Height vs volume for angelfish tank

[Alexa]

Hey all, I’ve been considering getting a single angelfish. Which tank size would be better, a 29 or 40 breeder? I know that more water is usually ideal, but a 29 has more height.

[Taylor Blake]

40 breeder but one fish would be fine in the 29. I just believe that as a hobbyist we have an obligation to provide the best environment we can for the fish we keep. For some species that includes not only the size and cleanliness of the tank but also Social environment like appropriate school sizes. We always talk about the minimum size requirements for tanks but in my opinion For most things go as big as possible for your living space. I think the oceanic 53 gallon aquarium (36Lx18Wx21H)is the perfect tank for what you desire. 

[Taylor Blake]

This is my old 53 gallon I had natives in it but it is one of my favorite sizes I've ever had. It's the same footprint as a 40 breeder just taller  

[Bill]

21 minutes ago, Taylor Blake said:

This is my old 53 gallon I had natives in it but it is one of my favorite sizes I've ever had. It's the same footprint as a 40 breeder just taller  

I just finished cycling a 53 gallon display tank in my living room. I would have done a 75 over a 55, but we could not fit the extra foot with the decorum... so 53 was the next best thing. Had a hard time locating one! I really like 36" min length...I have a 29 and 30 gallon in my office, and prefer the 30 gallon for this reason... and I really like the 18" depth. I now have harlequin rasboras in it, and will be adding angels next. 

 

Edited September 15, 2020 by Bill

[Alexa]

33 minutes ago, Taylor Blake said:

This is my old 53 gallon I had natives in it but it is one of my favorite sizes I've ever had. It's the same footprint as a 40 breeder just taller  

Thank you Taylor, I didn’t know this size existed!

[Alexa]

17 minutes ago, Bill said:

I just finished cycling a 53 gallon display tank in my living room. I would have done a 75 over a 55, but we could not fit the extra foot with the decorum... so 53 was the next best thing. Had a hard time locating one! I really like 36" min length...I have a 29 and 30 gallon in my office, and prefer the 30 gallon for this reason... and I really like the 18" depth. I now have harlequin rasboras in it, and will be adding angels next. 

 

Where did you end up finding the 53? I don’t think I’ve seen one sold around my area...

[Ken Burke]

50 minutes ago, Taylor Blake said:

This is my old 53 gallon I had natives in it but it is one of my favorite sizes I've ever had. It's the same footprint as a 40 breeder just taller  

Nice tank!

[AJE]

As long as it's over 18" tall, I would do the 40

[Bill]

20 minutes ago, Alexa said:

Where did you end up finding the 53? I don’t think I’ve seen one sold around my area...

Me neither! Out of the 3 shops within an hour from where I live in NJ, I just got lucky as one of them had a dusty one sitting on their floor for sale. Hard to find online also, just checked and found this:

https://www.petswarehouse.com/ml-53-gal-blk-seal-glass-aqrm-sd-3-l-b-309465/

[Taylor Blake]

I got mine on craigslist but they are an old tank out of manufacturing now I think. The brand of mine was oceanic. For those who remember this tank had the thick glass that those old tanks had. It was very heavy for those of you who have never worked with one. 

[Alexa]

Thank you guys, I think I’m gonna wait to see if a deal comes by on Craigslist. Or maybe I will just wait for the next dollar per gallon and get a 55. 🤑

[Taylor Blake]

48 minutes ago, Alexa said:

Thank you guys, I think I’m gonna wait to see if a deal comes by on Craigslist. Or maybe I will just wait for the next dollar per gallon and get a 55. 🤑

If your going to do a 4 foot 55 trust me a you will be happier with a 75 

[ange]

A 29 gallon can comfortably house a pair of angelfish but it's on the lower end of what most people would consider acceptable. Generally speaking, bigger is better so if it's within your means to get a 40 then your angel definitely won't miss the extra couple of inches from a 29.