the dark side of the Force. 2 tanks isn't all that much work over a single one. We have cookies

**Coming from a guy who's currently running 10 tanks of various sizes with a 75 sitting empty in the garage (just need to finish up the stand for it) and (2) other 10 gallon tanks in storage...

I would love to... Unfortunately, we don't really have room in our house for two 48 inch tanks lol Not in the rooms I could have them in anyways. I will probably just put it in storage.
I also have a 20 long and getting ready to take back a 10 gallon from someone that I gave to, and they got a bigger tank so they don't need it. Definitely want it back as well because it belonged to my Dad who passed away two months ago.

 

[jdhef]

Sorry about the loss of your father.

 

[Brianne3826]

Thank you. it's been rough!

 

[Brianne3826]

So, I had a slight epiphany recently and after four months of not being happy with my 40 gallon tank, I have decided to tear it down for good (at least for now) and reset up the 33 long tonight. I much prefer the ease of maintenance and shorter height for aquascaping purposes. The 33 long, regardless of what tank I have set up, is honestly my favorite tank size of all time. I am not sure what I should do with the 40 long though. I don't know if I should tuck it away, or try to sell it.

Last night, I tore down the 40 gallon. Today, I dumped 45 pounds of sand into the 33 long and filled it up. It is unfortunately quite cloudy currently. It should clear up pretty quickly though.

 

[BlackOsprey]

If it were me, I might try using the 40g for something completely different from my usual planted tanks. Probably use it to house something larger that isn't compatible with planted setups, like larger cichlids or fancy goldfish.

 

[Brianne3826]

I was thinking about setting up the 40 gallon tank in my sons room for him... But uh... I'd have to buy another stand lol and I'm not sure if I want to dish out that kind of money.

 

[briangcc1997]

Build it. Could do it for around $100 out of 2x4. Cost a bit more if you face it with quality plywood - 1/2" ply is around $50 in my neck of the woods.

Could do a theme then if your son is into a cartoon character - paint it accordingly.

 

[Brianne3826]

Yeah, that wouldn't work. I am not handy like that lol

 

[briangcc1997]

Estate sale....get a piece of solid wood furniture, not the Ikea (or similar) flat pack junk. Around me I can usually find them in the $40-50 range depending on condition.

If you're not into esthetics, cinder blocks and a couple 2x6 planks would suffice. When there's a will, there's a way.

**Yes I'm an enabler. 125/110/(3) 75/(2) 55/40 breeder/29/(2) 10...and I have a 10 in storage yet...

 

[Brianne3826]

Nah, I'm good. Still much happier with my 33 long. Dunno what to do with the 40 gallon.

 

[BlackOsprey]

put it on the floor and make a huge daphnia and scud culture out of it