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

If you are looking to add a dramatic focal point to your home, a 60 gallon hexagon aquarium is an absolute showstopper. Unlike standard rectangular tanks, these vertical beauties offer a unique perspective on the aquatic world, allowing you to create deep, tiered landscapes that draw the eye upward.

I know from experience that setting up a hex tank can feel a bit intimidating because of its height. Don’t worry—this setup is perfect for beginners and intermediates alike once you understand how to manage its unique proportions.

In this guide, we will walk through everything you need to know, from choosing the right equipment to stocking fish that love vertical space. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to turn that empty corner into a thriving ecosystem.

Why Choose a 60 Gallon Hexagon Aquarium?

The most obvious benefit of a hex tank is its small footprint. Because it grows “up” rather than “out,” it fits into corners or small alcoves where a traditional 4-foot long tank simply wouldn’t work.

However, the height of a 60 gallon hexagon aquarium creates a different set of environmental variables. You have more water pressure at the bottom and less surface area at the top compared to a standard 60-gallon breeder.

This verticality is a dream for certain species. If you’ve ever wanted to see tall plants swaying in the current or long-finned fish gliding majestically, this is the tank for you.

Understanding the Dimensions

Before you buy, it is crucial to check your hexagon aquarium dimensions to ensure you have the right space. A 60-gallon hex is typically around 27 inches wide and nearly 30 inches tall.

This height means you need to think about how you will reach the bottom for maintenance. I always recommend keeping a long pair of aquascaping tongs and a sturdy step stool nearby!

Essential Equipment for a 60 Gallon Hexagon Aquarium

Because of the depth, standard “off-the-shelf” equipment often falls short. You need tools designed to handle the vertical water column and ensure your fish stay healthy.

Filtration and Gaseous Exchange

In a tall tank, gaseous exchange is limited because the surface area is small relative to the volume of water. Oxygen enters at the surface, but in a deep tank, that oxygen has a long way to travel to reach the bottom.

To combat this, I highly recommend canister filtration. A high-quality canister filter for 60 gallon aquarium setups will provide the necessary turnover to keep the water oxygenated from top to bottom.

You might also consider adding an air stone or a small powerhead near the bottom. This breaks the surface tension and prevents “dead zones” where waste can accumulate and oxygen levels drop.

Heating and Thermal Stratification

One common issue with tall tanks is vertical thermal stratification. This is a fancy way of saying the water at the top is warm while the water at the bottom stays chilly.

To ensure even heat, I suggest using a 200-watt submersible heater placed horizontally near the bottom of the tank, or right next to the filter intake. This allows the rising heat and the filter’s flow to distribute warmth evenly.

If you aren’t sure about the power requirements, checking a guide on aquarium heater watts per gallon can help you fine-tune your climate control for different room temperatures.

Lighting and PAR Depth Penetration

Lighting a deep tank is perhaps the biggest challenge. Standard LED strips often lose their intensity before they reach the substrate. This is known as PAR depth penetration.

If you plan on growing live plants, you need a high-output LED fixture. Look for lights specifically marketed for “deep” or “high” tanks to ensure your foreground plants don’t starve for light.

Mastering Vertical Aquascaping

The tall walls of a 60 gallon hexagon aquarium are a blank canvas for vertical creativity. Instead of thinking horizontally, you need to think in layers: foreground, midground, and background (which is usually the center in a hex).

Using Hardscape to Create Height

Don’t just lay rocks on the bottom. Use tall pieces of Spider Wood or Manzanita Driftwood that reach toward the surface. This provides a structure for your fish to swim around and a place to attach epiphytes.

Stacking Dragon Stone or Seiryu Stone into a central pillar can also create a stunning “island” effect. This allows fish to circle the center of the tank, providing 360-degree viewing.

Selecting the Right Plants

You want plants that naturally grow tall and narrow. Here are my top picks for a 60-gallon hex:

• Vallisneria gigantea: Also known as Jungle Val, these long blades will reach the surface and trail across the top, creating a beautiful jungle look.
• Echinodorus amazonicus: The Amazon Sword is a classic choice. Its broad leaves fill the mid-section of the tank perfectly.
• Anubias on Driftwood: Since the bottom might be dim, attaching Anubias to the higher branches of your driftwood ensures they get enough light.

