Is This Tank Any Good?

[blueboyg]

Hi All,
 I used to keep tropical and eventually marines many years ago, I have now been given permission (lol) to have a small tropical tank in the corner of the living room, the tank i have picked is this one  http/www.rocketaquatics.co.uk/Fish-R-Fun-FRF-777-Black-68L-Large-Hexagonal-Tropical-Aquarium-and-Cabinet.html   I realise that things have changed quite a bit since i kept tropical with an undergravel filter, this tank has a built in filter but i am a bit concerned if it would be up to the job, any thoughts folks?
 
Thanks,
G

 

[fluttermoth]

Might need some more details from you before we can comment
 
Welcome to the forum!

 

[blueboyg]

Hi, Thanks for the reply and welcome, what info do you need and i will gladly answer, My idea is to have a nice looking corner piece that catches the eye, as far as fish are concerned i do not have a shopping list as i would rather have fish that would suit the tank rather than putting fish in that would be unsuitable for such a tank.
 
Thanks,
G

 

[fluttermoth]

Your link wasn't showing up originally
 
Hmm....That's a very deep but narrow tank, which might give you a few problems with stocking. Most fish swim 'longways' rather than up or down. A standard, rectangular shape would give you more options and I would recommend you look at something of that shape.
 
However, if that's what you have your heart set on and is what fits your available space, then there are fish that would work in there. The filter will probably be fine for the few small fish you'd be able to stock.
 
I won't start discussing species yet though, as that depends on whether your water is hard or soft.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Its not the best tank I've ever seen if am honest but thats just me though.
 
It a tall tank but only 68l / 18 US gals which means the width is narrow so that will severely limit as to what you can keep in that tank.
 
Maybe an angelfish or small nano fish like badis badis or a Betta might be ok, depending on what your water is like really in terms of pH, hard or soft water etc.
 
For the price, there are better tanks out there IMHO, if I were you I would try to get a more conventional rectangular tank as that will help with stocking choices.
 
But of course if you're happy with that tank then certainly goo ahead just as long as you know beforehand your choices of fish will be limited.

 

[fluttermoth]

No angelfish in a tank that size, Ch4rlie!

 

[Ch4rlie]

No angelfish in a tank that size, Ch4rlie!

 
Just realised my mistake! doh!
 
Apologies to blueboyg for that mistake.
 
Was thinking of height of tank rather than tank volume! 

 

[blueboyg]

Thanks for the reply guys, going out to look at more options, you have probably confirmed a couple of niggly questions i had with the shape of the tank.
 
Thanks,
G

 

[ShinySideUp]

In case you were unaware, the problem with a tall but narrow tank is the surface area of the water. The tank could be a thousand feet deep but if the surface area is the same as that tank you could still only keep a very few fish in it do to the difficulty of gas exchange between the water and the air.

 

[majerah1]

Bettas are not a great choice as the prefer a more shallow setup. 
 
Any other tanks you have kept an eye on?

 

[blueboyg]

No not really, I've just been to Dobbies but don't see anything that would sit in the corner we have in mind, while at Dobbies I did pick out a few fish I would like but not sure if they would be ok in that tank,
Ram, neon tetras, Rummy nose tetra, red blonde guppies.

 

[fluttermoth]

It depends on your water.

You need to know if your water is hard or soft. Rams, for instance, need soft water while guppies prefer it on the hard side. It's always better to get fish that like that water you have.

If your water is hard you'll probably know, as you'll get a lot of limescale in your kettle or showerhead but, if you're not sure, you can look on your water supplier's website and it'll tell you.

For it's worth, there are two ways of going about setting up tanks. You can either decide on a particular fish and set up your tank especially for it, or you can get the tank and then look for fish that will be happy in it.

 

[blueboyg]

I live in Ayrshire where the water is soft, very little limescale in anything we use and it is generally looked upon as good drinking water

, Would a decent air output via air strip / stone in the tank help with gas exchange?

 

[fluttermoth]

No, an airstone won't really help. It's the actual surface area that's the limiting factor.

 

[blueboyg]

May have to re-think what i will go for then, there is a place up in Glasgow called Aquarium design centre who make tanks and cabinets to suit your requirements so i may give them a visit and see what they can up with.