Gallons vs Size

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Speaking in terms of gallons makes more sense to determine the specific stuff like bio-loads, ph levels, ect. plus there are infinite tank shapes. however if you have a 6 foot tall tank that's 200 gallon but its a 2 foot wide acrylic cylinder your stock will be limited. I see your point. The question of "what fish can I get away with in this tank" is an old one. common sense should be used to determine if the animal can be comfortable. For any other question besides stocking suggestions knowing just how many gallons is enough.
 
While the dimensions are a more specific way to refer to a tank that is much more useful from a stocking perspective I think the reason people refer to their tanks in gallons is one of convention rather than practicality. When you go to a store the sticker on the tank says 75 gallons not 48x18x21.

Because of that it is normal to speak in gallons and it is also normal to immediately see someone asking for the dimensions if it isn't clear.
 
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Kalashnikov1408 said:
Speaking in terms of gallons makes more sense to determine the specific stuff like bio-loads, ph levels, ect. plus there are infinite tank shapes. however if you have a 6 foot tall tank that's 200 gallon but its a 2 foot wide acrylic cylinder your stock will be limited. I see your point. The question of "what fish can I get away with in this tank" is an old one. common sense should be used to determine if the animal can be comfortable. For any other question besides stocking suggestions knowing just how many gallons is enough.
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but the most common questions i see here are usually about stocking...

also if size is given, the gallons can be calculated but not vice versa
 
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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
 
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dalto said:
While the dimensions are a more specific way to refer to a tank that is much more useful from a stocking perspective I think the reason people refer to their tanks in gallons is one of convention rather than practicality. When you go to a store the sticker on the tank says 75 gallons not 48x18x21.

Because of that it is normal to speak in gallons and it is also normal to immediately see someone asking for the dimensions if it isn't clear.
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in my country, we actually go by size rather than gallons. I would understand if when you go to a shop you may want to know the gallons but on a forum...

i agree it seems to more of convention rather than practicality however i don't understand how can posters actually give good advise without knowing the size.... even for common sizes, the difference could be half feet taller or half feet wider or half feet deeper which makes a difference to monster fish...
 
wild bill said:
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
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i do know there are basic sizes but like in my previous post... the basic sizes may differ by half a feet...

maybe there is a difference within countries i guess... for 4ft, my country common dimensions are 4 x 1.5 x 1.5 or 4 x 2 x 2
 
https://www.thespruce.com/aquarium-sizes-and-weights-1380694
http://www.alysta.com/books/fishtank.htm

When people use gallons, other people assume it's based upon standard dimensions. Why? Because most tanks (that we are discussing) are built using standard dimensions. So when they say it's a "75" gallon, we already know the dimensions.

Of course, there are other dimensions, but if they are important, the poster will typically mention them.

If people want to ask the dimensions, they can ask. If people think the dimensions are important, they ask. It's not really a big deal to ask and often if it might be important, the questions is raised.

But.... ...most of the time, the precise measurements of the tank are not relevant to the post.
 
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Drstrangelove said:
https://www.thespruce.com/aquarium-sizes-and-weights-1380694
http://www.alysta.com/books/fishtank.htm

When people use gallons, other people assume it's based upon standard dimensions. Why? Because most tanks are built using standard dimensions. So when they say it's a "75" gallon, we already know the dimensions.

If people want to ask the dimensions, they can ask. If people think the dimensions are important, they ask. It's not really a big deal to ask and often if it might be important, the questions is raised.
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yeah saw the website that is posted...

well yes if it is important then it will be asked but like i mentioned, if dimensions were given, people will know the gallons since it is standard while if gallons were given people can only assume it is standard dimensions

just a thought that it is more accurate to give dimensions that's all
 
Galantspeedz said:
just a thought that it is more accurate to give dimensions that's all
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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.
 
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