72 inch or 84 inch tank?

[Pete Paschall]

I am currently in the planning phase of my next tank build, and can't seem to settle on the length that I want. I am leaning toward 84 inches, because bigger is "better" but am wondering if there is any advantage (other than cost of the tank) that a 72 inch tank provides. I am especially interested in the logistics of lighting an 84 inch tank as opposed to a 72 inch tank. Thanks for any input!

Pete

 

[James G]

Following as I am in the same situation

 

[ca1ore]

If you have the space, and the budget, go 84”. It’s really a no brainer to me to get the largest tank you can fit - across all three dimensions. If you are going mass market, 84” options are limited to the marineland 265 whereas everybody makes a variety of 72” tanks. I ran the ML265 for a while and liked it.

Going from 72” to 84” doesn’t necessarily mean you need more lights, just means you may have to plan your aquascape a little differently at the ends. When I sold off my 265, I went to a much larger tank - 96x36x30. I did have to add another light to go from 84” to 96” in length (whereas I did not going 72” to 84”), but not in going 24” to 36” in depth.

 

[Crystal clear]

Go big, you won’t regret it!

 

[sde1500]

84. If it fits into can’t think of a downside

 

[symon_say]

Go with the 84", I was gonna build a 84x30x24 tank, but found an offer on a 72x28x24 I couldn't let pass.

If I'm going with a new tank it will be 84" or 96".