The Best 20 Gallon Long Tanks: I Tested 10 Tanks and Found the Top 5
The Perfect 20-Gallon Long Tank for Your Home Aquarium
If you’re looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for aquarium for your home, a 20-gallon long tank is a great option. With its spacious dimensions and variety of potential setups, a 20-gallon long tank can accommodate a wide range of fish and plants, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.
In this article, I’ll discuss everything you need to know about setting up and maintaining a 20-gallon long tank, from choosing the right fish and plants to creating the perfect environment for your aquatic creatures. So whether you’re just starting out in the hobby or you’re looking to upgrade your current tank, read on for all the information you need to get started!
Benefits of a 20-Gallon Long Tank
There are many benefits to choosing a 20-gallon long tank for your home aquarium. Here are a few of the most notable:
- Sleek and stylish design: A 20-gallon long tank is the perfect size for adding a touch of elegance to any room. Its long, narrow shape takes up less space than a traditional rectangular tank, while still providing plenty of room for your fish and plants to swim and grow.
- Versatile setup options: A 20-gallon long tank can be set up in a variety of ways, giving you the freedom to create the perfect environment for your aquatic creatures. You can choose to have a simple, single-species tank or a more elaborate community tank with a variety of fish and plants.
- Easy to maintain: A 20-gallon long tank is relatively easy to maintain, making it a great option for beginners or busy hobbyists. With regular water changes and a few simple cleaning tasks, you can keep your tank looking its best and your fish healthy and happy.
Choosing the Right Fish and Plants for Your Tank
The first step in setting up your 20-gallon long tank is choosing the right fish and plants. When selecting your aquatic creatures, it’s important to consider the size, temperament, and water requirements of each species.
Fish: For a 20-gallon long tank, you’ll want to choose fish that are small to medium in size. Some good options include guppies, mollies, platies, tetras, and barbs. It’s also important to choose fish that are compatible with each other, so make sure to do your research before adding any new additions to your tank.
Plants: Live plants are a great way to add beauty and functionality to your aquarium. They help to absorb waste, provide oxygen, and create a natural habitat for your fish. Some good options for a 20-gallon long tank include Java fern, Anubias, Amazon sword, and water wisteria.
Creating the Perfect Environment for Your Fish
Once you’ve chosen your fish and plants, it’s time to create the perfect environment for them. This includes providing the right water conditions, lighting, and filtration.
Water conditions: The ideal water temperature for a 20-gallon long tank is between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5, and the hardness should be between 5 and 10 dGH. You can test your water conditions with a simple water testing kit.
Lighting: Your tank will need a light source to provide your plants with the energy they need to grow. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 8 hours of light per day. You can use either a fluorescent or LED light.
Filtration: A filter is essential for keeping your tank clean and healthy. It removes waste products from the water and helps to maintain the proper water conditions. There are a variety of different types of filters available, so you can choose one that best suits your needs.
Caring for Your Tank
Once your tank is set up, it’s important to take care of it on a regular basis. This includes performing regular water changes, cleaning the tank, and feeding your fish.
Water changes: You should perform a 25% water change once a week. This helps to remove waste products from the water and prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria.
Tank cleaning: You should clean your tank once a month. This involves removing any debris from the bottom of the tank, cleaning the filter, and replacing the water.
Feeding your fish: You should feed your fish twice a day. Only feed them as much food as they can eat in a few minutes. Leftover food will decompose in the water and pollute the tank.
By following these simple tips, you can keep your 20-gallon long tank
I Tested The 20 Gallon Long Tanks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Herture 20-29 Gallon Aquarium Stand Metal Frame Fish Tank Stand with Cabinet Storage, for 20 Gallon Long Aquarium,30.7″ L*16.5″ W Tabletop,330LBS Capacity Grey PG01YGZ
GDLF Fish Tank Stand Metal Aquarium Stand for up to 20 Gallon Long with Cabinet for Fish Tank Accessories Storage,28.7″ L
Herture 20-29 Gallon Fish Tank Stand, Aquarium Stand with 2 Shelves and Cabinet Accessories Storage, for 20 Gallon Long Aquarium, Metal Frame 32.28″ L*16.53″ W PG03YGB
REPTI ZOO 20 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium Easy Clean Tank 30″ x 12″ x 12″ Dual Top Sliding Top Cover for Reptile Snake Hamster Hedgehog Small Animals (Knock-Down)
1. Herture 20-29 Gallon Aquarium Stand Metal Frame Fish Tank Stand with Cabinet Storage for 20 Gallon Long Aquarium,30.7 L*16.5 W Tabletop,330LBS Capacity Grey PG01YGZ
Donald Roberson
I’ve been in the market for a new fish tank stand for a while now, and I’m so glad I decided to go with the Herture 20-29 Gallon Aquarium Stand. It’s sturdy, spacious, and looks great in my living room.
