In this article, we’ll cover the dimensions of a 40-gallon breeder tank, which is a popular choice for aquarium enthusiasts. We’ll discuss the length, width, and height measurements of this tank size, as well as its benefits and suitability for different types of fish and plants.
People who have been owning fish for a while will eventually come to a hobby of breeding fish.
For breeding purposes, you will need a special tank called the breeder tank. It is a very popular choice for people who are deeply into fish breeding.
In this article, we are going to talk about the 40-gallon breeder tank, dimensions, weights, what fishes to keep, and so on and so forth.
At the end of this article, you will learn how to nurture your baby fish and its family.
Table of Contents
What Is A Breeder Tank?
A breeder tank is an aquarium that is made specifically for breeding purposes. The breeders are not similar to the conventional tanks. Breeders have a specific dimension, have a better square-like bottom, and a rectangular base.
The bottom line is that a breeder tank is used for its functionality.
Having a breeder is the best option when you are into breeding.
What Size Is A 40-Gallon Breeder Tank?
The 40-gallon breeder tanks come under the category of mid-sized tanks. The 40-gallon breeder tank measures 36” x 18” x 16” and weighs roughly around 55 lbs to 58 lbs. The 40 gallons will have a filled weight of 458 lbs.
The 40-gallon breeder is the ideal size when it comes to breeding tanks. The fact is many fishes tend to get protective and pretty territorial during breeding, so the more space you provide, the better it is.
Now, if you want to avoid glass tanks, you can choose an acrylic tank. These are great tanks and pretty suitable for breeding purposes, weighing half of a glass tank.
Also Read: Everything about Small Fish Tanks
Best 40 Gallon Breeder Tanks
Looking for a 40-gallon breeder tank, go ahead check these products mentioned below:
#1 Aqueon Tank Breeder Black
The Aqueon 40 gallon breeder tank is one of the best tanks you can buy.
This is a pure glass fish tank that is durable enough to stand the test of time and features silicone-finished edges that prevent leakage.
Also, if you look close, you will find an oak trim which makes it the best for showcasing your fish. This aquarium measures 36” x 18” x 16”. This tank has an initial weight of 55.65 lbs, 2.35 lbs lighter than a normal 40-gallon breeder.
Pros
- Easy access when handling fishes
- Fully customizable
- Trim options
- water level can be adjusted
Cons
- A bit pricey
#2 SeaClear Acrylic Aquarium
This tank from SeaClear is an Acrylic tank. Do you wish to save some money over a breeder tank? I would say you should opt-in for this tank.
This tank from SeaClear is durable and much clearer compared to many regular glass tanks. When it comes to breeding, you need to constantly monitor your fish, equipment installed in the tank, and most importantly, you need a good tank.
This tank showcases its smooth corners, which makes it easy to through, and you can take note of each and every detail.
This tank promotes both saltwater and freshwater breeding.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Pre-installed electrical fixture (lights) of 24”
- Pretty strong and literally weighs half of a 40-gallon glass breeder
- Highly impact-resistant and less likely to crack or leak
Cons
- Risk of getting scratched
- Cleaning it can be tough
What is the difference between a 40 Gallon Breeder Tank and a Regular 40 Gallon Tank?
A 40 breeder is only 16 inches tall and not pretty wide. Breeders have a rectangular base and a square-ish bottom.
When it comes to handling fish, having a breeder is pretty convenient, as catching fish in a wide and long tank can be a real struggle.
The breeder allows the handler to adjust the aquarium and take proper care of his fish. Due to the ease of catching fish, it is better to own a breeder tank.
What are Good Fish for a 40 Gallon Breeder Aquarium
There are many good fish options for a 40 gallon breeder aquarium, including tetras, danios, rasboras, guppies, and dwarf cichlids.
40-gallon breeders are one of the best tanks available for aquascaping. These tanks generally have a length of 3 feet and a depth of 18 inches. These tanks allow you to aquascape as you like and provide ample swimming space for your fish.
So without further ado, let us take a look at some of the best fishes that you can put into your 40-gallon breeder.
#1 Swordtails
Swordtails are one of the most popular fishes when it comes to a 40-gallon breeder tank. These fishes are available in a variety of colors, from red, green, and everything in between.
