50 Gallon Hexagon Aquarium – The Ultimate Guide To A Stunning Vertical

Setting up a 50 gallon hexagon aquarium is an exciting way to create a centerpiece that draws every eye in the room.

We all agree that the unique vertical shape of these tanks offers a visual appeal that standard rectangular aquariums simply cannot match.

I promise that by the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to overcome the challenges of depth and surface area to build a thriving aquatic world.

We will cover everything from selecting the right inhabitants to mastering the vertical stratification of your water column.

Understanding the Unique Geometry of the Hexagon

The first thing you’ll notice about this setup is its height-to-width ratio, which is vastly different from a standard 55-gallon long tank.

A 50 gallon hexagon aquarium typically stands much taller, which affects how you approach oxygenation and aquascaping.

Because the footprint is smaller, the surface area to volume ratio is lower than in traditional tanks of the same volume.

This means you have less area at the top for gaseous exchange, which is how oxygen enters the water and carbon dioxide leaves it.

Don’t worry—this setup is perfect for beginners if you understand these hexagon aquarium dimensions and plan your equipment accordingly.

You have to think vertically, choosing plants and fish that enjoy the tall water column rather than those that need a long “runway” to swim.

Designing Your 50 gallon hexagon aquarium for Success

When you begin the design phase, you have to treat the vertical space as a multi-level apartment building for your fish.

Since the bottom is relatively narrow, you want to avoid cluttering the substrate with too many bulky decorations.

Instead, look for tall, slender pieces of driftwood or rock pillars that lead the eye from the bottom all the way to the top.

Using a 50 gallon hexagon aquarium allows you to create a “mountain” effect where the highest point of your hardscape is in the center.

This “island” style of aquascaping ensures that your fish have plenty of swimming room around the perimeter of the glass.

It also makes cleaning much easier, as you won’t have to navigate around heavy rocks tucked into every corner.

Choosing the Right Substrate

For a tall tank, I highly recommend a nutrient-rich soil if you plan on keeping rooted plants.

Because the depth makes it harder to reach the bottom for frequent replanting, a stable substrate is your best friend.

Capping your soil with a fine gravel or sand will keep the water clear while providing a steady home for beneficial bacteria.

Managing Vertical Stratification

In tall tanks, you might encounter vertical stratification, where the water temperature or oxygen levels vary between the top and bottom.

This can be stressful for your fish, but it is easily managed with the right placement of your equipment.

Using a high-quality submersible heater placed horizontally near the bottom helps heat rise evenly through the entire column.

You can find more details on selecting the right heater to ensure your tropical fish stay warm from top to bottom.

Advanced Filtration for Deep Water Columns

Standard hang-on-back filters often struggle to pull debris from the very bottom of a deep 50 gallon hexagon aquarium.

To keep your water crystal clear, you should consider using a canister filter with a canister filter intake extension.

This extension allows the intake tube to reach deep into the tank, ensuring that waste doesn’t settle and rot on the substrate.

If you are looking for powerful filtration, exploring canister filter options will give you the flow rate needed for this volume.

Good circulation is the secret to a healthy hex tank, as it prevents “dead zones” where water becomes stagnant.

I often suggest adding a small powerhead or an air stone to the bottom to help drive water upward and increase oxygenation.

The Importance of Surface Agitation

Since the surface area is limited, you need to make sure the water surface is constantly moving.

A gentle ripple at the top breaks the surface tension and allows for much better gaseous exchange.

This is vital for the health of your fish, especially during the night when plants are no longer producing oxygen.

Lighting Challenges and PAR Value at Depth

One of the most overlooked aspects of a 50 gallon hexagon aquarium is the lighting.

Standard aquarium lights may look bright at the top, but the light intensity drops off significantly as it travels through 24+ inches of water.

In the hobby, we call this the PAR value at depth, which measures the amount of light available for photosynthesis at the bottom.

If you want to grow lush plants, you will need a high-intensity LED fixture specifically designed for deep tanks.

Without strong light, your “carpeting” plants will likely stretch toward the surface or simply fail to grow.

I recommend sticking to plants that can handle lower light at the base or focusing your high-light plants on the upper levels of your hardscape.

Top Plant Choices for Tall Hexagons

To make the most of the height, you should choose “background” plants that can grow several feet tall.

Vallisneria americana (Jungle Val) is an incredible choice because its long, ribbon-like leaves will reach the surface and trail across the top.

Another classic is Echinodorus grisebachii, commonly known as the Amazon Sword.

These plants have massive root systems that love a deep substrate and will provide a lush, green backdrop for your fish.

