Volume Vs Tank Length For Territory

[chrismr]

Was just thinking, whenver somebody advises on tank size for cichlids, the recomendations are always in gallons. x gallons per fish or per pair, etc.

Surely it is better to advise on floor space for most cichlids? Say, 2 feet of tank per pair, etc?

 

[Dwarfs]

Yes, the footprint of a tank is a very important part of keeping cichlids. You can keep convicts in a 5' long tank that is 6" deep, or you could keep them in a 2' long tank that is 3' deep. The happier ones would be in the first tank mentioned.

The reason that people refer to tanks by the gallons is because most fishkeepers know the footprint of those tanks, and those tanks are common