Why are 40 gallon tanks called "Breeder Tanks"?

[Joshua Jordan]

I see them every time I go to just about any of the "big box" pet stores and have always wanted to know. Is there something special about 40 gallons and breeding fish? Are the dimensions different than a traditional rectangular tank? (taller, shorter)

Thanks,

Josh

 

[5altkreep]

"Breeder" tanks are shorter in depth, and wider ( not to be confused with length)

 

[WesleyC]

Breeder tanks are shorter. I used to have quite a few of them when I breed fish. Much easier to work inside the tank. Cleaning up, catching them, counting them, etc.

 

[mcarroll]

But I think @Joshua Jordan is asking why are they shorter and wider?

Here's what I know...could be more reasons than this:

Increased surface area so as to allow increased gas exchange....more crucial during breeding activities.

(Breeding was once a popular aspect of fish keeping. Read some older books or fish mag's.)

 

[WesleyC]

Hmm... They width size is not really a matter. Just that when it's shorter for the same volume, they would be wider.

Overall, I just found that shorter the tank, easier for me to work inside the tank. We really have to "work" inside the tank. They are not there for us to enjoy or to look at from the side like the normal aquarium. We have to taking care of the fish. Taking them out or transfer them. Cleaning up the stuff inside the tank, etc. Since all the breeders and grown out tank are all hooked up to the same water with giant skimmers and giant refugium, gas exchange is never an issue.

 

[Jon Fishman]

Well Mr. Joshua Jordan.... if you're still around, I want to say thanks for this post.... google brought me back here, but it's been driving me nuts.

 

[DanPlanted]

To jump back in... There are at least three different dimensions for a 40 gallon tank. Regular, Breeder, and Economy. (http://www.aquariumindustrial.com/standard-aquariums/)

Why the 40B stuck and not a regular or breeder, I don't know. Presumably, people preferred the dimensions of the breeder. Either that or the breeder was easier to manufacture so they made more of them. I would have to guess some of the naming just boils down to whoever the first guy was to make that size at scale. Maybe someone at Metaframe or Odell decided which tanks would be "economy" or "breeder".