Which Type Of Tank?

[Kris85]

Hi all, im in the planning stages of my planted tank and am trying to decide on what sort of tank i should have. Basicly the tank can't be more than around 40" in length, so i was initially thinking a rio 180 but i am now wondering if i should get one made and get some extra height and width? maybe a 40x20x20 or something what are you guys thoughts on this? what would you choose? i like the idea of the juwels having everything in neat and tidy, but i'm not sure if ill be limited aquascaping wise with the height and depth.

Regards
Chris.

 

[russellbrooke]

I've always thought about the custom route, but looking at the tanks Rena and Juwel make i don't think it's really needed. They have a tank for almost every occasion!

I've personally got a Juwel 260 which is heavily planted. I've found Jewul to be high quality. The only criticism is that the lighting isn't really up to scratch if you want to keep a high tech planted aquarium. But a bit of diy'ing (not expensive) sorts that out.

Also another note, if you go for a really tall tank you may need to think about light penetrating it properly. I'm sure some of the guys/gals on here know more about that.

Russ

 

[George Farmer]

I would recommend Juwel or similar all-in-one “kitsâ€￾ for beginners. Upgrading the lighting is easy on the Juwel and the filter very good for an internal.

For the more experienced a custom is ideal. You can tailor it to suit your needs i.e. sizes are obviously unlimited, ideal if you open top with overtank lighting, big external filter, in-line heater etc. etc.

I guess it boils down to how far you want to go with regards lighting etc. as well as taste and budget.

If I knew when I started what I know now I’d go for custom personally. For now I’m stuck with my humble Juwel Rio 125.

 

[scubadoo]

Also another note, if you go for a really tall tank you may need to think about light penetrating it properly. I'm sure some of the guys/gals on here know more about that.

Russ

The other issue related to tall tanks is maintenance - if you're going heavily planted you'll need to be able to reach into the tank fairly regularly for pruning etc - just keep it in mind that if its on a stand and you cant reach the substrate you'll be perched on a step doing your maintenance. Not insurmountable, but a bit of a pain in the a@$e.

 

[Kris85]

Ok guys, thanks for the input. The tank has to be pretty low maintenance, as im studying at college, so i don't have masses of time spare for pruning etc. I think im going to go for a rio 180 at the present time and stock with fairly low maintenance plants in the main. What is the actual water depth of the rio 180?

Cheers
Chris.