A hexagon fish tank offers some unique benefits over traditional rectangular aquariums. The six-sided design provides more interior surface area compared to a standard rectangular tank of the same volume. This additional space allows for more decorations and plants, creating additional hiding spots and territory boundaries for fish. The angled viewing perspectives of a hex tank also provide more visual interest than staring through a flat glass wall. However, hexagon tanks also introduce some challenges, especially around proper filtration and finding suitable stands. So is a hexagon tank ultimately a good choice for fish? There are pros and cons to consider.
Pros of Hexagon Fish Tanks
Here are some of the advantages that a hexagon tank can provide:
More interior surface area – A hexagon layout maximizes the amount of surface area within a given tank volume. More surface area means more room for aquatic plants and decor. This enriched environment reduces stress and aggression in fish.
| Tank Shape | Surface Area |
|---|---|
| 10 gallon rectangle | ~400 in2 |
| 10 gallon hexagon | ~600 in2 |
Unique viewing angles – The six distinct panels of a hex tank offer different perspective lines compared to staring through a flat glass wall. This makes the tank contents appear more dynamic and multidimensional.
Space maximization – A hexagon tank can fit neatly into a corner area, enhancing space efficiency in a room layout. The shape also allows more fish swimming space compared to a bowfront or column tank with equivalent water volume.
Aesthetic design – The hexagon shape stands out from traditional rectangular tanks. It can serve as an eye-catching focal point in a room’s decor. The unconventional look offers contemporary style.
Cons of Hexagon Aquariums
However, hexagon tanks also come with some drawbacks to consider:
Filtration challenges – Most filter systems are designed to hook up to the straight back wall of standard rectangular tanks. The angled corners of a hex tank make installing filter intakes and outputs more challenging. HOB power filters don’t span the full width of the tank. Canister filters work better for hex tanks due to their flexibility.
Limited accessories – Hexagon tanks are specialty items. Few tank accessories like stands, lighting, and covers are made specifically to fit the hexagon shape. It’s much harder finding suitable tank furniture and equipment for hexagonal layouts.
Prone to distortion – The multiple viewing angles through a hex tank’s panels can also distort the appearance of fish and decor. Since the tank walls are joined at angles, the contents can look warped and offset through the various sides. This is less noticeable on smaller tanks.
Limited sizes – Hexagon aquariums are not readily available in larger sizes. Most mass-produced hex tanks max out at around 20-30 gallons. Finding a large 50+ gallon hex tank can be challenging. Custom fabrication may be required for bigger sizes.
Tank Size Recommendations
If choosing a hexagon tank, smaller is generally better to reduce issues with filtration and distortion. Here are some hex tank sizes to consider for different types of aquarium fish:
Nano fish – 5-10 gallon hex tank; suitable for bettas, guppies, neon tetras, danios, shrimp, other nano fish. Avoid overstocking.
Small schooling fish – 10-15 gallon tank; suitable for holding schools of smaller tetras, rasboras, white cloud minnows, endlers, celestial pearl danios, harlequin rasboras.
Medium schooling fish – 15-20 gallon tank; suitable for schools of larger tetras, barbs, Australian rainbowfish, dwarf cichlids.
Larger fish – 20+ gallon tank; only suitable for 1-2 medium sized fish like dwarf gouramis, rams, or a betta sorority. Avoid large aggressive fish.
Filtration Tips
To overcome the filtration challenges of a hex tank, here are some equipment recommendations:
– Use a canister filter with flexible tubing rather than a HOB power filter limited to the back wall. Canisters provide higher flow rates needed for hex tanks.
– Add supplemental circulation pumps to create flow along the angled front panels towards the canister intake.
– Position the canister intake and output at adjacent rear corners to maximize water circulation.
– Use a spray bar rather than a single output nozzle to distribute flow evenly across the back wall.
– Add powerheads or air stones along the front panels if dead spots develop.
With proper aquascaping and planning, a hexagon tank can provide a unique fishkeeping experience. Focus on selecting suitable tankmates, filtration, and decor to maximize the distinctive hexagon layout.