FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Which of these 3 tanks would you pick as your 1st choice?

20 high
20 long
25 high (4 inches taller than 20 high)

It depends on what fish you are planning on keeping.

For a small community, I'd go with the 20 long. Given those choices, for just about anything I'd go with the 20 long. More surface area, more horizontal swimming space. easier aquascaping, IMO. If you were breeding a pair of angels, I'd go with the 25 gallon. You don't really need the height, unless you have some particular decor in mind that would use it.

Hoping that there must be a word for everything I mean...

I agree...go for the 20 long, unless you are breeding angels. More surface area is better than more height. A 20g long will be better as a planted tank also, if you were planning on that.

*Kristin*

20g long tanks are much better for the average community tank because the length allows you to keep a nice school of tetras or other schooling fish. It gives them enough room to actualy school and swim back and forth instead of staying scattered in one area. Fish like that prefer to swim side to side not up and down. There's also more surface area for oxygen exchange and more bottom area if you decide to keep a small pleco species or other bottom dwellers. Plus if you get a flat top stand the one for a 20g long is the same as the one for a 29g so your all set when you decide to upgrade.

20 long is th best

Again, it depends on what you are planning for the tank. The 20 gallon long is much better as far as surface are, but if you are planning on a planted tank it does limit what you can effectively place in it because of the height limitations.

Jim

---

Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

Jubilee,

I am mostly with the others, it all depends

I have a 20 long that is planted and yes, tall plants are maybe an issue (trimming too often). But there are many lower height plants available. Heck, I don't think you even mentioned anything about plants.

From just the looks, the 20 long, IMHO, is the prettiest and most pleasing.

So, tell us more about your plans for the tank,

Ingo

---

Proud Member of the New Jersey Aquatic Gardeners Club

I agree with most, that unless it's for Angels that swim up & down, 20G long is a nicer shape. I have a 20G high, & the floor space is too small to decorate nicely & make little territories. I've recently set up a 23.7G long (not the same as you're considering, but close) but I much prefer the longer shape.

Good luck with the tank.

Cheers
TW

Thank you everyone for your opinion. I was thinking the 20 long too. I am thinking of putting an aquarium in my bedroom and don't really want anything overly large. I was sorta hesistant with a 20 long because I used to have a 40 high for a long time and the change in height wasn't easy to get used to.