50gal 36X18X18 VS. 55gal 48X13X20

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B

Burtess

Candiru
MFK Member
Jun 10, 2006
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Ontario, Canada
Between a 50gal, 36X18X18; and a 55gal, 48X13X20; which do you feel is better for a mid-sized CA/SA cichlid and why?

The 50gal (4.5 SqFt) actually has more bottom area than the 55gal (4.3 SqFt), is this better?

Or is the added length of the 55gal better for swimming room (even though it has less turning room)?

What do you all think?

Burt :)
 
Heres what I just posted in another thread:

I dont really like the size of the 55. I think the width is to shallow for larger fish. I would go with a 75g with an 18 inch width. It would open up the possibilities of what you could keep in there.
 
I have 3 55s (48x20x12) I would prefer 75s (48x20x18) but, they were rescue tanks so I took what was there.

The 55s are great as display tanks for smaller fish not bigger than 5~7 inches preferrably smaller; larger fish (sans angels and such) need planar area, rather than volume.

In other words, if it ain't someome giving it to you for free, get the 50 (36x18x18) or go to a 75 if you have the room/$.
 
Wider I think is better, so the fish can turn around with ease.
 
the longer tank will keep the fish away from each other, but not when they swim by. not sure what your going to keep but i would go with the 55 if the cichlids your gettings arent more the 6-8 inches long.
 
I will have the 50gal left over when I transfer my RD/Midas to his own 75gal and intend to mount the 50gal below the 75gal. I thought about getting another 75gal but no free $$ at the present time. I may be able to get a 55gal but don't know if its worth it.

I intend on cycling the tank and then waiting for an (1) unwanted fish and rescuing it. Too many larger fish around in 10 and 20gal tanks. Maybe a JD or something (whatever comes up). I know many say a 55gal is the minimum for an oscar, would the 50gal do since it actually has more base sqft??

Burt :)
 
the oscar wouldnt work for too long because they get big, and the wouldnt have much room to swim back and forth. i think the minimum for an oscar is a 75 because they can turn around in one and they have 4 feet of swimming space to go back and forth.
 
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