Does anyone else think the dimensions on 55 gallons are pretty stupid? A 50 gallon long aquarium would be 48 x 18 x 13 while a 55 gallon is 48 x 12 x 21. The 50 gallon would be the perfect "big" tank for most people yet the only way to get one would be to custom order it while 55 gallon ones are like cockroaches. It seems like a total waste of volume in height while being little wider than a ten gallon.
50 gallon long vs 55 gallon
- Thread starter Supergeorge123
- Start date
You have some interesting thoughts, but honestly I don't know what is the driving force behind the standards. However, my guess is that it has to do with the waste of the material. Hence, to make a certain size and not waste the material, dimensions come out the optimal for the least amount of waste. That's my gut feeling. Hence the reason for the 55 is probably because it cost the same from a materials point of view to make one verses the 50. Thus there are a lot made in that size. So when someone wants something that is "uniquely different" then they will have to pay for the re-tooling and/or labor to do something different. just my opinion.
I think it is because a 48x12x21 looks larger than a 48x18x13 would. The height gives the perception of a larger, more impressive tank. Most common fish keepers (as opposed to hobbyists) want the best display, and would prioritize that over the better footprint for the fish.
I hate my 55s. worst shape ever. Too narrow for a big fish or layered aquascape, too long to put on a reinforced dresser, and deep enough to mae it hard to clean. But they are cheap, so....
It is a serious pain. The only tank with a similar footprint is a 75 gallon but that is more weight than I want to put on the floor I would be having it on.
I agree with Backfromthedead, I use 55s or similar sized tanks as sumps, or as fry grow out tanks.
They are just too small for any but the smallest cichlids (my obsession).
To me they are only akin to putting fish in a rut in the road, and of no use for anything that reaches over 5".
They are just too small for any but the smallest cichlids (my obsession).
To me they are only akin to putting fish in a rut in the road, and of no use for anything that reaches over 5".
Honestly to me I think 55s are some of the ugliest tanks because the dimensions make them look to narrow but that's just me.
glass cages sells a 50 long for $137 which is $9 less than their 55 gallon. Unless you are getting a 55 at a dollar per gallon sale this is a reasonable price. You could always get a 75 gallon and do a paludarium setup filled to 13".
That is actually where I saw the 50 long in the first place. Seemed like a great idea instead of being stuck between a 40 breeder and a 75.