Long or Deep Best Tank for Discus

[Mrs. J]

Have been planning on getting a 90 gallon tank that is 23+- inches high. today at LFS husband fell in love with the 125 gallon (awesome). I have always operated on the recommendation that the deeper the tank the better. The 125 is just over 18 inches high. The 125 is somewhat more expensive, but there is that we can have more discus in it thing. Any experiences with either, or preferences? I like the look of the deeper tank, and our babies use the full height of our current 56 high tank. Just want what is the best environment for them. We will be moving them soon they are outgrowing the current tank fast, and are not planning on breeding, etc. just enjoying them for the present.

[sdrexler078]

More surface area is better. I'd definitely go with the 125 but it's up to you on which to get. But deeper isn't better it mostly has to do with surface area. And if it's too deep it means wet arms

[jmf3460]

125 definitely, a 90 gallon is awkwardly tall, you'll find it hard to reach the bottom to syphon up poo and end up doing the hoover swirly thing that splashes water out at the beginning of the change. plus 125 means more discus...that is answer enough!

[ericNH]

Well, I dunno. I started out with a 125, and I now think a 75 or 90 would have been a better choice. But not becuase of depth. It's mostly logistics; now that I want to re-do it, I have way too much stuff in it to make it convenient. I would recomend a 125 ONLY if you already have another tank up and running, like a 75 or 90 - something you can move your fish into if you want to totally re-do your 125.

[YSS]

A 6 foot tank is always better than a 4 foot tank. You can see the difference in the way fish swim around. I do not like 125G due to lack of height, but it can always be addressed by getting 135G or 150G. Good luck. Even if it is a 125G, it's better than a 90G.

[sslpn719]

I personally prefer the look of a 120 gallon over the 125. imo they give more of a proportionate look for it's size, giving both the 5 ft length as well as the tall depth.
I too will be getting a 90 or 120 gallon (depending on the best deal I can find)
Roughly:
90g= 48 x 18 x 26
125= 72 x 18 x 21
120g= 60 x 18 x 26

[Twistofer]

One needs to look at where the tank goes as well. A 6 foot tank is awesome, but can really hog a wall. I personally love my 120 (48" X 24" X 24"), which is soon to be converted from Reef to Amazonian Planted Discus Tank. It gives me the height for the fish, as well as the depth for the plants and driftwood.

[limige]

I loved my 120 5' long tank. I still have it for grow out. but I would vote longer for discus

[Blademan]

I like the look of a deep tank, there are more options for the hard scaping, plus my discus use all the height 28 inch, due to their body size I prefer the look of deeper tank.
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[Mongo77]

I like the look of a deep tank, there are more options for the hard scaping, plus my discus use all the height 28 inch, due to their body size I prefer the look of deeper tank.
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Wow, that tank looks great.

[niqhil]

So corner tanks would be a big no-no for discus ?
It would make sense since I haven't seen any corner tank discus setups

[pitdogg2]

So corner tanks would be a big no-no for discus ?
It would make sense since I haven't seen any corner tank discus setups

The problem with all the corner tanks I have seen is that there is little or no room for a good filter other small HOB filters. Also the surface area is not very conducive to air exchange.

[Blademan]

Wow, that tank looks great.

Thanks i have taken the background paper off now, dident really like it.
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[Skip]

DEEP.. imo is better than long

[Freshisbetter]

I have gone from a standard 75 to a standard 90 to a 110 high using the same stand and canopy over the past 13 years with only adding some 2x4s to the inside of the stand to support the extra weight and moved the stand many times. If the footprint size is your concern, the 90 may be the good choice long term. Either way, it sounds like you have some great options available to you.