Stocking Your Vertical Oasis

Not every fish is suited for a tall, narrow environment. You want species that utilize the entire water column or those that prefer vertical swimming space.

The Stars: Angelfish and Gouramis

The 60 gallon hexagon aquarium is perhaps the most iconic home for Pterophyllum scalare (Angelfish). Their tall, thin bodies are perfectly evolved for navigating through vertical plants and wood.

Another fantastic choice is the Trichopodus leerii (Pearl Gourami). These fish are peaceful, stunningly beautiful, and tend to hang out in the upper and middle layers of the tank.

Schooling Fish for Depth

To add movement, consider a large school of Rummy Nose Tetras or Cardinal Tetras. Because the tank is deep, a school of 20-30 fish swimming together creates a shimmering “cloud” effect that looks incredible in a hexagon.

Bottom Dwellers

Don’t forget the cleanup crew! Corydoras catfish or a Bristlenose Pleco will keep the substrate and glass clean. Just ensure you are using a high-quality sinking pellet to feed them, as they won’t always see food floating at the surface.

Maintenance and Safety Tips

Owning a 60 gallon hexagon aquarium requires a bit of extra care during the weekly water change. Here is a quick checklist to keep your tank running smoothly.

Use a High-Quality Stand

A 60-gallon tank weighs over 500 pounds when full. Never place it on standard furniture. A dedicated hexagonal aquarium stand is designed to distribute that weight evenly across the frame.

Cleaning the Deep Zones

Algae can be harder to reach in a tall tank. I recommend a magnetic glass cleaner with a strong magnet to handle the thick glass and deep reach. For the very bottom, an extra-long gravel vacuum is a must.

Monitoring Water Parameters

Because the surface area is smaller, ammonia or nitrite spikes can become dangerous more quickly than in a long tank. I suggest testing your water weekly to ensure your Canister filtration is keeping up with the bio-load.

Unique Value: Vertical Tank Success Checklist

To help you get started, here is a quick reference table for setting up your 60-gallon hex:

| Feature | Recommendation | Why? | | :— | :— | :— | | Filter Type | Canister Filter | Better flow and oxygenation for deep water. | | Heater | 200W Submersible | Prevents cold spots at the bottom. | | Substrate | 2-3 inches of Aqua Soil | Supports heavy rooters like Amazon Swords. | | Key Fish | Angelfish (P. scalare) | Their body shape thrives in vertical space. | | Key Plant | Vallisneria gigantea | Provides natural height and cover. | | Maintenance | Long-reach Tongs | Essential for planting in 30″ deep water. |

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 60 gallon hexagon aquarium good for beginners?

Yes, it is manageable for beginners, but it requires more thought regarding lighting and filtration than a standard tank. If you are willing to invest in a good canister filter and tall plants, it is a very rewarding project.

Can I keep African Cichlids in a hex tank?

Generally, no. African Cichlids are highly territorial and need horizontal “floor space” to establish boundaries. A hexagon tank’s small footprint often leads to increased aggression in cichlid communities.

How many Angelfish can fit in a 60-gallon hex?

You can comfortably keep a pair or a small group of 4 Angelfish. Since they can be territorial when spawning, providing plenty of tall plants and driftwood to break lines of sight is essential.

What is the best way to prevent algae at the bottom?

Since the bottom receives less light, algae is usually less of a problem there. However, if you have high-intensity lights for your plants, make sure you have enough “cleaner” species like Amano shrimp or Nerite snails to manage the biofilm.

Conclusion

The 60 gallon hexagon aquarium is a unique and rewarding challenge for any aquarist. It forces you to think differently about space, light, and movement, resulting in a display that is truly a work of art.

By focusing on gaseous exchange, choosing the right canister filtration, and selecting fish like Pterophyllum scalare that thrive in tall environments, you can create a healthy and vibrant underwater world.

Remember, the key to success with a vertical tank is patience and the right tools. Once your plants start reaching for the surface and your fish begin to explore every level of the water column, you’ll realize why the hexagon is such a beloved choice in the hobby. Happy fishkeeping!