Author Topic: 45 gallon Hagen  (Read 5044 times)

Offline Hobbiest

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 258
    • 48360
45 gallon Hagen
« on: November 23, 2016, 06:33:20 PM »
I purchased a Hagen 45 gallon last year sometime. It was listed as a 40 gallon and in the PIC it looked like a breeder. When I got there I was disappointed that it was not 18" deep. Yes it was 36" long but only 12" deep. I was already there so I bought it. It still looked nice. I has black silicone which I did not like at first, but after awhile I liked it more. Anyway I have my 7 Melanochromis Cyaneorhabdos in the tank. One main thing I notice is that the 12" depth doesn't give me as many options for building caves as the 18" does.
It is a pretty tank. For now the half grown Mbuna are ok. I am just wondering in the long run if this tank is good for anything besides a grow out tank turned long ways...
It's right beneath my 40 breeder and looks "sawed off" in comparison.

« Last Edit: December 04, 2016, 10:26:39 AM by Tenchains »

Offline Regalblue

  • Global Moderator
  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5971
    • Livonia
    • MCA
Re: 45 gallon Hagen (useless?)
« Reply #1 on: November 23, 2016, 07:40:15 PM »
There's plenty of uses for it,  but yes...  I've always used mine as a grow out tank.

Offline Steve

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3167
    • Royal Oak
Re: 45 gallon Hagen (useless?)
« Reply #2 on: November 23, 2016, 09:03:02 PM »
My Nephew has had two yellow labs and a OB peacock in a 29g which is about the same measurements for over 3 years now and they are happy & healthy. There's a number of things that you can use it for, pair of angles, rams, shellies, just have to stay on the peaceful side and keep it to a small number is all.
Better to have a short life full of what you like doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way.

-Alan Watts

Offline Hobbiest

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 258
    • 48360
Re: 45 gallon Hagen (useless?)
« Reply #3 on: December 04, 2016, 10:24:01 AM »
Ok well I started liking the tank more now. I bought black sand and the Mbuna look good in it. My next issue though is the 30" light on top which fits into the slot on the hagen hood. It does. Ot seem to provide enough light and I do not know what to do. I thought I'd try an led but I hat to order it and see no difference. 
Next I could go to the LFS and see about a different bulb for more brightness.
Lastly I could try to order a glass top for it and get a 36" light for it.
Ideas?

Offline Steve

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3167
    • Royal Oak
Re: 45 gallon Hagen
« Reply #4 on: December 04, 2016, 11:09:48 AM »
I have a 20g tall with that same style hood light combo, they just don't give off much light like you said. If you want some better lighting I'd go with a normal hinged style glass lid and then one of these affordable led style lights in 36" http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-5W-LED-Light-18-24-30-36-48-Aquarium-Marine-FOWLR-Blue-White-/262636799185?var=&hash=item3d265f84d1:m:m5NATARQ68FfwR4BUVASS3Q

I have a number of those same light fixtures in 48" and they are really bright and give great bang for the buck.
Better to have a short life full of what you like doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way.

-Alan Watts

Offline Hobbiest

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 258
    • 48360
Re: 45 gallon Hagen
« Reply #5 on: December 04, 2016, 03:48:00 PM »
I have a 20g tall with that same style hood light combo, they just don't give off much light like you said. If you want some better lighting I'd go with a normal hinged style glass lid and then one of these affordable led style lights in 36" http://www.ebay.com/itm/0-5W-LED-Light-18-24-30-36-48-Aquarium-Marine-FOWLR-Blue-White-/262636799185?var=&hash=item3d265f84d1:m:m5NATARQ68FfwR4BUVASS3Q

I have a number of those same light fixtures in 48" and they are really bright and give great bang for the buck.


Do you think that if I buy a 30" led and just lay it across the existing light hole that it will be noticably different?

Offline Hobbiest

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 258
    • 48360
Re: 45 gallon Hagen
« Reply #6 on: December 04, 2016, 06:10:45 PM »
I purchased an Aqueon full spectrum bulb and that made it so I can see the fish.

Offline Steve

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3167
    • Royal Oak
Re: 45 gallon Hagen
« Reply #7 on: December 04, 2016, 08:29:15 PM »
Quote
Do you think that if I buy a 30" led and just lay it across the existing light hole that it will be noticably different?

If you do end up deciding to try the 30" LED light I think you'll like it a lot. When I switched from T5/T8's to LED it was like night and day. The white/brightness from LED's is really nice in tanks.
Better to have a short life full of what you like doing, than a long life spent in a miserable way.

-Alan Watts

Offline Hobbiest

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 258
    • 48360
Re: 45 gallon Hagen
« Reply #8 on: December 04, 2016, 09:35:46 PM »
Ok thx.

Offline kodyboy

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 418
    • Allen Park, Mi zip 48101
Re: 45 gallon Hagen
« Reply #9 on: December 05, 2016, 08:55:56 AM »
Ditto on the led
I would pack that tank with rocks (lots of caves) for electric blue johani as they can get boisterous!:)

Offline Hobbiest

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 258
    • 48360
Re: 45 gallon Hagen
« Reply #10 on: December 05, 2016, 09:06:27 AM »
Here it is now and yes I may go to led at least on this tank.



And here is my Demasoni & Ps. Zebra long fin Pelvic Gallireya Reef tank. (Juvenilles)



« Last Edit: December 05, 2016, 09:08:47 AM by Tenchains »