Need help deciding on a tank

[Betta Platy Addict]

Hi everyone!

So I am upgrading from my 20gal to a larger tank! wohoo! I don't know which one to buy:

This one: 46 gal bow front. decent looking stand. expensive but can buy a used one locally for $250 without the light. Marineland® Euro Aquarium, LED Light and Stand - Over 40 Gallons - Aquariums - PetSmart

or

this one: 56 gallon cube style. Stand is ugly, but I could probably figure out a way to make it look better by painting it or something. on sale for $220. Marineland® 56 Gallon Column Style Aquarium and Stand - Black - Sale - Fish - PetSmart

I tend to think bigger is better. Both of those will fit in the tight space where I want to put the aquarium. HEEEEELLLLLLPPPPPPP.

And what substrate should I get? Not digging the black gravel anymore. Plus I want to treat all of my plants and such with pot perm to get rid of the pond snails. I'm sure they will just come back from the filter media though.

 

[vance1013]

In all honesty choosing a tank is mainly what you have in mind of doing with the tank bigger is better as for substrate is go with sand either playsand from Lowes or pool filter sand either one works well and looks good if your doing a fully planted tank i would suggest a soil with sand cap if not its all your decision with how you want it to look either rank is nice and you can try Craigslist for cheaper as well

 

[Mebbid]

I would go with the cube aquarium. The bow fronts are nice but I've heard complaints about the distortion caused by viewing through a curved piece of glass. Plus the footprint of the cube makes for some really nice aquascaping possibilities

As for substrate have you thought about a sand? I am having a lot of luck with black blasting sand personally. PFS would also be a good choice.

For planted substrate you might look at something like eco complete.

 

[Betta Platy Addict]

Oh that is good to know about the distortion.

I will have plants, so then go for a soil type over sand?

 

[Alyxx]

I have that 56 gallon tank. I really like it, but it is really tall so I have issues reaching the bottom of it in some places. Just something to think about. I don't care for bowfront tanks really. The curved glass does distort the view of the inhabitants.

Btw if I told you how much I paid for my 56, you would want to shoot me. Yay craigslist!

 

[Bageezus]

I have bought so many smaller fish tank and sold them off. I would def recommend go big. You cannot go wrong with a bigger tank. If you can afford it, do it. The majority of the time I bought the smaller tank to only upgrade within a few months.

Bow fronts are nice, but you do have a little distortion. When I had my 72 bow front I did notice a little. Its not that bad though. So for substrate, I've used tons of different things. Play sand does work, but I have noticed it does get kicked up easily. If your keeping smaller community fish I don't think you would have an issue, but larger fish or bottom dwellers can and will kick it up a little. Bar far my favorite substrate is a pool filter sand. It comes pretty clean and only requires a little washing. Its grain size is a little larger than play sand and it settles nicely.

 

[Betta Platy Addict]

Ugh don't tell me that! Haha. I have looked in every city within a two hour driving distance and there are only long types or the bow front one (only used one month so selling for $300 firm).

Boooooo

 

[Betta Platy Addict]

Where does one find pool filter sand? I'm sorry i'm so ignorant.

 

[Alyxx]

Where does one find pool filter sand? I'm sorry i'm so ignorant.

Pool supply stores will have it for sure, and places like home depot might have it if they have a pool section.

 

[CatoeSc]

I'd like to have a bowfront, even with the distortion, but in most cases, I would go for volume over shape.

It might be worth considering what kind of surface area you get in one versus the other. I'm sure since you're experienced in the hobby, you are aware that more surface area = more gas exchange, which is always good.

The only other thing I would consider is the depth of the bigger tank. Will it make lighting difficult for growing plants... Maybe not difficult, but pricy?

Those would be my considerations if I couldn't decide. In the end, I'd probably go for volume.

 

[vance1013]

Oh that is good to know about the distortion.

I will have plants, so then go for a soil type over sand?

