Which shaped aquarium is best for keeping fish?

Question

I currently have a 20 gallon rectangular TOP FIN tank I bought from PetSmart earlier this year around February 2006. When I started the tank I put in a plecostomus "pleco" which was then about 2 inches long. Since then the pleco has grown to be about 8 inches long and seems "crowded" in the present aquarium. I have been looking at 50-55 U.S. Gallon aquariums. My problem is which one to get, a taller shaped aquarium or a long rectangular aquarium. I think that the rectangular shaped aquarium would give the fish more room to swim back and forth. Since "plecos" spend most of their time on the bottom, would it not be better to get the rectangular aquarium to give it more bottom swimming space?

Thank You!

Answer 1

The long rectangular aquariums are the best shape for an aquarium. They give the fish more living/swimming space and they allow for better gas conversion.

Answer 2

Plecos will grow up towards 18" when fully grown - you should try for about a 55g tank. You're on the right track. BTW - Rectangular tanks are much easier to care for than other Octogon or other oddly shaped tanks.

Answer 3

The rectangular tank is best overall because there is more area for aeration. It is time to get rid of the pleco and opt for one that doesn't get so large. Some examples of smaller ones are: pit bull pleco, albino chocolate pleco, rhino pleco, ancistrus pleco or the albino bristle nose pleco. None of the above will get exceedingly large. Get rid of the big pleco and you can keep using the present tank. A 55 is always a nice choice though.

Answer 4

For the post above mine, i wouldnt get rid of a large pleco, those are the bomb. Just get a 55 gallon tank that is long in length.

Answer 5

I personally favor the 55 gallon long. Although fish will tend to grow to "fit" the size of the tank, this will only apply to a certain point. Once the fish has finished its growth period, putting it into a larger tank will not increase its growth.

Answer 6

try a 55 gallon rectangular size tank but the bigger the tank the more the plecostomus will grow so if you buy a bigger tank he will get bigger.

Answer 7

The hex I honestly have is plastic-sided, all one mold. So, no, i have were given with the help of no means had that concern. :/ I doubt that that's largely one of those the sector. Make honestly particular that you've caulked each tiny crack, even the position the unique filling keeps to be.

Answer 8

long, rectangular tank will be better and more useful in the long run

Answer 9

try 55 gallon