Tank depth

[kev]

Does any one know if fish prefer a tank with a larger surface area or a greater depth (obviously they would prefer both). Just asking because of my curiosity!!

 

[Kossy]

Larger surface area. But if you like top dwellers then obviously depth.

 

[Jazz_UK]

Not wanting to start an argument, but I have always bought tanks that have that extra height.

I think that it shows off the fish better and you can clearly distinguish the top/middle/bottom feeders.

I also think that you can squeeze a few extra fish in as long as you don't overcrowd one area.

Jazz_UK

PS I always get a little extra filtration to accomodate the extra fish

 

[Alien Anna]

Jazz - the issue isn't so much the swimming space or filtration, but the oxygen absorbing surface area. A tank with a bigger surface area can absorb more oxygen than a tall, thin tank. Over-crowding a tank can risk oxygen depletion.

 

[airborn]

Jazz - the issue isn't so much the swimming space or filtration, but the oxygen absorbing surface area. A tank with a bigger surface area can absorb more oxygen than a tall, thin tank.

I agree,the larger the surface area the greater the gas exchange,carbon dioxide out oxygen in.........Air

 

[caz27]

Do you think you can have to much water agitation??
My tank is big and deep so i have both factors


Caz

 

[airborn]

Do you think you can have to much water agitation??
My tank is big and deep so i have both factors


Caz

With todays modern equipment,powerheads,hang on the back filters,canisters and trickle filters,I think that there is a tendency for over kill.Thinking back,we use to do it with airdriven corner boxes with filter floss or sponge filters.IMHO yes you can over turbulate the tank..........Air

 

[cichlidmaster]

The question is not "to much" agitation, but one of "how strong" the agitation is!!

You can provide an emense amount of surface agitation with causing the fish to tumble around.

For a tank cotaining larger more robust fish a strong current is not a problem.

CM

 

[Alien Anna]

The question is not "to much" agitation, but one of "how strong" the agitation is!!

You can provide an emense amount of surface agitation with causing the fish to tumble around.

That sounds like my livebearer tank! I've got a Fluval 3, a Fluval 2 and an air-stone in there and my guppies spend all day trying to race the waves! When I turned the current down they were a lot less happy so I conclude they like it.

I also have a barmy betta who likes riding the current of his filter (different tank). His fins get blown about all over the place, but he keeps going back there so presumably he enjoys it (?). Aren't bettas supposed to like still water?

My gouramis, OTOH (different tank again) hate current and avoid that part of the tank as much as possible.

 

[caz27]

All my fish seem to enjoy having a play in the current.....And my betta loves it And i read the same thing that they prefer still water....we just must have some nutty ones that want to ride the waves

 

[airborn]

seems to me that they just dont have a choice,they go where you put them...........Air

 

[caz27]

I promise you if i thought he was unhappy i would put him in a different tank,but my current don't throw my fish around they can swim against it....And it only breaks the surface of the water as i was told that it was important.

Caz