It would be soil with sand on top as a cap

 

[Betta Platy Addict]

I'd like to have a bowfront, even with the distortion, but in most cases, I would go for volume over shape.

It might be worth considering what kind of surface area you get in one versus the other. I'm sure since you're experienced in the hobby, you are aware that more surface area = more gas exchange, which is always good.

The only other thing I would consider is the depth of the bigger tank. Will it make lighting difficult for growing plants... Maybe not difficult, but pricy?

Those would be my considerations if I couldn't decide. In the end, I'd probably go for volume.

No I am pretty much new to this and totally clueless. I have only had my 20gal for a couple of months but I have to return it because I hate the distortion when the acrylic bows out. So I have to get something new- might as well upgrade!

I ordered this light last night: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CMFFMS6/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?ref_=cm_sw_em_r_am_ip_am_us

Hopefully it will be sufficient. Only have low light plants now so it's probably about the same. They have done well with my cheapo t8 kit light on the 20g, so they will be fine with this light in a deeper tank, I imagine.

 

[Betta Platy Addict]

It would be soil with sand on top as a cap

But won't the soil be dark and the sand light?????? Again, sorry for my ignorance

 

[Mebbid]

The soil with a sand cap isn't necessary but it is neat. From what I've heard its usefulness has a limited shelf life. It also creates a lot of problems when you want to move plants around and replant them. It does grow plants like crazy though.

If you are looking at a substrate for plants there are plenty of specially designed substrates out there that are made to help plants grow without the trouble of having different layers of substrate.

 

[CatoeSc]

But won't the soil be dark and the sand light?????? Again, sorry for my ignorance

I would stay away from soil if your new at it. Get a nice substrate designed for a planted tank if you want plants.

 

[CatoeSc]

Do a bit of digging on lighting. One of your challenges is going to be that light has trouble getting that deep. What worked on a 20g won't necessarily work for the deeper tank, b/c the light won't get there.

 

[Betta Platy Addict]

Do a bit of digging on lighting. One of your challenges is going to be that light has trouble getting that deep. What worked on a 20g won't necessarily work for the deeper tank, b/c the light won't get there.

This is scaring me! What kind of light would I need for the 56 cube? I can always put it near huge windows if that would help. I have a piece of furniture that could support it by huge windows. I just have no where to put a long high volume tank. I could rearrange some furniture to fit this: http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3804465

I'd prefer not to, but if that would be better and make lighting easier/cheaper.........

 

[vance1013]

But won't the soil be dark and the sand light?????? Again, sorry for my ignorance

Yes it is that way there are ways so you don't see it I personally like the look that's me though

The soil with a sand cap isn't necessary but it is neat. From what I've heard its usefulness has a limited shelf life. It also creates a lot of problems when you want to move plants around and replant them. It does grow plants like crazy though.

If you are looking at a substrate for plants there are plenty of specially designed substrates out there that are made to help plants grow without the trouble of having different layers of substrate.

You have a good point there mebbid there are substrates made for plants that look just as well if don't feel up to doing soil/ cap, eco complete is a good one many others too

 

[vance1013]

This is scaring me! What kind of light would I need for the 56 cube? I can always put it near huge windows if that would help. I have a piece of furniture that could support it by huge windows. I just have no where to put a long high volume tank. I could rearrange some furniture to fit this: http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3804465

I'd prefer not to, but if that would be better and make lighting easier/cheaper.........

OK take a deep breath clear your head for minute and think on which one you would like and have space, all the advice given is good it all boils down to what you want list pros and cons of each tank, as for lighting research will help you make that decision as well research the back up your choice by asking here

 

[Betta Platy Addict]

OK take a deep breath clear your head for minute and think on which one you would like and have space, all the advice given is good it all boils down to what you want list pros and cons of each tank, as for lighting research will help you make that decision as well research the back up your choice by asking here

I wish someone could just tell me what I needed. I have done as much research as I can and I still don't know squat it feels like.