question about tall tanks [Newb]

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Z

Zero Sugar

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 10, 2011
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Thailand, Bangkok
Hello All,

Im just started fish keeping hobby and im planning to adopt 4 pairs of discus. I have enough space to fit an 46 by 26 inches (length x width) aquarium but the question is, will it be enough to raise 8 discus? should i increase the volumn of the tank by making it taller? like from 46"x26"x26" to 46"x26"x46" ? can?

if i go for the 46" tall do i need thicker glasses right? and perphas wider bracing on top and bottom? and about the base of the tank will one inch of foam work?

i'm very exciting and looking forward to the discus
sorry for not so good english ==> thailandernese :naughty:
 
Can you get 2" more in length 'cause standard size 48" x 24" x 24" that will be enough for 8 discus. The bigger is the better. Please post pic when it's done.
 
A 4 foot tall tank is going to be difficult to maintain, just reaching the bottom will require custom tools. 46x26x26 is large enough for 8 adult discus
 
Thanks for the quick reply.

But im asking if its worth of going for that "extra" inches in height ; lets say, 48" long, 24" wide and 48" high? i know that it will increases the volumn therefore make the tank more steadier (as in variables) but if it really worth it?
im pretty sure that the glass panel will have to be at least 10mm thick for the 48" hight right? that thats a big jump in cost between 6mm to 10mm panels.

the tank will be a custom made, by the way... (it so much cheaper to D.I.Y. stuff)
and i think i would be able to keep up with the 50% water change every 2 days (even everyday if i have the time!)

so is it worth it?
 
no I don't think a 4 foot tall tank is worth the extra cost (both in materials and the significant increase in thickness required) or due to the added inconvenience of not being able to reach the bottom of the tank, even 36" tall tanks can be a pain. Your discus are going to shoal together under a piece of driftwood and would not necessarily use the extra volume from the height. If you just want extra water volume for stability build a sump underneath.
 
sorry the prevoius message was to MKD.

thanks for your reply lipadj46.

>>>to lipadj46
yes indeed, it would be difficult to reach the botoom but if i acquired that custom tool/s and kept all the left overs off the bottom with 50% water change....... wait.... i need to scrub the glasses too?
will the neglect of scrubing the bottom cause bad effect in long term?? i mean the built up stuff from the bottom (stuff that from discus hormone and the green stuff) will not get compensated by the water change right?

the setup on the tank:
bare bottom for now will plant late when fish grow
planted driftwood
anddd... thats all i can think for now

Thanks again for all the replays
 
I wouldn't do 48" tall because for long term maintenace, it'll be pain to clean it. Imagine, 48" tall tank on the 30" stand, that will be 78" tall total, you'll need a tall steps or latter to reach it or you have to jump into the tank. I rather do 48"L, 32"W, 26"H = around 170Gallon. I like 32" deep because you have more room for big driftwood or decoration. Plus, it'll make feel saver, not jump around from litte quick movement outside.
 
Thanks MKD

in my idea, there would be no stand. so the tank would be siting on foam (one inch thick) and i would be able to reach down.... lets say 3/4 of the tank downwards

just imagine sitting in your workshop and slide your chair along this huge wall of fish tank haha! awesome dont you think?
 
This tank would be very expensive to build, since it would require 3/4" glass due to the depth. A standard 120g would be a great tank for discus.
 
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