Doug_E Posted November 17, 2020 Share Posted November 17, 2020 Years ago I used to have an aquarium. Time, work, moving, kept me away. I wanted to get back into it, but didn't want the problems that come with it. Now that we bought our own place my wife found a few tanks for free. As you might imagine the hobby tends to....grow, in about every way. I started with the free 20 tall. I prefer wider shorter tanks (and don't trust a used tank in my office) so I got a new 20 long. I added a lid and light (Aquasky...great light). The plastic plants are gone and now have a few species from the Co-op that are doing well. Now I'm looking at a larger tank. Not huge, I don't have the space. My office is just 12x12. I also want to keep cost reasonable. I'm also worried about leaks and the problems 40+ gallons of water can do on the second floor! What do I like, not like, look for, avoid? I like natural looking: real rock, wood, leaves (maybe), live plants natural looking fish that are on the smaller side schooling fish maybe one or two bigger 'centerpiece' fish low maintenance no heater? I currently do not use a heater (blacknose dace from the creek and white cloud minnows). I will probably get a heater some day so I can expand my fish options quiet...I currently have a Aqueon quietflow but have a Tidal 55 on the way reliable and looks good for a long time, I'll spend more for the right stuff. definitely do not like tanks that lead or go *pop* leaking water everywhere :) I prefer shorter longer tanks, but if a taller tank allows for more natural looking habitat with fish and plants that occupy different zones, I could go for that. I was thinking a 29/30 gallon would be easy. I could use the same stand, cover, light, and filter (Tidal 55). But would I wish I had gotten a 40? 55!? What questions should I be asking myself? Any suggestions based on your journey? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KBOzzie59 Posted November 17, 2020 Share Posted November 17, 2020 33 long? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggie Posted November 17, 2020 Share Posted November 17, 2020 I think a 29 is the same width as a 20L, but deeper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quikv6 Posted November 18, 2020 Share Posted November 18, 2020 I just upgraded to a 75, but I had a 40 long that really was a wonderful tank. The 4 foot window is great, and it's relatively short so it's easy to service. 40 long would be my .02 cents. They aren't the easiest tanks to find, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doug_E Posted November 18, 2020 Author Share Posted November 18, 2020 A 29 is the leading option because it is the same LxW as my 20L and I could use the same lid, stand, and light. A 33 long or 40 long does look nice, but creates some issues with space. I'm also curious about the 40 breeder for the greater width (Depth as you look at it). I like giving some foreground to background perspective. Though at 40g I start getting nervous about that much water and weight. Such vigilance is helpful for engineers and IT professionals like me, but not good for hobbies like this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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