Do SA/CA care much about tank height?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

MonsterFishCreeper

Candiru
MFK Member
Sep 30, 2015
518
192
46
Md
So I'm getting closer to getting the "big" tank as my home renovation draws to a close. I found somewhere I can get a 72x24x17 tank (125 wide). Is the low tank height an issue for larger fish? This is basically a shortened 180 and I think it will be easier to move and also a bit easier to clean. The costs are probably going to be about the same for either tank and I haven't actually seen a 125 wide in person but I'm thinking it might be pretty cool aestheticly. What do you guys think?
 
personally, I would just go 180. Height makes decorating easier, and it kinda looks odd TBH, such a big tank to be so short lol
 
Aesthetics aside, I doubt cichlids "care" about height.
But I believe in nature a cichlid pair with territory will defend, 4' x 4' x 4' (200+gal), but when depth is shortened, I believe they compensate by extending the square.
I watched a single pair of jack dempseys defend a corridor about the size of the tank you speak of from all interlopers, because topography shortened depth, and narrowed the area.
[/URL[URL=http://s70.photobucket.com/user/dstuer/media/Mexico/JDs%20of%20Cristalino/087.jpg.html]
when not spawning, I have watched groups of cichlids hang out in 12" depths without a problem, as long as there were large expanses to escape to, and large "personal spaces" are available .
[/URL]
 
Imo there are two aspects to this. First is type of fish. Second is what you mean by do they 'care', whether you mean can they adapt and lead a healthy life or if you're talking about how comfortable they'll be or how their behavior will be affected.

First, type of fish. Size of fish makes a difference-- ratio of water depth to fish size. Shape of fish makes a difference-- tall bodied or vertical body plan fish (like severums or angelfish) vs more longitudinally oriented fish. And behavior makes a difference-- bottom oriented fish vs. more mid-water to surface oriented fish.

Second the context of 'care'. A substrate oriented fish (geos, for example) won't 'care' as much as a fish clearly adapted for water depth (like angelfish with their tall fins). Vertically oriented fish (body plan or behavior) may have to adapt to seasonal low water in the wild, so it's not that they can't necessarily adapt to a shorter tank (within reason), but that doesn't mean they're most comfortable this way and the shorter tank can limit their behaviors, meaning you won't see some of the natural behaviors you will in a taller tank. This isn't just theory on my part, I've seen the difference with some fish in taller tanks, including how different species will separate into different levels of the tank, which can make a subtle (not everyone notices) difference in the feel of the tank and how it displays.

Imo you sometimes see inconsistency on this subject. Some, who emphasize tank width and would be critical of putting a 10 inch or longer fish in a tank only 13 or even 18 inches front to back, saying they won't be comfortable, or 'how will they turn around?' never say boo about putting a tall bodied or tall finned fish in a tank that's proportionally tight vertically.
 
Last edited:
Meant to add-- For some species (or individuals of the species) it may make a difference in breeding, or at least comfort in breeding, if that's a consideration for you at all. In the same way one species might look for just the right size cave to lay eggs, another may be looking for some depth of water (either above or below) in connection with a spawning site. Again, it's a subtlety, at least to us, and individuals of the same species may react differently to it, just as different pairs do picking out the right rock or branch to lay their eggs on, but it could affect breeding behavior.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Frank Castle
I think 17 inches is too short for CA cichlids. I have a 125, it's an odd size for CA cichlids no matter how it's laid out. 17 inches wide, or 17 inches tall, it's just not right. Get a bigger tank--a 180 like was already said--or bigger. Get a 300, or a 500.

I regret to this day buying my 125.
 
  • Like
Reactions: convict360
I think 17 inches is too short for CA cichlids. I have a 125, it's an odd size for CA cichlids no matter how it's laid out. 17 inches wide, or 17 inches tall, it's just not right. Get a bigger tank--a 180 like was already said--or bigger. Get a 300, or a 500.

I regret to this day buying my 125.
LOL a 17 inch wide and 17 inch tall tank isn't big enough for ANY CA cichlids? really? I can think of dozens :)
 
I would go with a 180 too. I think with a 6x2 tank you're gonna be tempted to get something pretty big and I think the 17" will be kind of limiting.
 
  • Like
Reactions: o5b0rn3b
MonsterFishKeepers.com