60 Gallon Hexagon Fish Tank – The Ultimate Guide To A Stunning Vertica
Do you feel like your standard rectangular aquarium is missing that certain “wow” factor in your living room? You are not alone, as many hobbyists eventually look for a centerpiece that breaks the mold of traditional glass boxes.
I promise that by the end of this guide, you will have a clear, actionable plan to set up and maintain a thriving 60 gallon hexagon fish tank that looks professional and keeps your aquatic friends happy. We will cover everything from filtration challenges to the best fish species for vertical swimming spaces.
In the following sections, we will dive into the unique physics of tall tanks, explore creative aquascaping techniques, and tackle the specific maintenance needs of a 60 gallon hexagon fish tank setup. Let’s get started on turning that empty corner into a vibrant underwater world!
Understanding the Unique Shape of a 60 Gallon Hexagon Fish Tank
The first thing you notice about this aquarium is its striking verticality and six-sided symmetry. Unlike a standard 60-gallon “breeder” or “long” tank, the 60 gallon hexagon fish tank takes up a much smaller footprint, making it the perfect choice for tight corners or as a room divider.
However, this height comes with a trade-off: reduced surface area. In the aquarium world, surface area is where gas exchange happens, allowing oxygen to enter the water and carbon dioxide to escape. Because a hexagon tank is narrow and tall, you have less surface area relative to the total volume of water.
Don’t let this discourage you! It simply means we need to be more intentional about our equipment and stocking choices. When you understand how water moves in a tall column, you can create a 60 gallon hexagon fish tank environment that is just as healthy as any horizontal setup.
The Vertical Advantage
The height of these tanks allows you to create stunning visual layers. You can have bottom-dwellers foraging in the sand, mid-water schoolers darting through tall plants, and top-dwellers hanging out near the surface.
This verticality also allows for dramatic hardscaping. You can use tall pieces of driftwood or stacked stones that would never fit in a standard 20 or 29-gallon tank. It’s a literal playground for creative aquarists.
Essential Equipment for Deep Water Columns
Setting up a 60 gallon hexagon fish tank requires a bit more thought than a shallow tank because you are dealing with water pressure and light penetration issues. You want to ensure that the bottom of the tank receives as much care as the top.
Filtration Strategies
For a tank of this depth, I highly recommend a canister filter over a standard hang-on-back (HOB) model. A canister filter allows you to position the intake near the bottom and the output near the top, ensuring that water is being pulled from the lowest, “deadest” zones of the tank.
If you do choose an HOB filter, make sure it has an extension tube for the intake. You want to avoid a situation where the top 10 inches of water are perfectly filtered while the bottom 20 inches remain stagnant and full of debris.
Lighting for Depth
Light loses its intensity as it travels through water. In a 60 gallon hexagon fish tank, the distance from the light fixture to the substrate can be 24 inches or more. Standard “kit” lights usually won’t cut it if you want to grow live plants.
Look for high-PAR LED fixtures specifically designed for deep tanks. If you aren’t planning on a high-tech planted setup, standard LEDs are fine, but for lush growth, you’ll need something with a punchier beam to reach those low-light plants at the bottom.
Heating and Circulation
Heat rises, which can lead to “cold spots” at the bottom of a tall tank. I always suggest using two smaller heaters rather than one large one. Place one near the filter intake and another on the opposite side to ensure an even temperature throughout the column.
Additionally, adding a small powerhead or wavemaker near the bottom can help push debris toward the filter intake and keep the water well-oxygenated. This is a pro-tip that many beginners overlook!
Aquascaping for Height: Building a Vertical Masterpiece
When decorating your 60 gallon hexagon fish tank, think vertically. If you just put a few small rocks on the bottom, the top 70% of your tank will look empty and boring. We want to fill that visual space!
Choosing the Right Hardscape
Spider Wood and Manzanita Wood are your best friends here. Their long, spindly branches can reach from the substrate all the way to the water’s surface, creating a “tree-like” effect. This provides excellent hiding spots for fish and a structure for attaching epiphytic plants.
If you prefer stone, consider stacking slate or dragon stone to create a central pillar. Just be sure to use aquarium-safe epoxy or silicone to secure the rocks. You don’t want a “rock-slide” inside your glass hexagon!
Plant Selection for Tall Tanks
Since the bottom of the tank gets less light, you should choose your plants wisely. Here are some of my favorite picks for a tall setup:
- Background: Vallisneria americana (Jungle Val) is perfect because its leaves can grow 3 feet long, flowing across the surface.
- Mid-ground: Amazon Swords provide broad, green leaves that fill out the middle sections beautifully.
- Hardscape Attachments: Anubias and Java Fern can be glued to wood at different heights, ensuring they get enough light even if the bottom is shaded.
- Foreground: Stick with low-light options like Cryptocoryne beckettii or Marsilea hirsuta (Dwarf Water Clover).
Best Fish Species for Hexagonal Environments
Stocking a 60 gallon hexagon fish tank requires a different mindset than stocking a long tank. You want fish that prefer vertical movement or “hovering” rather than high-speed horizontal sprinters like Giant Danios or large Rainbowfish.
