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Looks like, through a deal done with hubby, that I can replace 2 of my tanks with 2 larger ones. I'm going to take my time, but these are the 2 tanks I'm thinking of:-

48" long x 19" wide (not decided on height yet) and a
36" long x 19" wide (not decided on height yet). I'm going to have them made to suit.

One will be a hi-tech planted tank (replacing my current 43G) and one will be an African Cichlid tank. (I'm having such fun setting up my son's new African tank, I just must have one myself)

I can't decide which tank should be for which, so I'm wondering what the members here think.

If I made the 3ft the African tank, and made it a high tank (say 24inches) and, if I then built up the rocky territory high up the back wall, would it be a large enough tank for a decent African cichlid set-up, or am I better to use the 4ft the African tank and the 3ft the hi-tech plantd tank.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
TW

If it were me, I would go with the 48" long tank for the cichlids. This would give you the capability of stocking with more and larger varieties as well as establishing a couple of different territories which is greatly needed in any african set up.

One thing to remember when deciding the height or depth of your tanks is the need to be able to comfortably reach the bottom of the tank once it is set up for gravel vac's, arrangement of decor, planting and general tank maintenance.

Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

48" should be the cichlid tank
36" should be the hi-tech planted. Keep this one shorter. it will be easier to light.

55G Planted tank thread
19G Container Pond
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/Wingsdlc/Ric

I'm gonna echo those 2 above...use the 4 foot for a African Cichlid tank. The longer the tank for them, the better, as most grow to a pretty good size and are aggressive.

3 foot tank should be easy to have high light over, for your hi-tech tank.

*Kristin*

Thanks to everyone who replied.

It seems the 48" will be the cichlid tank. Is there any benefit to having a cichlid tank higher than 20". As I'm going to have it made, I could have it anywhere between 20 to 24 inches.

If I build the rocky territories high up the back wall, I will have more hidy holes (territory), plus more water volume in general for them to swim in. Will this allow me to have a few more african cichlids in a 24" high than in a 20" high.

What do you think?

Cheers
TW

I personally don't think the 4 inches will matter. It will give you more gallonage, but IME the length is the most important. Africans stay mostly in the bottom-middle area of the tank, so they don't really need a tall tank. So, either height would be fine. I don't know that it would change your stocking level too much though.

*Kristin*