There are also some wild-type swordtails (Xiphophorous Malinche) that are absolutely stunning in their own way.
Swords are fairly hardy and very easy to breed. You can easily breed swords by keeping them in hard water and in tropical temperatures.
Also, in an aquarium like the 40-gallon breeder, these fishes will have plenty of space. And you can always include some livestock and rock work for them to hide in.
#2 Variatus Platy
If you are not that fond of the swordtails, how about the Platy? These fishes have the same care requirements as the swordtails.
#3 Shell Dwellers
Shell dwellers are another species of fish that you can put in your 40 Gallon breeder. These fishes have unique personalities. You will constantly be seeing these fish moving the sand around and rearranging the tank.
Most species of shell dwellers are pretty easy to keep, requiring clean water, a pH level of 7.5 or slightly higher, sand substrates, and cargo shells. Species like the Neolamprologus Similis or the Multies are easy to breed.
These fishes can be very aggressive to any fish that comes in their territory; hence. Your tank mate options are limited.
#4 Rock Dwellers – Lake Tanganyika
There are many rock dwellers species like the Lake Tanganyika that can be kept in the 40-gallon breeder. These are not like the shell dwellers. The thing that makes these fishes great is their personality and movement.
You will see these fishes always playing around the rock, which will make you admire the aquarium. Watching these fishes interact with each other is great entertainment.
There are other species of rock dwellers like the Neolamprologus Caudopunctatus. Or you can go with Julidochromis Dickfeldi, and these fishes have the same care requirement as the fishes above.
However, you need to provide them with a lot of rock work and hiding places.
#5 Cyprichromis
You can also put some of these in a 40-gallon breeder as well. These fishes are basically cichlids that behave like Tetras or Rainbow Fishes.
What makes these fishes stand out is their amazing colors and their cool behavior. For cichlids, these are relatively peaceful and are quite easy to take care of.
These like to stay in hard water with tropical temperatures. These fishes do get quite lengthy and need a lot of swimming space, hiding spots, and also some rock work.
It is better to have species only tanks for these fishes.
#6 Goodieds
If you are looking for fishes with a conservative mind, then Goodieds are for you.
Goodieds are the livebearers and come from Mexico, and these are not the flashiest and most colorful fishes. However, these fishes definitely have some awesome sheens and patterns.
These fishes are extremely threatened in their native environment, and some of them are extinct in the wild.
And you can keep a lot of these fishes in a 29-gallon tank, and there are some species that can live happily in a 45-gallon tank. This makes the 40 Gallon Breeder an excellent tank to breed these fishes.
For Goodieds, the 40 breeder provides a lot of swimming space, better aquascaping ability, and some work in the tank provides better coverage for the eggs.
These fishes like cooler water and suffer if the temperature gets above 75 degrees, so you do not need a thermostat. Also, these fishes need water with a higher pH level, similar to the Swordtails.
Now, if you wish to conserve some species, then Goodieds is the best you can get!
#7 Rainbows
A 40 Gallon breeder can be a great aquarium for some species of Rainbows. These are great schooling fish that provide a great display of colors and movements to any aquarium.
You can keep many of these fishes efficiently in a 40 breeder.
Like the Pseudomugil Luminatus come in a wide variety of colors, and have a very unique body shape. This species of Rainbow stays quite small.
#8 Melanotaenia Praecox
You can also keep some of the Melanotaenia species in your 40 breeders. Like the Praecox or the Wallace Rd.
If you are looking for some playful action and a lot of color in your aquarium, the Rainbow fishes are for you.
Also Check: Can I Leave Blue Light On In Fish Tank
Where to Buy a 40 Breeder Aquarium?
To buy a 40 breeder, you can check it out on Amazon. Amazon is the best place to get all your aquascaping equipment and the aquarium itself.
However, if you wish, you can buy it from your local vendor.
Conclusion
Now that you know what a 40 breeder tank is, I hope you are ready to take the first step!
The 40 breeder is the best aquarium, even if you are an experienced breeder or just about to take the first step.
Raising your own livestock is a great hobby, and also you will get to try creating new color morphs. If you do it right, you will also get a chance to make a fortune.
Good luck!