Gallons vs Size

[dalto]

I actually think dimensions often do change the answer. Especially when you are talking about a 6ft vs 4ft tank. This is also about the point that sizes become less standard., at least in the US. Once you get past 90g there are a lot of non-standard sizes.

 

[Galantspeedz]

I agree completely.

You're talking to an ex-controller. No one wanted more precision in his conversations and reports, then me, but most of the time, the extra precision doesn't help. The answer is the same by such a large margin, that the dimensions don't change the answer.

Agree too except in cases of bigger fishes where the difference of a half a feet may determine the suitability

 

[Stanzzzz7]

I agree and have often thought this myself.
Most stocking questions are determined by footprint. Gallons do not always give you the foot print.
With bowfront tanks, custom built tanks or standard tanks I feel measurement tells us the whole story.

 

[Angelphish]

When speaking gallons many tanks are a set size for so many gallons. For example a 55 gallon is usuaaly 4ft long 1 foot wide and about 20in deep. A 180 is usualy 6x2x2 or 6ft long `8in wide and 24in deep. With these standard tanks most people can picture the setup. There are different shaped tanks but that is usualy mentioned. Not sure if you are aware of the normal tank sizes or where you can find that info. Once it is learned it helps you with a lot of your fish keeping chores and purchase pla

Only a handful of times have I had someone ask for the dimensions of my 210, because it's a standard 7x2x2, which are the dimensions most people are used to seeing on a 210. Usually if someone has a tank with odd dimensions, they'll mention them in their post.

It also helps give us an idea of the volume of the tank, because some people only list the base dimensions of their tank in their post, not the gallons. If someone says they have a 96x24 tank, that doesn't tell us how large it is. For all I know it could be a 96x24x8 frag tank.

 

[Hendre]

Dimensions for what to stock. Volume for how many

 

[RD.]

Personally, i feel size of tank is more appropriate when asking if a tank is suitable for a fish or a community of fishes

Good point, but that only factors in when the person asking actually takes the advice that is given. The vast majority of people that come to a public forum such as this one asking "will this work", are asking about minimum requirements, and usually end up doing whatever it was they originally had set their mind to doing. So in the end size vs gallons doesn't make much of an impact either way.

 

[Galantspeedz]

Good point, but that only factors in when the person asking actually takes the advice that is given. The vast majority of people that come to a public forum such as this one asking "will this work", are asking about minimum requirements, and usually end up doing whatever it was they originally had set their mind to doing. So in the end size vs gallons doesn't make much of an impact either way.

I guess it also depends if they ask before or after they got the tank.... if they asked before they got a tank usually there is a chance for at least a minor upgrade... may not be perfect but better than nothing

 

[Galantspeedz]

Only a handful of times have I had someone ask for the dimensions of my 210, because it's a standard 7x2x2, which are the dimensions most people are used to seeing on a 210. Usually if someone has a tank with odd dimensions, they'll mention them in their post.

It also helps give us an idea of the volume of the tank, because some people only list the base dimensions of their tank in their post, not the gallons. If someone says they have a 96x24 tank, that doesn't tell us how large it is. For all I know it could be a 96x24x8 frag tank.

What you mentioned is precisely what I am trying to say... with gallon it is an assumption on size.. with size, gallon is certain

As for posters that do not give full dimensions.. You get the same result as gallons ... an answer based on assumption

 

[Galantspeedz]

Dimensions for what to stock. Volume for how many

Meaning if I give you dimensions, you won't know how many to stock?

 

[Hendre]

Meaning if I give you dimensions, you won't know how many to stock?

Meant to say base dimensions