Hi

I'm planning to custom make a big tank (70-80 gallons)for my bigger fishies but have some reservation concerning the height of the tank. The standard sizes that they sell in the shops are 4ft/5ft (L) x 2ft (H) x2 ft (W) x 1/2 inch thick glass. The height being 2ft means the water level will reach about 22inches. It's too deep in my opinion. I thought of ordering one with only 20inch high and fill the water level up to 18 inch. It will also be decorated with 1 1/2 inch gravel, some rocks and plants and run with Ehiem Classic 2217

What do you guys think? Your suggestions are greatly appreciated.

why do you think the water would be too deep? do you just not like the look of it standing that tall?

unless this presents a hardship at cleaning, it sounds like a grand tank for what you have planned. put a couple of high power filters on that tank and your ready to stock.

I've heard from people who breed ranchu's here that they wouldn't let the water go above 18inches high. Don't know why but i guess its because of the water pressure.

I think I heard that it also was so the sun would properly colorize the fish if the pond/tub water was not deeper than 18 inches.........

I would love to find this out! A neat idea to research!

my goldies lived in the pond, not deeper than 18 inches, for about three months. their color was unbelievable. i believe that some sun does enhance the goldie color.

Thanks everyone, for your opinions. The reason for my concern about water depth of more 18" is the similiar to jclif1995 and mailboxck has mentioned...water pressure and lighting. Goldfish living in ponds has advantage of natural sunlight and food which often grow bigger, show more brightly colors but also has problems against the elements which the hobbists cannot control. Lighting is very important in the aquarium too, lacked of it will not only result in not poorly colored fish but also restrict the fish from developing certain metabolic capabilities thus may lead to slower or stunted growth. So if the water is "deep" I'll need full spectrum light and that may crank up the algae grow. my main concern here is to keep healthy G/F and appearance takes second priority. :goldfish

I just noted the time difference between our countries...here 6.35am and Western Australia 9.35pm..(we are ahead by 15 hrs)

My lionheads make use of the full 24" depth of the 75H acrylic tank. One "surfs" regularly in the stream of water from the filter, but mostly they don't hang out in whitewater territory. hey do swim up and down as often as side to side. None has yet imploded under the weight of the water.

They're under 2 full-spectrum 36" bulbs in a tank that's 48" wide.

They aren't show fish, although the one that looks like a black grapefruit with eyes certainly could/should be.

Anubias on the bottom bloom often, anacharis floats at the top, and java moss holds on wherever it can hide from the current. Algae was growing on the back of the tank before I got the bright idea of adding a couple of baby bristlenose plecs.

I got the shape of tank that I think is prettiest. With ample oxygenation from a trickle filter and 10x circulation per hour, you can ignore the shallower-is-better rule.

Caroline in San Jose

It's good to hear some positive result from you, Cjumper. By the way how long have you had this setup for?