Surface Area Open to Water

[newaqua]

Hello Everyone.

A quick question with reagrd to water volume (litres) to water surface area open to air.

Is there a general ratio for this? i.e, 200 litres, 1sq/m open to air?

Is it different between marine and freshwater?

Thanks

Mike

[kiwiplymouth]

This is a suggest guide that I often see on the net.

1.5 litres of water for each centimetre of fish length (1 gallon per inch).

30 square centimetres of surface area per centimetre of fish length (12 square inches per inch).

Of course there are many factors that can influence the above guide like.

filtration, aeration, surface agitation, water change frequency etc. Not to mention the types of fish that are being kept.

[David R]

There's not really a set ratio, but IMO you're best to avoid tanks that are taller than they are wide unless you have a specific reason for wanting one (eg tall plants or angel fish). Tanks that have square ends (ie as wide as they are high) will have a good ratio of surface area to volume, and the wider they are the better (again, IMO). Having a larger surface area and footprint is more beneficial to the vast majority of aquarium fish than having height.

[alanmin4304]

I agree with above. Well said.