Which is more important in select fish tank - Length or Width ?

[bustersg]

2 shortlisted ~3.2 gallon choices: 30x19cm vs 35x17cm

i read more horizontal space (length) is better. is it true?
if true, then, 35x17cm will be a better choice?
i know 30cm is standard size, is 35cm standard? will i have problem buying LED light?

[idiot]

30cm seems to be standard for many leds
35cm is still possible for those leds with extendable brackets

[simbk]

For 30cm and 35cm tanks, there are also quite a number of clip on LEDs catering to this tank size also, so should not be a problem getting lights for your tank.
If this is your first tank, i will recommend to start with the 35cm tank. The extra 5cm will make some difference when you decide to add scapings to your tank, at least thats what happened to me, starting from a 30cm tank and upgrade to 45cm before ending up with a 2 ft tank

[skytan]

Honestly, if you ask me just find a space which can house it and find the maximum allowable size you can fit in.
The itchy hand syndrome is a proven disease there is no running away.

Things to note, also you need the approval of your family members also and lastly have enough extra storage for all the extra extra things.

[vinz]

30 or 35cm, not much difference. You'll find that most LED lights for that size tank have a single clamp or have extendable brackets. I would recommend getting one that is single clamped and has an adjustable neck, then you can adjust how close you want the light.

I would agree with skytan... the bigger better, up to 90cm for beginners, IMO. Frankly, larger tanks are ecologically more stable and easier to tweak. Small tanks have lesser room for error and variety.

[aza]

I would agree with skytan... the bigger better, up to 90cm for beginners, IMO. Frankly, larger tanks are ecologically more stable and easier to tweak. Small tanks have lesser room for error and variety.

This sums up my newbie experience. Started with a 20L, taught it was easy to cope, got frustrated with algae etc., passed down the 20L tank to my mum, bought a 3 feet tank, enjoyed a better experience; mum couldn't cope with 20L, she got frustrated too (killed all her lifestock ha), returned me the tank.

I now run the 20L low tech alongside my 3 feet high tech tank. No major algae problems for both since I now know what to do and how to handle my two different tanks.

Do yourself a favour and get the largest tank your space and budget can allow.