birthday present help

[krrector]

I am buying a tank for my son for his birthday. He is just as much into this fish stuff as I am. I want to get him a medium size tank. I was debating on a 55 gallon or my sister has like a 60 gallon Oceanic I can pick up cheap. Question is, the diminsions of the tanks are totally different and I was just wondering on a reef tank which would be better. An average 55 or one that is 36" long, 21 1/2 high and 18 wide. All help would be appreciated.

 

[mark-24]

Well, Oceanic makes a 58 gal tank that is 36x18x21, and that would be a better choice than a 55 gal tank. Not only would it be slightly easier because it is larger, but long tanks are designed for fish, they need to swim, whereas corals, well, they don't swim. And if your sis has it, she'll probally give you guys some other stuff for it.
-Mark

 

[caymanlovers]

The total gallons is not significantly different between the two you are considering. Remember that that corals depend onlight and the deeper the tank, the less light gets to the bottom. (You can always try to keep the corals near the top to compensate.) The other factor is total surface area since that is where gas exchange (mainly oxygen) takes place. You are better off with the tank with more surface area.

 

[ksheely]

i agree and it will make it easier to stack rockwork

 

[krrector]

Thanks for the info. My son is going to be 14 and has a job already. When he gets paid first place he wants to go is to the pet store and see what is new. He grew up with me in the hobby. I guess I am lucky to have a kid who would rather spend his money on something like this rather then other things. I was considering the Oceanic more seriously....but wanted some input before I did. So thanks.

 

[burnnspy]

I recommend the 55 gal because of its depth and it is easier to get lights in the right configuration for it.
BurnNSpy