The Perfect Centerpiece: Angelfish
In my opinion, Angelfish are the absolute kings of the hexagon tank. Their tall, thin bodies are evolutionarily designed to glide through vertical structures. A pair of well-bred Angelfish will make your tank look like a moving piece of art.
Because they aren’t fast swimmers, they won’t feel “cramped” by the shorter horizontal distance. Just be sure to provide them with plenty of tall plants or wood to retreat into if they feel stressed.
Adding Life to the Middle and Bottom
To complement your centerpiece, consider these “layer-specific” residents:
- Mid-Water: A large school of Rummy Nose Tetras or Cardinal Tetras. They tend to stay in a tight group and will move up and down the water column together.
- Bottom-Dwellers: Corydoras Catfish are a must. They are incredibly social and will spend their days “sifting” the sand at the bottom. Kuhli Loaches are also a fun, “noodly” addition for the bottom crevices.
- The Clean-up Crew: Otocinclus Catfish and Nerite Snails will help keep the glass and leaves free of algae.
Species to Avoid
Avoid fish that need long “running” room. Bala Sharks, Silver Dollars, and Tinfoil Barbs are poor choices for a hexagon tank. They are fast, nervous swimmers that can injure themselves by hitting the glass when they can’t find a long straightaway to swim.
Overcoming Common Maintenance Hurdles
I’ll be honest with you—maintenance on a 60 gallon hexagon fish tank can be a bit of a workout for your arms! Because these tanks are deep, reaching the bottom to vacuum the gravel or plant a new sprout can be tricky.
Tools for the Tall Tank
Invest in a long-handled algae scraper and a set of extra-long aquascaping tweezers (12-18 inches). These will save you from having to submerge your entire shoulder every time you need to move a pebble.
For water changes, a Python No-Spill Clean and Fill system is a lifesaver. It uses faucet pressure to siphon water out and push fresh water back in, which is much easier than hauling 5-gallon buckets up to the height of a hexagon stand.
Managing Gas Exchange
As we mentioned earlier, the surface area is smaller in this tank. To prevent your fish from gasping at the surface, make sure your filter outlet creates surface agitation. If the water surface is “rippling,” oxygen is being mixed in.
If you notice your fish hanging out at the very top of the tank, it’s a sign that oxygen levels are low. Adding an air stone or a decorative bubble wall is a quick and effective way to fix this while adding a bit of visual flair.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide for Your Hexagon
Ready to get started? Follow these steps to ensure a smooth launch for your new aquarium:
- Level the Stand: Hexagon tanks exert a lot of pressure on a small footprint. Ensure your stand is 100% level to prevent the glass from stressing or cracking over time.
- Add Substrate: Use 2-3 inches of nutrient-rich soil if you want plants, or a high-quality sand for a clean look.
- Place Hardscape: Position your tallest wood or rocks first. Remember, the 60 gallon hexagon fish tank is viewed from many sides, so try to make it look good from at least three different angles!
- Install Equipment: Set up your canister filter pipes, heaters, and air lines. Don’t turn them on yet!
- Fill Slowly: Place a dinner plate on the substrate and pour water onto it to avoid disturbing your hardscape and making a muddy mess.
- Cycle the Tank: This is the most important step. Use a bottled bacteria starter or “ghost feed” the tank with fish food for 2-4 weeks until your water tests show zero ammonia and nitrites.
- Introduce Fish: Add your fish slowly, starting with the hardiest species first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 60 gallon hexagon fish tank harder to maintain than a regular tank?
It’s not necessarily “harder,” but it is different. The main challenges are reaching the bottom for cleaning and ensuring proper light penetration for plants. With the right tools (long tweezers and a good scraper), it becomes second nature.
Can I keep Goldfish in a hexagon tank?
I generally recommend against it. Goldfish produce a lot of waste and require high oxygen levels. Since a 60 gallon hexagon fish tank has less surface area for oxygen, and Goldfish grow quite large and bulky, they are much better suited for long, shallow tanks.
How many fish can I put in a 60 gallon hexagon?
Because of the reduced surface area, you should stock slightly lighter than you would in a 60-gallon long tank. A good rule of thumb is to focus on the quality of the display rather than the quantity of fish. Start with a centerpiece pair and two small schools of 10-12 fish each.
Do hexagon tanks leak more often?
Modern hexagon tanks are built with high-quality silicone and tempered glass. As long as the tank is perfectly level on a dedicated aquarium stand, it is no more likely to leak than a rectangular tank. Never place a 60-gallon tank on regular furniture!
Conclusion: Is the Hexagon Right for You?
The 60 gallon hexagon fish tank is a magnificent choice for the aquarist who wants a unique, space-saving, and visually arresting display. While it requires a bit of extra planning regarding filtration, lighting, and fish selection, the payoff is a 360-degree view of a thriving underwater ecosystem.
By focusing on vertical hardscaping and choosing species like Angelfish that thrive in tall environments, you can create an aquarium that is truly the talk of your home. Remember to keep your tools long, your surface agitated, and your water cycled!
Happy fishkeeping! If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other deep-dives into aquarium equipment and plant care here at Aquifarm. We are here to help you succeed every step of the way.
