Why do they do this? I think tanks that are wider than tall are easier to scape and look cooler (IMHO). Discuss.

For example... Ecopico 5, Fluval, Nuvo, JBJ (coming out).

They're colluding with light manufacturers to force you to buy more powerful lights!

i think the idea is to get as much into as little space as you can get.. i agree with the OP , i like wider versus taller also but everyone has either a differences in taste or space...

I agree. I think it is because a lot of people do nanos because of space. If it is wider it takes up more space. So they make them taller then they have a larger tank in the same amount of floor space. I am surprised there aren't some taller tanks out there. The aio format is just popular right now. It works and is a simpler setup compared to a separate sump. So the new styles come out aio, & taller.

I think they make them taller to have a greater viewing area.

Logistics.

Huh. I guess it's about the footprint on your desk, then

@dmarkham... you mean greater viewing area for a given footprint, right? I would much rather have a tank that is 12 inches wide and 8 inches tall than 8 inches wide and 12 inches tall (assuming the same depth). But that's just me.

Yes that is what I mean. I would assume that is part of it. Most of the AIO have a fresh water version also. That may have something to do with it since they would most likely be used for a planted tank.

It's more expensive to ship, stock and manufacture non-standard sizes.
We're a niche.
Shallow tanks are a niche in a niche.

Good one.

I'm all for more shallow AIO options.
I think it's just a basic supply/demand situation.