Why use a 33 Long Aquarium over a 55 gallon?

HI all!

I was hoping someone could clear something up for me. It's probably a dumb question. What is the point of a 33 long aquarium and why would someone use that over a 55 gallon aquarium? I tried googling it and looking through fishlore but I got nothing. They cost as much as, and sometimes more than, a 55 gallon aquarium that has the same footprint. Being shorter they have less dilution of fish waste than a 55 gallon. Do they have a specific purpose or is it just aesthetics? The only reason I can think of for using a 33 Long over a 55 is to divide it into 2 or 3 sections and putting bettas in there. Or maybe a single fancy goldfish. Otherwise the 55 seems to make more sense.

I ask cause a nearby pet store is closing and their final day is tomorrow. They still have a bunch of 33 longs. If the 33 longs are inexpensive would it be a good idea to pick one of these up? And what aquatic critters would be better suited to a 33 long over a 55? Fresh water, salt water, whatever. lol.

Thanks!

 

Some people can't have a 55 gallon due to weightit. Some might have a close drawer or cabinet that they want to have an aquarium on. A 55 is about 200 more pounds than a 33 long. Also some people just like the look. A 33 long looks long compared to a 55 gallon. When the height is short it gives the illusion of a long object.

Also as you mention another possible reason is if you want to split the tank. Looks way better if you split a 33 long than a 55 gallon. The 55 gallon will be too tall especially if you are splitting for bettas.

Another reason is some people just want a 30 gallon tank. Some people have room for a 40 breeder but they might just want a 20 gallon. Or they are an aquascaper and a 33 gallon looks different than a 55.

Another reason is if you want to grow carpet plants or such the light will be close to the plants especially if your not using all that heigh from a 55 gallon

Another reason although similar to aquascaping is if you want to keep small river fish you can create a stream effect! Adding a water pump or wave maker on one end.

 

The shallow depth affords nothing more than aesthetics. It does rule out angels though, but you just stock fewer fish.

It could also help showcase fewer fish without feeling like you have an empty tank, too.

There's the niche planted scenario where good light is easier to achieve in shallower depths.

Potentially work as a sump? Shorter tanks look nice as a shelf piece (reinforced of course)

I'd personally go with a micro fish community, but that's my opinion

 

Or maybe a crab or turtle tank. I would love to set up a crab tank with a good piece of "land" above the water line. That would be a perfect size.

 

Many people they see that the bigger tank you get then you should get bigger fish. Some people think that you advance going to small to big, for me this isn't true. I like the looks of having a whole bunch of small fish in a large aquarium! I love nano fish since no matter what size aquarium you can always keep them unlike with big fish they have a minimum. Of course nano fish minimum is a 10 gallon though.

 

Just a personal preference. I would love to have a 33 gallon long, it would be a great tank to scape and make it a shrimp tank.

 

33 long is better as hill stream setup than a 55