Extra Height On Tanks Worth It?

[EdgeDs]

Hi I have been looking at the 200L 3.3ft tank from allpondsolutions but notice that they have two versions one is 24.25 inchs high but for an extra £40 or so I can get the taller model which is 29 inches taking the tank upto 250L. I know that length or width is a more desired dimension for fish but I was wondering if paying for the extra heigh is actually worth having. Unfortuantly I have not made my mind up on what fish I actually really want yet, but African Cichlids, Discus and Killifish are making the short list at the moment.

 

[Aqua Tom]

Tall tanks look great but they all have an inherant problem. When it comes to cleaning time, can you reach the substrate with your hand?

There are lots of cleaning tools out there but getting hands on is a vital part of tank cleaning.


Tom

 

[fluttermoth]

I tend to work on an 'inch of fish per 12 square inches of surface area' when I'm stocking, so it wouldn't increase your stocking levels.

I know that it wouldd be quite good for mbuna, if you wanted to go down that route; it helps to have height in mbuna tanks as the less dominant fish have the upper, less popular levels to go to.

However; do think carefully about maintenance; I helped my mum do some planting in her 5' x 2' x 2' recently (she hurt her back) and I found working on a tank 24" deep a PITA. I gues it depends a bit on how long your arms are, but you'd have to have arms like a gorilla to reach down 29"! How will you plant? Or gravel clean?

 

[EdgeDs]

I have too clean the tank? Just joking yes 29 inches is a long way too reach I a just over 6ft myself but even so the extra height of the tank could prove too be an issue. Their are some quite long gravel cleaners though. For sure I would not concider having the extra height an excuse too stock the tank with more fish. So I guess it comes down too looks more than anything but the standard version at 24 inches is hardly short and maybe the extra £40 would help buy extra equipment. It dont help not knowing exactly which way I will be going with the tank I have kept Cichlids mainly in the past though and something about the Cichlid family always apeals too me more than other fish types although I have really only concentrated on CA in the past.

 

[james_fish]

I suppose extra volume of a tank is pretty much always a good thing for a number of reasons, presumably a higher stocking would be allowed most of the time. But the footprint of the tank (Length x Width) is really what determines the stocking level. I suppose you could keep more top dwelling fish (e.g. Zebra Danio's or one of the Hatchetfish species) As it would make the tank less crowded down below and in the middle (they would be further apart in the taller tank, is what i'm trying to get it)

Plus some fish, like Angel fish for example need a bigger height due to their 'tall' structure.

Tom made a good point however, will you be able to clean it?

Either way, it will be a nice tank to stock! I'm sure i'd go for the higher volume if I was in your position!

James

 

[waterdrop]

Agree, being able to handle things down at the substrate level without being on a stepping stool and getting your shoulder wet is a huge thing. Having a tank that is hard to work in can cause you to avoid the maintenance you need to do. WD