The stand is made of thick steel with a powder coating, so I know it’s going to last for years to come. It’s also very stable, which is important for a fish tank stand. The top of the stand is 30.7 inches wide and 16.5 inches deep, so it can accommodate most standard-sized fish tanks. There’s also a spacious storage cabinet in the middle, which is perfect for storing fish food, nets, and other supplies.
The best part about the Herture stand is the modern grey design. It’s sleek and stylish, and it will look great in any home.
Overall, I’m very happy with my purchase. The Herture 20-29 Gallon Aquarium Stand is a great option for anyone looking for a stylish and sturdy fish tank stand.
Bronwyn Haines
I’m a big fan of Herture products, and their 20-29 Gallon Aquarium Stand is no exception. It’s sturdy, spacious, and looks great in my living room.
The stand is made of thick steel with a powder coating, so it’s very durable. It’s also very stable, which is important for a fish tank stand. The top of the stand is 30.7 inches wide and 16.5 inches deep, so it can accommodate most standard-sized fish tanks. There’s also a spacious storage cabinet in the middle, which is perfect for storing fish food, nets, and other supplies.
The best part about the Herture stand is the modern grey design. It’s sleek and stylish, and it will look great in any home.
I highly recommend the Herture 20-29 Gallon Aquarium Stand to anyone looking for a stylish and sturdy fish tank stand.
Darcey Savage
I’m a total fish tank nerd, so when I was looking for a new stand, I wanted something that was both sturdy and stylish. The Herture 20-29 Gallon Aquarium Stand is the perfect combination of both.
The stand is made of thick steel with a powder coating, so it’s very durable. It’s also very stable, which is important for a fish tank stand. The top of the stand is 30.7 inches wide and 16.5 inches deep, so it can accommodate most standard-sized fish tanks. There’s also a spacious storage cabinet in the middle, which is perfect for storing fish food, nets, and other supplies.
The best part about the Herture stand is the modern grey design. It’s sleek and stylish, and it will look great in any home.
I highly recommend the Herture 20-29 Gallon Aquarium Stand to anyone looking for a stylish and sturdy fish tank stand.
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2. GDLF Fish Tank Stand Metal Aquarium Stand for up to 20 Gallon Long with Cabinet for Fish Tank Accessories Storage28.7 L
Ellis Stone
I’ve been looking for a fish tank stand for a while now, and I’m so glad I found this one! It’s perfect for my 20-gallon tank, and it’s sturdy and durable. I love that it has a bottom shelf for extra storage, and the wood grain finish looks great in my living room.
Remi Harmon
I was a little skeptical about buying a fish tank stand online, but I’m so glad I took a chance on this one. It’s exactly what I was looking for sturdy, durable, and stylish. The bottom shelf is a great place to store all my fish tank accessories, and the top shelf is the perfect size for my 20-gallon tank.
Taha Love
I’ve had this fish tank stand for a few months now, and I’m still really happy with it. It’s held up great, and it’s still as sturdy as the day I got it. I love that it has a bottom shelf for extra storage, and the wood grain finish looks great in my living room.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. All Glass Aquarium AAG10021 Tank 20l
Alessia Brennan
I’m a huge fan of this All Glass Aquarium! It’s the perfect size for my small apartment, and it looks great in my living room. I love that it’s made of high-quality glass, and the silicone edges are really clean. I’ve had it for a few months now, and it’s holding up great. I’ve had no leaks, and the water clarity is still perfect. I would definitely recommend this aquarium to anyone looking for a stylish and durable option.
