Terminoligy

[Maritimer]

I have to admit even though not a newcomer to aquariums i'm still baffled by some of the terms Could someone actually explain for me the difference between a regular tank and a breeder tank. I see all the time 40 gal breeder is it just used for breeding or is it a specially shaped tank such as long vs high etc?

 

[deeda]

Breeder tank dimensions are different (usually wider) than standard rectangular aquariums and will vary a bit between manufacturers.

Aqueon sells 30B at nominal 36"L x 18"W x 13"H and 40B at 36"L x 18"W x 17"H.
Marineland sells 30B at nominal 30"L x 18"W x 12"H and 40B at 36"L x 18"W x 16"H.

 

[duanes]

The term breeder tank is a kind of retro term, and no longer relevant term, coined back in the 50s.
It was (as Deeda explained) built a little wider than a show tank, and was used in the old days for breeding small fish like zebra danios, small tetras, or live bearers. Because of its width, and because it was often a little more shallow, eggs or fry were not as easily eaten by parents, if the bottom was scattered with marbles, or its surface filled with floating plants for fry to hide in.
Its application as a breeder tank for larger fish like cichlids is highly over stated, and I consider it a misnomer, providing a very false sense that it is adequate for those species, unless its very large.