Length

[OMFG]

does tank length, width, or depth need to be considered when buying a nano (except from the extremes)?

Like cichlids do they have too have large length or anything?

Thanks

 

[JeremyH]

The total surface area is important for gas exchange, as far as the dimensions for the fish, I think the depth from front to back needs to be at least the length of the largest fish. I would say just use your best judgement on whether the tank will fit the fish you want to keep in it...if it looks crowded it probably is.

Hope this helps,
-Jeremy

 

[JJ1234567]

Another thing to consider is with lengh, you need to know if the fish you want are swimmers or lurkers. With depth (front to back), wider is easier for stacking and forming Live Rock.

 

[steelhealr]

It's very important. Deeper tanks:
-can have lower oxygenation at the bottom if circulation is inadequate
-are more difficult to aquascape
-have lower lighting penetration
-less surface area on the top for oxygen/CO2 exchange

If your choices permit, always aim for a shallower system unless you plan your setup to take extra depth into account, ie, lighting and circulation. SH

 

[OMFG]

cool, thanks, I'm just wondering. Would a 36 inch by 16 inch by 15 inch (depth) be good?

 

[steelhealr]

Sounds fine..how many gallons is that? Could make for a nice aquascape. SH

 

[Navarre]

That is actually 35 Imperial gallons (42 US gallons). Not a nano tank IMO and is on the smaller reef tank size rather than a large nano.

Good size tank however and will be a great size for a reef setup

 

[OMFG]

sorry about posting in the nano reef section ) )

 

[keane]

That is actually 35 Imperial gallons (42 US gallons). Not a nano tank IMO and is on the smaller reef tank size rather than a large nano.

Good size tank however and will be a great size for a reef setup

I actually make it just over 29 UK gallons/35 US gallons (rounding the 16" down by just an inch to 1.25ft and thereby giving 3ft x 1.25ft x 1.25ft, which = 4.69 cubic feet).

This was calculated using Table #1 in the Tropical Chit Chat pinned converter.

So i think you may have just crept under the "nano" mark OMFG .

steve

 

[steelhealr]

Er..not quite.....30G US and under. SH