40b vs 55

z1107 · Nov 20, 2012

Title says it all. I'm deciding between the 2 for my second tank, leaning towards the 40b.

chort55 · Nov 20, 2012

Id go 40b, the 18" front to back is alot better

Kworker · Nov 20, 2012

+1 on 40B. More surface area and smaller penetration your lights have to do.
I only have a 55 because my dad picked it up and I didn't have a 40B. But my planted is a 40B. Much nicer dimensions unless you need that extra foot of swim room for a certain fish but realistically if a fish your keeping needs all swim room you can provide the 4 feet won't be enough either. Only times I see 55 gals recommended are for African cichlids.

The 40B is also at most only 5 gals less than a 55 too. I know it sounds weird but in the 40B I have now everything was in a 55 and it all went to the 40B including the water and I only had a 5 gal bucket left over. So even volume wise a 55 doesn't take the cake in my part.

Also to add a con on the 55, I love mine don't get me wrong. But it was a PITA to scape. Only way I would do the 55 is if it were free which mine was. Otherwise you would be better off paying the difference to get yourself a 75.

j.p. harrington · Nov 20, 2012

40B much more room front to back for aquascape

nickjr000 · Nov 20, 2012

Def the 40b. 55 looks alot bigger but its a pita to aquascape cause its so narrow front to back

z1107 · Nov 20, 2012

Yeah I was leaning towards the 40b because of the surface area. I want a 75 but don't want to sacrifice my car hobby to get it.

ReefDreams · Nov 20, 2012

I have personally owned both, and hands down the 40b is my favorite.

z1107 · Nov 20, 2012

I've had 55 cichlid tanks before and did not like the limitations because of the width. Just want to move my valentini puffer to a more open area, still figuring out tank mates.

SeahorseKeeper · Nov 21, 2012

I have a 55 and hate the dimensions. My aquascape never looks good and it just seems confining to not have the width. If I had it to do all over, I would go with a 40B.

Singlefin · Nov 21, 2012

40b. Love the width and shallower depth. Easier to clean and reach things in the bottom.

Slow your roll..

Singlefin · Nov 21, 2012

Probably cheaper to build as far as lighting and equipment also.

Slow your roll..

Glenn · Nov 21, 2012

I agree with everyone else - the 40b is the way to go. IMO, the 55 is probably the worst tank that is made. It is too tall for the narrow width. I've had a couple of them over the years and always felt they were unstable. I never had an actual problem with any of them, I just had that nagging fear that they weren't going to stay where I put them if there was a disturbance.

I understand not wanting to sacrifice the car hobby (my other hobby is model trains), but the 75/90 is a much better option

z1107 · Nov 21, 2012

I appreciate it, this tank is only going to house a flame hawk, valentini puffer, diamond watchman, and some damsels.

Kworker · Nov 21, 2012

I would also like to add since someone kind of mentioned it. Yeah with the height and lack of width of the 55. I can see some setups being very..freigthing. The reason i switched to my 40b for my planted tank wasnt really because it fit in the spot better. But more so because its a peninsula setup. I had the 55gal on a metal stand and man. When if I just gently poke it the thing wobbled, **** straight I went picked up 40b+stand and returned the metal 55g stand. The 40B on the metal stand is rock solid no wobble thanks to the extra width and shortened height.

Even the EXTREMELY overbuilt stand my father and I built for our 55 thats in secluded area in my living room against the wall wobbles. The stand is built like a bunker. 2x6's and 3/4 plywood. Wish we made it 6 inches deeper for added support on wobble and possiblity of upgrade but oh well.
So Honestly I suppose I would say If I were to start over I would of said forget the 55 and I would of went with a 40B. Especially cleaning the 55 with the height + limited space. Dont do it, go 40B lol