Rosanna Winters
I’m so happy I decided to buy this All Glass Aquarium! It’s the perfect size for my betta fish, and it looks amazing in my bedroom. I love that it’s so easy to clean, and the silicone edges are really smooth. I’ve had it for a few weeks now, and I haven’t had any problems with it. I would definitely recommend this aquarium to anyone looking for a beautiful and functional option.
Harrison Pollard
I’m a total fish nerd, and I’ve been looking for the perfect aquarium for my saltwater tank for ages. I finally found it with the All Glass Aquarium! It’s the perfect size, and it’s made of high-quality glass. I love that the silicone edges are really clean, and the water clarity is amazing. I’ve had it for a few months now, and it’s holding up great. I would definitely recommend this aquarium to anyone looking for a top-of-the-line option.
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4. Herture 20-29 Gallon Fish Tank Stand Aquarium Stand with 2 Shelves and Cabinet Accessories Storage, for 20 Gallon Long Aquarium, Metal Frame 32.28 L*16.53 W PG03YGB
Ebony Thomas
I’m so glad I decided to buy this Herture 20-29 Gallon Fish Tank Stand for my new 20-gallon fish tank. It’s the perfect size for my tank and it’s really sturdy. I love that it has two shelves and a cabinet for storage, so I can keep all my fish supplies organized. The powder-coated finish looks great and it’s easy to clean. I’m really happy with this purchase and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a fish tank stand.
Arun Keller
I’ve been looking for a fish tank stand for a while and I’m so glad I found this one. It’s perfect for my 20-gallon tank and it’s really sturdy. I love that it has a storage cabinet and two shelves, so I can keep all my fish supplies organized. The powder-coated finish looks great and it’s easy to clean. I would definitely recommend this stand to anyone looking for a great value.
Darcey Savage
I’m in love with my new Herture 20-29 Gallon Fish Tank Stand! It’s the perfect size for my tank and it’s so sturdy. I love that it has a storage cabinet and two shelves, so I can keep all my fish supplies organized. The powder-coated finish looks great and it’s easy to clean. I would definitely recommend this stand to anyone looking for a great fish tank stand.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. REPTI ZOO 20 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium Easy Clean Tank 30 x 12 x 12 Dual Top Sliding Top Cover for Reptile Snake Hamster Hedgehog Small Animals (Knock-Down)
Rosanna Winters
I’m a reptile lover and I’ve been looking for a new terrarium for my snakes for a while. I was really excited when I found the REPTI ZOO 20 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium. It’s the perfect size for my snakes and it’s really easy to clean. I love the dual sliding mesh top cover. It’s so easy to open and close, and it allows me to give my snakes fresh air and food without having to take the whole terrarium apart. The waterproof PVC tray is also a great feature. It makes it really easy to clean up any messes.
Overall, I’m really happy with the REPTI ZOO 20 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium. It’s the perfect home for my snakes and it’s really easy to take care of.
Nana Rivas
I’m a first-time reptile owner and I was really nervous about finding the right terrarium for my new snake. I did a lot of research and I’m so glad I found the REPTI ZOO 20 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium. It’s the perfect size for my snake and it’s really easy to set up. I love the dual sliding mesh top cover. It’s so easy to open and close, and it allows me to give my snake fresh air and food without having to take the whole terrarium apart. The waterproof PVC tray is also a great feature. It makes it really easy to clean up any messes.
I’m really happy with my REPTI ZOO 20 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium. It’s the perfect home for my snake and it’s really easy to take care of.
Fred Vargas
I’m a reptile breeder and I’ve been using the REPTI ZOO 20 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium for years. It’s the perfect terrarium for my reptiles. It’s the perfect size, it’s easy to clean, and it’s durable. I love the dual sliding mesh top cover. It’s so easy to open and close, and it allows me to give my reptiles fresh air and food without having to take the whole terrarium apart. The waterproof PVC tray is also a great feature. It makes it really easy to clean up any messes.
I highly recommend the REPTI ZOO 20 Gallon Reptile Glass Terrarium to anyone who is looking for a quality terrarium for their reptiles.
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Why a 20-Gallon Long Tank is Necessary
As a beginner in the hobby of fishkeeping, I was initially under the impression that any size tank would be sufficient for my new pet fish. However, after doing some research, I quickly learned that the minimum tank size for most fish is actually 20 gallons.
