Does Tank Shape Matter?

[aquagal]

I am looking at getting a 95-gallon tank that is basically a square (30"WX30"LX31"H) so that I can display discus in my family room (this is the only space I have available).

I was wondering whether square tanks are "discus friendly"? What's the best shape...shorter and taller?

[Graham]

Within reason all tanks are fine...the problems arise when a particular species of fish needs lateral swimming room and short square tanks don't provide that.

A 30''/90 gal tank should be fine but I would stock it lighter than if it were a 48''> 90

G

[FishLover888]

I would have a hard time vac the gravel for 30" deep.

I think it is the surface area that matters. If you don't have enough surface area, you can either stock lightly or add in an air stone to create water movement on the top.

Keep in mind by depending on the air stone to provide enough gas exchange, you could kill your fish in no time if the air stone goes bad or there is a power outage.

[aquagal]

THe power outage point is well taken...my power has gone out 5 times today already because of an ice storm. Luckily, not for that long.

Stocking more lightly sounds like a reasonable solution. Thanks.