Poll: Which Dimensions is Most Important?

[dmolavi]

When choosing a new tank, if the same volume is offered in multiple "configurations" of length/width/height, which dimension is the most important, assuming space is not a problem?

 

[dmolavi]

Personally, I'm undecided between length and width. I'd want enough front/back spacing to be able to 'scape nicely, but length could be important too, since it gives you more swim space for your critters...

 

[motortrendz]

Length and width are both important. All depends on what fish you plan on keeping. They also determine the surface are of the water for gas exchange.

 

[albano]

My newest tank (2 yrs old) is 6’x5’ 500g and its definitely better than the previous tank that was 8’x40” 450g.
I was limited to 6’ length by a steel support in the wall that I opened up to recess the tank partially into the fish room.
Now I really see that the depth makes a big difference!

 

[AZMSGT]

L&W are both important. I do think it also depends on what your goals are in your tank.

For instance, if you want some larger fish giving them swimming distance would make Length more important. Width would be better if you want to have a larger more full aquascape that fills in with corals.

 

[Squidward]

If you like Tangs like I do, Length is definitely more important.

 

[Dom]

When choosing a new tank, if the same volume is offered in multiple "configurations" of length/width/height, which dimension is the most important, assuming space is not a problem?

It depends on which fish you want to keep. Some fish like to dive which would make the tank height most important. Others like swimming distances which wold make the width more important.

 

[ca1ore]

Within reason ….. length.

 

[Matt Carden]

L&W are both important. I do think it also depends on what your goals are in your tank.

For instance, if you want some larger fish giving them swimming distance would make Length more important. Width would be better if you want to have a larger more full aquascape that fills in with corals.

+1
Exactly

 

[MnFish1]

When choosing a new tank, if the same volume is offered in multiple "configurations" of length/width/height, which dimension is the most important, assuming space is not a problem?

Depending on the landscaping- and how you clean the glass/if you have one side 'blacked or blued' out - the fish dont know if its 8 feet wide vs 8 feet long right? - Height is an issue due to lighting -the higher the tank the stronger light you will need to reach the bottom. in the end its - whatever you like best

 

[Sump Crab]

While length and width are most important I chose width. The difference between aqua scaping a 75 and a 55 is night and day. I would chose a 40B over a 55 any day due to width.

 

[dmolavi]

While length and width are most important I chose width. The difference between aqua scaping a 75 and a 55 is night and day. I would chose a 40B over a 55 any day due to width.

I have a 40B now, looking at possibly upgrading (if the wife approves haha)...I'd probably be looking at a 120 vs a 55 or 60.

 

[VA5]

All dimensions important
I said width because once you get past 32 inches it becomes very hard to work on for maintenance

 

[Sump Crab]

I have a 40B now, looking at possibly upgrading (if the wife approves haha)...I'd probably be looking at a 120 vs a 55 or 60.

55 is a terrible dimension tank IMO. Losing 6 inches of width will suck, avoid it if possible.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I'd say most important is length followed by width.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Length and width are my requirements which led me to the big tank I have now

 

[GSnake]

You want more than 12 inch width. Length is never too small
Height is extra for me. My 90 gallon is the best I think. I would like to up my 29 g to a 60 cube in the future maybe. Cubes are interesting .

 

[Rich Klein]

From a practical standpoint, you need to be able to get you hands to the bottom of the tank. I have pretty long arms, but I would not want a tank much deeper than 25-26 inches.

 

[Halal Hotdog]

I like tangs that like to swim, which makes length the most important for me. Also allows you to have multiple rock islands that are not connected, but still looks good. I feel with width you would notice it significantly more than a guest seeing your tank for the first time. The depth is important, but definitely lesser for my taste. Height is a double edged sword. A tall tank looks impressive but adds nothing to swimming and aquascape room. Also trying to clean tall tanks is a pain in the butt. From an owner standpoint I like shorter tanks, from a spectator standpoint a tall tank can be impressive.

 

[C. Eymann]

Anything that increases water-air surface area, those could be halide heat driven opinions that die hard though. .


I'll stick with it