Gee Whiz ?, Why have tall tanks?

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Seacon

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Aug 18, 2003
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As the proud owner of zebra danios, I wish I had a 20 g long instead of 20 g tall tank. This lead me to wonder, why have the tall ones? Is it better for bigger, non-active fish? I couldn't think of any fish that might enjoy depth without width, except maybe a puffer or something. So can anyone get me on track with this one? Why do tall tanks exist?

Thanks
 
Space saving. Wherever I have space for a tank I try to get as much water as I can for that spot. This does give the fish more room, even if it isn't side to side, it gives more aquascaping room in the tank from front to back, and it of course adds more water volume which keeps harmful substances more diluted. I just make sure to take into consideration the smaller surface area for that amount of gallons and not overstock. A 150 high like we have doesn't get as much oxygen as a 150 standard or long. Ditto for the 90, and the 30 hex.
 
Pleasing dimensions

I like the rectangle ratios of the tall 20, it is better for planted tanks, more like a picture frame. I like the 29 also, and the 58, and the 105.
 
Both my tanks are 'tall' tanks. I personally love the look of a tall tank, and my 45g houses an angel who needs the height (or at least he will when he's full grown). I think there are benefits to both the 'long' and 'tall' types of tank, it just depends on what you're housing within.
 
I also have my 20 gallon tall for space purposes. It was either that or a 10 gallon. I also agree that is does look pretty cool, especially with very tall plants in the back corners to give it a kind of "cave" look. Yes, it can have a few less fish, but for me it's a good trade-off!
 
To me, tall is good only within limits. Most of my tanks are planted, and though I am tall and have long arms, I do not ever intend to dive in my tanks. I cannot and will not ever have another tank over 24" tall, and even those must have deep substrates for me to be able to work comfortably.
 
Although I prefer low profile in theory, there's a lot to be said for a small footprint. I have a planted 25 tall because it fits the space and allows the plants to get tall. My next tank will be for seagrasses, so I will need at least 24" of height, but I don't want a footprint larger than 24X18.

Toni, I think you're forgetting that the more substrate you have, the more you can spend on clams.
 
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