6Feet tank requirement fishs

[DenisD]

Hi everyone,

I have noticed that most website states the minimum tank requirement for cichlids in feet versus gallons and I agree with this approach.

However my question is the following.

When they say minimum 6 feet long tank, are they refering to the standard 1 foot (front to back) tank? Example 72by12by24 inchs?


I am limited to lenght of tank I can get in my appartment so I was thinking a 120 would be perfect as its 48 1/2 x 24 1/4 x 25 1/2. But is this tank not going to meet the need for a pair of Jags for example which states minimum requirement of 6 feet long tank? I would think this 120 would be just as good as a 125 which is 72 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 23 3/8 ?

Thanks for the help.

 

[HunterX]

I think a 120 is just as good as a 125 for the fish you're thinking about. The footprint , and obviously the volume are about identical. I think length is more of a factor with fish that are longer and like to "roam"the tank. Also if you need to spread territories around more. 1 pair of Large cichlids would be fine in a 120 IMHO.

 

[CTU2fan]

Yep, square footage is the key, so a 4x2 footprint is actually better than a 6x1.

 

[bigcichntwisted]

Why would you want to spend more $$$ on a 48"L then you will on a 72"L tank ? $$$ wise you'll probly spend more on glass for the 120 gal that has a 2x24" wide pc's of glass than a 125 gal that has max width of 1pcx22". Reference on commonly found pricing, chk out (http://www.elmersaquarium.com/h100tankchart.htm) Sure your not always going to be in the apmnt. your in now right? So long term investment wise 2ft longer or 6" wider. Personally I would want the length w/ your jag's, happy fish, happy fish & the $$$ spent on anything other than the beating we already take on the tank's, IMO, but that could just be me.

 

[Bderick67]

Hi everyone,

I have noticed that most website states the minimum tank requirement for cichlids in feet versus gallons and I agree with this approach.

However my question is the following.

When they say minimum 6 feet long tank, are they refering to the standard 1 foot (front to back) tank? Example 72by12by24 inchs?


I am limited to lenght of tank I can get in my appartment so I was thinking a 120 would be perfect as its 48 1/2 x 24 1/4 x 25 1/2. But is this tank not going to meet the need for a pair of Jags for example which states minimum requirement of 6 feet long tank? I would think this 120 would be just as good as a 125 which is 72 1/2 x 18 1/2 x 23 3/8 ?

Thanks for the help.

Yep, square footage is the key, so a 4x2 footprint is actually better than a 6x1.

Although there are many tank dimensions out there, I would think when talking Standard 6 foot tanks you would have a minimum of 18" from front to back. I'm not sure I have ever even seen a tank with a 72 x 12 footprint.
1

 

[wangster11235]

Why would you want to spend more $$$ on a 48"L then you will on a 72"L tank ? $$$ wise you'll probly spend more on glass for the 120 gal that has a 2x24" wide pc's of glass than a 125 gal that has max width of 1pcx22". Reference on commonly found pricing, chk out (http://www.elmersaquarium.com/h100tankchart.htm) Sure your not always going to be in the apmnt. your in now right? So long term investment wise 2ft longer or 6" wider. Personally I would want the length w/ your jag's, happy fish, happy fish & the $$$ spent on anything other than the beating we already take on the tank's, IMO, but that could just be me.

a 120 is better since it has more width for the fish, i would rather be in a 6 foot by 3 foot cube than a 8 foot long room that is 2 feet across

 

[12 Volt Man]

but the tanks we are looking at are the same height with either a

4x2 foot footprint

or

a 6 x 1.5 foot footprint. both are around 120-135 gallons (depending on the specific dimensions)

It really depends on the type of fish, swimming space is virtually the same since most fish (except some catfish) swim and use all three dimensions of the tank.


one of nicest african tanks I have ever seen was a 4x2x2 tank with structure build up all in the center of the tank, like a rockpile.

but if you want big swimming fish, the 6 foot tank is the better option.

one thing to keep in mind is that the 6 foot tank will likely have more expensive lighting costs due to the 6 foot vs 4 foot fixtures.

 

[ercnan]

Although there are many tank dimensions out there, I would think when talking Standard 6 foot tanks you would have a minimum of 18" from front to back. I'm not sure I have ever even seen a tank with a 72 x 12 footprint.
1

Me 2

 

[ercnan]

but the tanks we are looking at are the same height with either a

4x2 foot footprint

or

a 6 x 1.5 foot footprint. both are around 120-135 gallons (depending on the specific dimensions)

It really depends on the type of fish, swimming space is virtually the same since most fish (except some catfish) swim and use all three dimensions of the tank.


one of nicest african tanks I have ever seen was a 4x2x2 tank with structure build up all in the center of the tank, like a rockpile.

but if you want big swimming fish, the 6 foot tank is the better option.

one thing to keep in mind is that the 6 foot tank will likely have more expensive lighting costs due to the 6 foot vs 4 foot fixtures.

Lighting for a 6 foot can be done with 4ft. fixtures if you want the ends darker, or 2 3ft to span the tank.
I custom built a 6ft light hood for my 125 with 2 6ft 6500K running 80w each, and replaced it with "normal" 36" single fixtures because it was too bright for me.

 

[Bderick67]

a 120 is better since it has more width for the fish, i would rather be in a 6 foot by 3 foot cube than a 8 foot long room that is 2 feet across

O.k. how about if you are with another person, which would allow for more seperation?

The 72" x 18" footprint will be much better for your large cichlids then the 48" x 24" although IMO either would be fine.