For the mid-ground, consider tall stems like Rotalla or even large pieces of Anubias attached to your central driftwood.

Best Fish Species for a 50 Gallon Hexagon

Not all fish are suited for the “tall and narrow” lifestyle of a 50 gallon hexagon aquarium.

Fast-swimming fish like Giant Danios or some Rainbowfish prefer long, horizontal tanks where they can reach top speeds.

Instead, you should look for “stately” fish that enjoy gliding through the water or those that occupy specific vertical zones.

The Pterophyllum scalare, or Freshwater Angelfish, is arguably the most perfect inhabitant for this tank shape.

Their tall, compressed bodies are designed for navigating through vertical plants and wood, making them look stunning in a hex tank.

Another wonderful option is the Trichopodus leerii, also known as the Pearl Gourami.

These peaceful fish have beautiful lace-like patterns and will spend most of their time in the upper and middle sections of the tank.

Creating a Balanced Community

To fill the bottom of the tank, a group of Corydoras or a small school of Kuhli Loaches works perfectly.

They will sift through the substrate and keep things tidy without needing a lot of horizontal swimming space.

In the middle, you can add a large school of Rummy Nose Tetras or Cardinal Tetras.

These schooling fish will stay tightly knit, creating a beautiful “shimmer” as they move up and down the water column.

| Fish Type | Species Recommendation | Preferred Zone | | :— | :— | :— | | Centerpiece | Freshwater Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) | Middle/All | | Labyrinth Fish | Pearl Gourami (Trichopodus leerii) | Top/Middle | | Schooling | Rummy Nose Tetra | Middle | | Bottom Dweller | Sterba’s Corydoras | Bottom | | Algae Eater | Bristlenose Pleco | Bottom/Sides |

Maintenance Tips for Deep Aquariums

Let’s be honest—cleaning a tall 50 gallon hexagon aquarium can be a bit of a workout for your arms.

You will likely need extra-long algae scrapers and a long-reach siphon to reach the bottom without getting your shoulders wet.

I recommend doing 20-30% water changes weekly to keep nitrate levels in check, as the smaller surface area can lead to faster waste buildup.

Because light has to travel so far, keep your glass exceptionally clean to ensure your plants get every bit of energy they can.

Checking your submersible heater regularly is also important, as you want to ensure the temperature remains stable throughout the deep water.

If you notice your fish huddling at the top, it may be a sign that oxygen levels are low at the bottom, indicating you need more circulation.

Troubleshooting Common Hexagon Tank Issues

Sometimes, hobbyists find that their plants are rotting at the base while the tops look healthy.

This is almost always due to low PAR value at depth or poor water flow around the bottom leaves.

Try thinning out your plant groupings to allow more light and water movement to reach the stems.

Another common issue is “dead spots” where debris piles up in the sharp corners of the hexagon.

During your weekly maintenance, use a turkey baster or a small powerhead to blow the debris out of the corners so your filter can catch it.

If you struggle with algae on the glass, it might be because the tall glass panels are catching direct sunlight from nearby windows.

Using a magnetic glass cleaner daily is a simple way to stay ahead of the curve and keep your view crystal clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 50 gallon hexagon aquarium good for beginners?

Yes, it is! While it has some unique needs regarding lighting and flow, it is a manageable size that is more stable than small nano tanks.

How many Angelfish can I keep in this tank?

A 50-gallon hex is usually perfect for a mated pair of Angelfish or a small group of 3-4 juveniles until they pair off.

Can I use a hang-on-back filter for a hex tank?

You can, but you must ensure the intake tube is long enough to reach the bottom half of the tank to prevent stagnant water at the base.

What is the best way to oxygenate a tall tank?

Using an air stone at the bottom or ensuring your filter output creates significant surface agitation is the best way to boost gaseous exchange.

Do I need CO2 for plants in a deep tank?

While not strictly necessary for all plants, adding CO2 can help offset the lower light levels at the bottom by making growth more efficient.

Conclusion

The 50 gallon hexagon aquarium is a rewarding challenge that offers a unique “window” into the underwater world.

By focusing on vertical elements, choosing the right species like Pterophyllum scalare, and ensuring your canister filter intake extension reaches the depths, you will succeed.

Remember to keep an eye on your PAR value at depth and maintain good surface movement for a healthy, oxygen-rich environment.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced aquarist, this tank shape provides a stunning way to showcase your passion for fish keeping.

So, take the plunge, plan your vertical escape, and enjoy the breathtaking view that only a hexagon tank can provide!