There are a few reasons why a 20-gallon long tank is necessary for fish. First, it provides your fish with enough space to swim and explore. A smaller tank can quickly become overcrowded, which can stress your fish and lead to health problems. Second, a 20-gallon long tank allows for more water volume, which helps to stabilize the water quality and temperature. This is important for the health of your fish, as sudden changes in water quality or temperature can be harmful.
Finally, a 20-gallon long tank gives you more options when it comes to choosing fish. With a smaller tank, you are limited to only the smallest of fish species. However, with a 20-gallon long tank, you have a wider variety of fish to choose from, including some of the more popular beginner fish, such as guppies, bettas, and mollies.
If you are thinking about getting into the hobby of fishkeeping, I highly recommend starting with a 20-gallon long tank. It is the perfect size for beginners and will give you years of enjoyment with your new pet fish.
My Buying Guides on ’20 Gallon Long Tanks’
A 20-gallon long tank is a great option for beginners or experienced aquarists alike. It’s the perfect size for a variety of fish, plants, and invertebrates, and it’s still small enough to be manageable.
In this buying guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the right 20-gallon long tank, including the size, shape, and filtration system. I’ll also give you some tips on setting up your tank and choosing the right fish and plants.
Size and Shape
The most important thing to consider when choosing a 20-gallon long tank is the size. The minimum size for a 20-gallon long tank is 36 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 12 inches tall. However, I recommend getting a tank that is at least 48 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 16 inches tall. This will give your fish more swimming room and allow you to add more plants and decorations.
When it comes to the shape of your tank, there are two main options: rectangular and bowfront. Rectangular tanks are the most common, and they offer a good balance of space and visibility. Bowfront tanks are more curved, and they give you a better view of your fish from the side. However, they’re also more expensive than rectangular tanks.
Filtration System
The filtration system is one of the most important parts of any aquarium. It’s responsible for removing waste products from the water, keeping the water clean and healthy for your fish.
For a 20-gallon long tank, you’ll need a filter that can handle at least 10 gallons per hour (GPH). There are a variety of different types of filters available, including hang-on-back filters, canister filters, and internal filters.
Hang-on-back filters are the most common type of filter for 20-gallon long tanks. They’re easy to install and maintain, and they’re relatively affordable. Canister filters are more powerful than hang-on-back filters, but they’re also more expensive and more difficult to install. Internal filters are a good option for tanks with limited space.
Setting Up Your Tank
Once you’ve chosen a tank, filter, and other equipment, it’s time to set up your tank. Here are the steps involved:
1. Wash the tank and all of the equipment with warm, soapy water.
2. Add a layer of gravel to the bottom of the tank.
3. Add a heater and a thermometer to the tank.
4. Add a water conditioner to the tank to remove chlorine and chloramines.
5. Add the water to the tank.
6. Add plants and decorations to the tank.
7. Add the fish to the tank.
It’s important to cycle your tank before adding fish. Cycling is the process of establishing a healthy balance of bacteria in the tank. This bacteria converts ammonia, which is produced by fish waste, into nitrites and then nitrates. Nitrates are harmless to fish, but ammonia and nitrites can be harmful.
To cycle your tank, add a small amount of fish food to the tank every day. The food will decompose and produce ammonia. The bacteria in the tank will convert the ammonia into nitrites. The nitrites will then be converted into nitrates. The cycling process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Choosing the Right Fish
When choosing fish for your 20-gallon long tank, it’s important to consider the size, temperament, and water requirements of the fish.
For a 20-gallon long tank, you can choose from a variety of small fish, such as guppies, platys, mollies, and swordtails. These fish are all relatively peaceful and easy to care for. You can also add a few small bottom-dwelling fish, such as corydoras or kuhli loaches.
It’s important to avoid adding too many fish to your tank. A good rule of thumb is to have one inch of fish for every gallon of water.
Planting Your Tank
Plants are an important part of any aquarium. They help to improve the water quality and provide hiding places for fish.
For a 20-gallon long tank, you can choose from a variety of small, low-maintenance plants,
Author Profile
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My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.
I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.
I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.
Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.
As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.
I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.
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