Hey alto. Thanks a million. I am not worried about the viewing area. Perhaps I can get an underwater camera one day.
The tank that got bust the last time had sat dry in the previous owner so was definitely a bad idea buying it. I was very close to giving away all my fish. I just can't part with the loaches to be honest.
The affinity pools are really nice but not what I am looking for. I am not mad about the look and the liner inside. It doesn't sound leak proof or rigid to me at all. I've had enough from 4 corner tanks. Those things have got multiple corners
. And one can do a DIY tank like that for a lot less.
I want a preformed one piece heavy duty plastic container. And I really like the round shape. I just feel like trying something different too. The loaches may not get their recommended min 180 length but 60cm width is pretty narrow for large fish long term too. 60cm height is also pretty much the minimum height for small clown loaches. I can't imagine that being enough for adult clowns. My large loach tried to do a vertical swim in the 5 footer, but being too shallow, a 50cm tall tank, he nearly got out of it. They'll enjoy the extra bit of depth.
Unless fish get dizzy when swimming in circles, the perimeter gives a possible length of 380cm to infinity theoretically. In a rectangular 6f tank they get 180 cm. Do fish get dizzy swimming in circles? I don't know... But apparently the round shape is good for fish that like flow. It is also easier to keep clean via filtration due to the gunk settling right in the middle. It does not develop dead areas like rectangular tanks do. And the large surface area will help as well.
So round I go lads
It's just a matter of time now..