Robert Hudson

Somewhere about a month ago I posted that I wanted to get a 30" long tank since I had a 30" power compact fixture with two 96 watt bulbs. I asked for suggestions on what size tank I should get. I can't find the post now, but this is what I ended up getting:

56 gallon "column" tank, Top Fin from Petsmart. The tank is 30x18 by somewhere around 26" tall. Taller than what I wanted, but the only 30" long tank with that much depth from front to back that they had. I figure I will make the substrate 6" deep. The tank and stand together was $249.

My plan for the tank is to use nothing but a mixture of North American plants and native fish. I have lots of moss sent to me from at least three different people here at APC who collected the moss locally. Other plants I am considering are Ludwigias, Proserpinaca, Potamogeton, E. tenellus, Eleocharis, Isoetes, and perhaps some form of Myriophyllum. Other possibilities: Didiplis, Bacopa, hornwort, Lobelia, and Lysimachia.Any other suggestions for plants?

I also want to use some basic aquascaping design model. Any suggestions as to which model (concave, island...) would best suit this size tank?

John N.

It's really up to you in terms of design. I've always enjoyed an island scape and I think it would suit this tank nicely. Having a fewer selection of slow growing plants on the island in the corner with an open side and foreground would help reduce the "armpit ache" from all the trimming you would have to endure otherwise.

Sounds like a lovely tank, and a steal of a deal. Do post pictures of what you finally decided to go with.

-John N.