35 Gallon Hexagon Aquarium – The Ultimate Guide To Creating A Vertical

Have you ever walked into a room and been immediately drawn to a tall, shimmering pillar of aquatic life? That is the magic of a 35 gallon hexagon aquarium.

If you are looking to break away from the standard rectangular “box” look, a hexagon tank offers a stunning 360-degree view. It transforms any corner of your home into a vibrant, living piece of art.

Don’t worry if you have heard that these tanks are “tricky” to maintain. With the right approach to filtration, lighting, and stocking, this setup is perfect for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike!

In this guide, we will walk through everything you need to know. From choosing the right equipment to selecting fish that love vertical swimming space, we have got you covered.

Why Choose a 35 Gallon Hexagon Aquarium?

The primary draw of a hexagon tank is its unique footprint. Unlike long tanks that require significant wall space, a hexagon tank utilizes vertical height.

This makes it an ideal choice for smaller rooms or offices where floor space is at a premium. Before you dive in, it is helpful to understand the specific hexagon aquarium dimensions to ensure it fits your intended space.

Aesthetic Appeal and 360-Degree Viewing

One of the most rewarding aspects is the viewing angles. Because there are six glass panes, you can see your aquatic world from almost any direction.

This creates a sense of depth that a flat front tank simply cannot match. It allows for creative aquascaping where the “centerpiece” is truly in the center of the tank.

Challenges of Vertical Tanks

It is important to be realistic. A taller tank has a smaller surface area at the top compared to a shallow tank of the same volume.

This impacts surface area gas exchange, meaning oxygen enters the water less efficiently. However, this is easily managed with the right equipment, which we will discuss below.

Essential Equipment for Your Hexagon Setup

Setting up a 35 gallon hexagon aquarium requires a slightly different mindset than a standard tank. Because the water column is deeper, your equipment needs to be powerful enough to reach the bottom.

Filtration Strategies

Standard hang-on-back (HOB) filters can struggle with tall tanks because they don’t always pull water from the very bottom. This can lead to “dead zones” where waste accumulates.

I highly recommend a canister filtration system. By placing the intake pipe near the substrate and the output near the surface, you ensure total water turnover.

If you are looking for high-quality options, exploring canister filter options can give you an idea of the flow rates needed for deep tanks.

Heating a Tall Water Column

Heat rises, so in a tall tank, the bottom can sometimes stay cooler than the top. To prevent this, use a reliable submersible aquarium heater.

Place the heater at an angle or near the filter intake to help distribute the warm water evenly. If you are unsure about the power needed, check out this guide on heater size requirements for various volumes.

Lighting and PAR Penetration

Lighting is where many hexagon owners run into trouble. Standard LEDs often lose their intensity before reaching the bottom of a 24-inch or 30-inch deep tank.

Look for lights with high PAR light penetration. This is crucial if you plan on growing live plants at the substrate level. Without strong light, your foreground plants will likely “reach” upward and become leggy.

Designing a Vertical Aquascape

When decorating a 35 gallon hexagon aquarium, you have to think in three dimensions. You aren’t just filling a floor; you are filling a tower.

Using Tall Hardscape

Large pieces of driftwood, such as Manzanita or Spider Wood, are perfect for this. They provide height and give your fish places to hide at different levels of the tank.

You can also stack dragon stone or seiryu stone to create a central pillar. Just ensure the hexagonal tank stand you are using is rated for the significant weight of both the water and the rockwork.

Selecting the Right Plants

Plants are the secret to a healthy ecosystem. For a tall tank, you need species that grow tall and fast.

• Vallisneria australis: This grass-like plant will grow all the way to the surface and trail across the top, creating a beautiful jungle effect.
• Echinodorus grisebachii (Amazon Sword): A classic centerpiece plant that develops massive, broad leaves to fill the middle space.
• Anubias and Java Fern: These can be attached to your driftwood at various heights so the middle of the tank doesn’t look empty.

Best Fish for a 35 Gallon Hexagon Aquarium

Not every fish is suited for a tall, narrow environment. Fish that need long “runways” to swim fast, like Giant Danios or certain Tetras, might feel cramped here.

Instead, look for fish that enjoy vertical swimming space and don’t mind a smaller horizontal footprint.

