Tank size… what do you think?

[Baldwin]

Afternoon all.

I am planning a new Severum tank and I’m interested to hear everybody’s opinions on a specific aspect of tank size.

I have two options:

1) 4ft x 2.5ft x 2ft = 540L
L W H

2) 3.5ft x 2.5ft x 2.5ft = 590L
L W H

So my question is: is tank length more important than overall volume?

I think I am leaning towards option 2 because I’m planning on keeping severums and the bigger overall volume is more important. But if I was planning on keeping something like, say, Torpedo Barbs I would be picking option one. Agree or not?

Really interested to hear what people think.

TIA

[fr499y]

4ft minimum really for them, so the 540L will do

[Stephen]

4ft minimum really for them, so the 540L will do

I agree
The 4 foot will be better. The height is less important than the length, so the 540L will be better.

[Martinspuddle]

1) 4ft x 2.5ft x 2ft = 540L
L W H

2) 3.5ft x 2.5ft x 2.5ft = 590L
L W H

Is there reason for these sizes, maybe due to location or available space in your home?

Seconded, how many Cichlids are you planning to house in these aquarium sizes?

I'm thinking bigger.

[Baldwin]

1) 4ft x 2.5ft x 2ft = 540L
L W H

2) 3.5ft x 2.5ft x 2.5ft = 590L
L W H

Is there reason for these sizes, maybe due to location or available space in your home?

Seconded, how many Cichlids are you planning to house in these aquarium sizes?

I'm thinking bigger.

Yes, governed by space unfortunately Martin. Tank will sit under the stairs, hence the wiggle room re. length/height. Original plan was to go bigger in the garage but I don’t want to have to make an effort to see the tank, do you know what I mean?

I think 4/5 severums will be comfortable in 500/600L.

[Martinspuddle]

1) 4ft x 2.5ft x 2ft = 540L
L W H

2) 3.5ft x 2.5ft x 2.5ft = 590L
L W H

Is there reason for these sizes, maybe due to location or available space in your home?

Seconded, how many Cichlids are you planning to house in these aquarium sizes?

I'm thinking bigger.

Yes, governed by space unfortunately Martin. Tank will sit under the stairs, hence the wiggle room re. length/height. Original plan was to go bigger in the garage but I don’t want to have to make an effort to see the tank, do you know what I mean?

I think 4/5 severums will be comfortable in 500/600L.

In that case I'm going to rock the boat and say option 2.

I know what your saying about the garage, although not quite so bad if it's an integral garage but with a detached garage there's also the heating issue in winter.

[Baldwin]

1) 4ft x 2.5ft x 2ft = 540L
L W H

2) 3.5ft x 2.5ft x 2.5ft = 590L
L W H

Is there reason for these sizes, maybe due to location or available space in your home?

Seconded, how many Cichlids are you planning to house in these aquarium sizes?

I'm thinking bigger.

Yes, governed by space unfortunately Martin. Tank will sit under the stairs, hence the wiggle room re. length/height. Original plan was to go bigger in the garage but I don’t want to have to make an effort to see the tank, do you know what I mean?

I think 4/5 severums will be comfortable in 500/600L.

In that case I'm going to rock the boat and say option 2.

I know what your saying about the garage, although not quite so bad if it's an integral garage but with a detached garage there's also the heating issue in winter.

As I said I’m leaning that way. Option 2 is definitely the logical choice but I’m not certain it’s the correct choice. As Stephen and Fry say: maybe the extra length is more important than the extra 50L. It’s an interesting debate.

My garage is internal but it’s bloody freezing

[black ghost]

For cichlids footprint is more important than volume. Option 1.

The ideal average temperature for severums is about 25C. Torpedo Barbs are not tropical fish. They’re subtropical and their ideal average temperature is about 20C. If they’re kept warmer this should be a summer temperature only and they should have a cooler winter temperature.