6Foot High Tank. Suggestions?

Farrant91 · Jul 8, 2011

So, in my quest for a larger tank, have procured a 6 foot high tank, hexagonal shape, about 2 foot across. Tried to set it up earlier, just couldn't do it, couldn't get gravel laid out, decor in right place, not to mention if I do get it going, it will be impossible to clean, and I know it's not the best layout for my fish.

But, been a huge palaver to actually get the tank to my house (including a cracked windscreen on my car!). So I don't want all that effort to go to waste. Any ideas as to what I can do with it? The best idea I've had is offer it as a swap for a more conventional tank in the classifieds. Anyone got any ideas?

Cheers, James

amyw2008 · Jul 8, 2011

From what I have heard, your fish selection for a tall tank is quite limited?
For me I would swap it for a tank that I can access to clean and make it how I want...

fluttermoth · Jul 8, 2011

You'd just think there ought to be something really awesome you could do with a tank as unusual as that, but I can't for the life of me put my finger on exactly what, epecially not fish; it's basically a two foot tank; the stocking won't be much more because of the proportionally tiny surface air for oxygenation. You'd need heck of an air pump to pump that deep!

A drainpipe, drilled and covered with moss down the centre and a load of shrimp? A giant Galileo thermometer? Air plants on a skinny tree trunk?

james_fish · Jul 8, 2011

6 foot high?!?! :crazy:

I don't know what i'd do with that! The only thing I can think of is get a hell of a lot of live rock stack it really high, and have a marine setup with small reef fish and coral. But that could potentially cost you an absolute bomb!

Or do the same with rock for a freshwater tank and have a load of smallish Malawi Cichlids.

James.

soybean · Jul 8, 2011

The best I can come up with is a lot of stick insects.

Probably best trying to swap it, sounds more trouble than it's worth.

kizno1 · Jul 8, 2011

It does limit your choices to smaller fish but i wouldnt sell it, i think if done well the tank could look stunning. I would try and get some long branchy pieces of wood that streatch from the bottom to as near the top as you can get. I would stock it with 1 Angelfish and as many Cardinal tetra as you can fit in.

Or if you decide against fish with a few modifications it could be great for a type of gecko that would use the hole hight of the tank.

Wills · Jul 8, 2011

I have to admit I always though these tank were pretty useless.

BUT I think that somewhere between Fluttermouth and James there are some pretty good ideas there. I like the idea of building up rocks and maybe creating a small shell dweller community but that would be really limited and if the breeding kicked off would become really over populated.

The marine one could work but again it would be expensive and you would need to research it quite a bit but getting some nice corals growing in there would be great

Wills

Farrant91 · Jul 8, 2011

Some interesting ideas, I was thinking along those lines; species only tank for summat small; lots of invertebrates. Only thing is with it being so deep, filtration and/or hoovering the gravel by hand seem very tricky. It does have a mahoosive air pump built in though.

To throw another problem in the mix, my 60L is becoming rather overstocked (why I was looking for a larger tank in the 1st place). So another large (and conventional) tank is needed sharpish really. Which is why I think a swap is still the best option. I did think about sawing it in half though (it's acrylic) which would clear up the problems of cleaning etc. but then there's nothing really distinguishing enough about it to make he effort worthwhile.

Any ideas on what this would be worth to sell on? It's in fairly good nick with a light (but no bulb), and air pump built in. As well as an electronic circuit board for hardwiring any other items to it.

lljdma06 · Jul 8, 2011

Paludarium and reduce the height by 3ft.

james_fish · Jul 8, 2011

Take your time deciding your stock, because remember once it's in... It's going to be pretty darn tough to get out! I have trouble in a standard 3'3" 55gal! :lol:

Seriously though, be absolutely sure on what livestock you want mate!

James.

Smells a bit fishy · Jul 8, 2011

My uncle I think has the very same tank as you, and it looks awesome!! I think he has an undergravel filter, with a pipe going from the bottom to the top, and has long plants covering the pipe (from what I can remember). But you can't have many fish in there but, the fish you do get, you can clearly see how they hang about in the tank ie top middle or bottom. I say go for it. I'm not sure how they maintain the tank, will have to be a talking point next time I visit

hanny93 · Jul 9, 2011

There is a huge tank in my lfs, not 6 foot, about 4 foot high and 2ft wide, cylindrical, with a load of live rock and tunnels and stuff, looks like a palcae with things in little caves, its incredible, and im sure you can get super long nets and magfloats for cylindrical tanks

Dont just sell it, it could be absolutely amazing!

The Taffy Apple · Jul 9, 2011

Turn it on it's side then HEY PRESTO, a 2 x 6 foot tank !!!

I'll just get my coat... :blush:

StandbySetting · Jul 9, 2011

I'd recommend cutting this tank up and rebuilding it as a rectangular tank, you'd just need to get some sides cut and seal it together which is easily done, then you have a tank which is a lot easier to maintain and is more suitable for the fish you wish to keep.