Question
When I go to the pet store, I see fish tanks that are not only different sizes, but different shapes.
For example, there are tanks that hold the same amount of water, but one could be taller than the other, or one has a bowed front, and there are even some octagon-shaped fish tanks.
Does the shape of a fish tank have any impact on keeping fish inside of it, or is it just for looks?
Answer
Quite apart from the looks and size, which is how many people select an aquarium, different fish have different requirements.
Some species need a lot of vertical space, others are happy to sit near the bottom or surface all the time. You'll need a higher water column for the first group, for the second you want a larger surface area.
Say you're going for a simulation of a shallow jungle stream, with some bottom dwellers as the main occupants. A large, shallow, tank would be the tank of choice.
If you're going for a steep drop rock slope you want a tall tank but the surface area might be less of a factor.
Of course you're going to need to have proper filtration and aeration in both scenarios.
Answered By - jwenting