What Difference Does the Shape of an Aquarium Make?

Not all aquatic ecosystems are the same. They vary according to regional climate, water chemistry, and even the species that live in nearby habitats. Bodies of water, river bottoms, coastal reefs, and lakes present different shapes that fish have adapted to through evolutionary processes as well as survival and behavioral skills. Not all tropical fish can be kept in aquarium tanks or ponds. In fact, the number or species suitable for the fish keeping hobby is quite small when compared to all the others that won’t adapt or survive. The shape of aquariums can determine quality of life for some fish. Moreover, tanks with unusual shapes may require different setup and maintenance. The expert staff at Aquatic Warehouse, a trusted provider of freshwater and saltwater aquarium supplies, explains a few details about various aquarium shapes.

Territorial Issues Related to Tank Shape

Some fish tend to be more aggressive than others, and this characteristic could be exacerbated by the shape of the tank. In a saltwater reef tank, for example, damsel fish will try to claim a corner that puts some distance between them and other species. To this effect, a tall and narrow tank isn’t recommended. Freshwater angel fish are more likely to exhibit territorial behavior, which is why they may not feel comfortable in a round tank without corners unless there are rocks, plants, and decorations they can use as barriers.

Rectangular Tanks

You can never go wrong with tanks that provide generous surface areas. Virtually all aquarium species will appreciate horizontal swimming space along with well-defined corners, and this is one reason you see a lot of rectangular tanks.

Shallow Tanks

Bottom feeders such as Plecostomus and invertebrates such as ghost shrimp enjoy swimming in wider tanks that aren’t too deep. One advantage of shallow tanks is that they tend to be easier to clean. Plus, they’re ideal for many aquatic plants since they won’t require very intense lighting (light has a difficult time penetrating water at depths). Aeration is another advantage of shallow tanks because of their generally lower water volume.

Deeper Tanks

A tall rectangular tank that holds a lot of water is a highly desirable for all species. Larger and deeper tanks have an advantage in the sense that they don’t need to be cleaned as often thanks to the dilution of fish waste. However, they do require greater aeration and filtering and are a bit more difficult to reach all the corners, but they sure look nice.

Circular Tanks

Fishbowls are generally discouraged in the aquarium community unless you only plan to keep a lonely male betta or a couple of female bettas. Even still, bettas will be much happier in a larger environment like an aquarium with a filter than in a festering small solitary confinement-type bowl. Larger round tanks aren’t very common, and they can be challenging to keep because of the placement of filters and pumps as well as cleaning. Another challenge of round tanks is that tetras tend to find them disorienting unless they’re equipped with rocks, plants, and decorations. When tetras feel uncomfortable, they’re more likely to jump out of the tank. Even people can get vertigo looking at them. We’ve heard of people who, when viewing a cylinder tank at an exhibit, throw up on the spot.

Once you know what kind of aquarium you want to keep, make sure to purchase all of the necessary supplies to care for it properly. Whether you need an aquarium dosing pump, beneficial bacteria, LED lighting, filtration, or any other supply, Aquatic Warehouse has you covered. Take a look at the amazing products we offer on our website, and give us a call at 858-467-9297 if you have any questions.