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36" x 24" x 24" holds close to 90 gal whereas a 48" x 18" x 24" holds the same water.
The 36" costs $165 but the 48" costs $189.
Both tanks are the same height, only the length/width parts differ.

Does this make any difference to fish. Are they just as happy with a shorter tank with plenty of width to hide in the back, or do you think they would prefer a longer but narrower tank?

I have a stand for a 36" tank so I am biased. I want to know more what the fish would prefer.

They both have the same amount of surface area also. (864 sq. in.) The question to ask is, what size fish would you keep in it? If you want larger fish, the 36" tank gives them more room to turn around. For smaller fish, I don't think it really matters. Another consideration would be aquascaping and what type of aquascaping the aquarist wants to do, and which one would be best for that.

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since i know you are into cories and smaler fish and you already have a stand for it go for the 36''.. it would be much more benficial to you and all of your new cory fry will love the space... but it all depends on what you WANT and what you can afford...

\\\\\\\"an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure\\\\\\\"

to me, I would think that it would be better to have the tank with more front to back space, more depth for plants, hiding, aquascape, etc. And of course, there is the cost and the fact that you have the stand already... so, I guess my vote goes with the 36" tank :-)

If you plan to keep some medium size shoaling fish (large tetras / rainbows), 48" will give them more length to swim in school and look nicer.

Hi,
I'd go with the longer tank as well. Unless the fish
being housed in the tank are "up and down" fish, I'd
give them more room to swim from end to end in.
Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

The fish would be fish I already have which will be requiring their own 'space'. I have 3 eupterus upsidedown cats who may become territorial, so just one 3ft tank (which I already have) may not be just enough.

My elephant nose will also want to come out of the quiet 2ft tank sometime but my current 3ft community tank of clown loaches, gouramis and angels may not suit him.

Most of my fish are fine with the tanks they have atm. I am just thinking of the future.

If those 4 rotten clowns don't stop uprooting and eating my plants, they will be going on a one way trip to the lfs. It wouldn't be the one SAE doing it surely?

I think it all depends on the needs of the fish yo intend to keep in it. Personally, I'd choose the longer one. Fish always seem to like some swimmin room.