| When one begins searching for the perfect | | | | more space available for the oxygen exchange |
| aquarium tank, they should consider the shape of | | | | process. This is why so many breeders prefer |
| the tank when making the purchasing decision. | | | | longer and wider tanks as compared to tall |
| Many people tend to select the aquarium based | | | | narrow tanks. |
| on the size (gallons) or the external trim molding. | | | | The shape of your aquarium also plays a role in |
| So why do I recommend you consider the shape | | | | the amount and type of fish you keep. If you |
| for your tropical fish tank? | | | | want to mix different types of fish it is highly |
| There are many reasons why you should think | | | | recommended that you research to see where |
| strongly about the fish tank shape. One of the | | | | each type of fish reside in the water column. A |
| most obvious is simply to ensure that you can fit | | | | long and wide tank will allow more room for |
| your aquarium in the desired location in your | | | | multiple species of fish that live in the middle or |
| home. You may not have a lot of space width | | | | bottom of the water column. If one were to |
| wise to set up an aquarium, so you may not | | | | keep one species each of fish that live in the |
| want to purchase a bow front aquarium or a | | | | upper, middle, or lower water column, then a tall |
| hexagon aquarium. You may actually have better | | | | and narrow tank may work for you. You must |
| results with a long, narrow, deeper aquarium | | | | also think of the size of the fish you will be |
| saving you space. What if you do not have a lot | | | | keeping. While tropical fish species profiles |
| of space along your living room wall? Maybe you | | | | recommend a "minimum" aquarium size, you |
| need to purchase an aquarium that will fit into a | | | | should keep in mind the actual size of the fish and |
| 36-inch space. Then you may want to consider | | | | if they can live comfortably in a specific tank you |
| purchasing a hexagon or column aquarium tank. | | | | have in mind. Think about it, keeping a fish that |
| Another reason to consider the fish tank shape is | | | | grows to 14 inches in an aquarium that is only 12 |
| considering how much surface area you want for | | | | inches wide is not recommended. The tank may |
| your tropical fish. Larger footprints (longer and | | | | be plenty long enough, and hold the suggested |
| wider tanks) offer more area or habitat for your | | | | amount of water, but the tank is simply too |
| fish. Deeper tanks (taller tanks) do not offer as | | | | narrow. |
| much surface area but may do very well for fish | | | | So please remember to consider the fish tank |
| that grow taller and not longer. The surface area | | | | shape along with your other considerations when |
| is simply the amount of water surface that is | | | | you begin shopping for your tropical fish tank. |
| exposed to oxygen. The more surface area, the | | | | |