The Majestic Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)

Angelfish are perhaps the most iconic choice for a 35 gallon hexagon aquarium. Their tall, thin bodies are evolutionarily designed for navigating vertical roots and plants.

A pair of Angelfish will thrive in the height of a 35-gallon hex. They will occupy the middle and upper layers, providing a graceful focal point for your room.

Stunning Gouramis

The Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii) is another fantastic candidate. They are peaceful, beautiful, and possess a labyrinth organ that allows them to breathe air from the surface.

This is particularly helpful in tall tanks where oxygen levels might be lower at the bottom. Their intricate patterns look stunning under high-quality aquarium lighting.

Bottom Dwellers and Schooling Fish

To fill the bottom layer, consider a school of Corydoras or a group of Kuhli Loaches. They will spend their time sifting through the substrate and keeping it clean.

For movement, a school of Rummy Nose Tetras or Harlequin Rasboras works well. While they are active swimmers, they tend to stay in a tight group, which looks incredible as they move up and down the water column.

Unique Value: Stocking and Parameter Quick-Reference

To help you succeed, here is a quick reference table for a well-balanced 35-gallon hexagon community.

| Fish Species | Recommended Quantity | Preferred Level | Water Temperature | | :— | :— | :— | :— | | Angelfish | 1-2 (Pair) | Middle | 76°F – 82°F | | Pearl Gourami | 1-2 | Top/Middle | 75°F – 80°F | | Harlequin Rasbora | 8-10 | Middle | 72°F – 81°F | | Corydoras Catfish | 6 | Bottom | 72°F – 78°F | | Amano Shrimp | 5 | All Over | 70°F – 80°F |

Maintenance Tips for Deep Tanks

Cleaning a 35 gallon hexagon aquarium requires a few specialized tools. Because the tank is deep, your arm might not reach the bottom without getting your shoulder wet!

Investing in Long-Reach Tools

Get yourself a set of 24-inch aquascaping tweezers and scissors. These allow you to prune plants and move decorations without draining half the tank.

Similarly, a long-handled algae scraper is a must. With six panes of glass to clean, you will want a tool that makes the job quick and easy.

Substrate Vacuuming

Waste tends to settle in the center of hexagon tanks due to the way water circulates. During your weekly water changes, make sure to get the vacuum deep into the corners.

Since the surface area gas exchange is lower, keeping the substrate clean is vital to prevent toxic gas buildup (like hydrogen sulfide) and to keep nitrate levels low.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a 35 gallon hexagon aquarium good for beginners?

Yes! While it has a few unique requirements regarding lighting and filtration, its size is large enough to be stable. Smaller tanks (like 5 or 10 gallons) actually have much more volatile water chemistry.

Can I keep Goldfish in a hexagon tank?

Generally, no. Goldfish produce a lot of waste and require high oxygen levels. The limited surface area of a hexagon tank, combined with the Goldfish’s need for horizontal swimming space, makes it a poor fit. Stick to tropical fish like Angelfish or Gouramis.

How do I stop my plants from dying at the bottom?

The most common cause is “light drop-off.” Ensure you are using a light fixture specifically designed for deep tanks or “planted” setups. Look for LEDs with secondary lenses that help focus the light downward.

Do I need an air stone?

In a hexagon tank, an air stone is highly recommended. Because the surface area is small, the bubbles from an air stone help break the surface tension, significantly increasing the oxygen levels in the water.

What kind of stand should I use?

You must use a stand specifically designed for a hexagon footprint. Never overhang the edges of a tank, as the pressure on the seams can cause the glass to fail. A dedicated hexagonal tank stand ensures the weight is distributed evenly across all six corners.

Conclusion

The 35 gallon hexagon aquarium is a rewarding challenge for any aquarist. It forces you to think differently about space, light, and flow, resulting in a display that is far more dynamic than a traditional tank.

By focusing on vertical-friendly fish like Pterophyllum scalare and using tall plants like Vallisneria australis, you can create a thriving underwater forest.

Remember to prioritize a strong canister filtration system and ensure your lighting can reach the depths. With these steps, your hexagon tank will become the crown jewel of your home.

Happy fish keeping, and enjoy the view from every angle!