Tank size - longer vs. wider

[mattybecks]

Hi guys,

I have a choice of two aquariums and was wondering on your opinions on foot print and size. Which one you would think is better?

180cm (6ft) x 60cm (2ft) x 60cm (2ft) = 650L (about 170 gal)

210cm (7ft) x 50cm (1.6ft) x 60cm )2ft) = 630L (about 160 gal)​

factors to consider:
- My larger fish are SA cichlids (I currently have an Oscar and a school of 7 geos Tapajos. which I may increase to 10 depending), along with 2 leopard bush fish, school of Siamese algae eaters and some yellow labs (out of place but all is happy and don't cause trouble).
- I live in a 450 Sqft. studio apt. on the 4th floor. So the apt isn't huge. Dubai doesn't use wood in construction here so all floors are hollowcore, reinforced concrete slabs. tank will be positioned next to a load bearing wall, which means weight shouldn't be an issue. (Correct me if I am wrong, I am no engineer).
- I will be getting a sump system, depending on the size of the tank between (200 - 300L capacity).

Thanks.

 

[twentyleagues]

I think either would be nice but id go 6x2x2.
No idea on the structural integrity of your apt though.

 

[mattybecks]

I dot

I think either would be nice but id go 6x2x2.
No idea on the structural integrity of your apt though.

Thanks. Any particular reason why you would choose wider instead of longer? I was leaning towards the same myself.

 

[Backfromthedead]

It depends on what your goals are. The 18" width limits you when it comes to bigger fish, but 6x2x2 can house many med-lg sized fish comfortably-big cichlids, catfish, eels. I'd say if you plan to keep fish that grow over 12"(30cm) then get the 2" wide tank.

 

[twentyleagues]

It depends on what your goals are. The 18" width limits you when it comes to bigger fish, but 6x2x2 can house many med-lg sized fish comfortably-big cichlids, catfish, eels. I'd say if you plan to keep fish that grow over 12"(30cm) then get the 2" wide tank.

Plus I like a bit wider tank.

 

[MrsE88]

^^I agree with the others. 6x2x2
It will give you the most possibilities for stocking choices.

 

[J. H.]

You already have a fish (your Oscar) that will likely grow over 1ft.

 

[tlindsey]

Like stated by others depends on fish size. Also depends on the species you want to keep for example. Silver Dollar's or fast swimming fish would do better in a longer aquarium.

 

[Rocksor]

If you plan to rehome the Oscar after reaching 13" in total length, you could get the 7 footer. What's the current length of the Oscar? I'm assuming pretty small since he hasn't eaten the siamese algae eaters.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; Two comments. First is about the length of your arms. Other things aside it can be a pain to deal with a tank if you cannot reach into all parts of a tank. Not the end of the world as there are ways to do things. If the decision were close I would pick the tank where I can reach everything. If both have parts out of reach then forget this.

The second is that cement slabs can be and are built to specs and are not uniform in thickness and strength. I get there is a common conception that any cement floor can support a lot of weight. This is not always the case especially on the upper floors of a building. A builder can plan the floor to be similar in strength to a wood floor or can make it even stronger. I guess the point is there can be variations in your floors structural capacity.
For example to save both overall building weigh and to save the cost on materials a builder may have the cement slabs on the upper floors be poured thinner.
A slab in a basement might be better expected to hold larger weight for two reasons. One is they often are made to have cars parked on them so are often four inches or more thick. Basement slabs are also poured directly onto compacted ground and so have support everywhere under them.

I had an article saved about this and will try to find it. You might also talk to the landlord as that would be a way to find out what you are allowed to have.