Am I Limited By A Shallow Reef Tank?

Genomecop · Jul 3, 2018

In my quest to finally have a tank I've decided on a shallow one. 48 long, 24 wide, 12 high. Does this in any way limit me to a certain fish size? Can I have a tang in this tank? I know my vertical scape will not be the same as a deeper tank but I think I can make it work.
I'm pretty sure I'm going to have the tank built so I could go a little higher on the height.
Thanks!

Palyzoa · Jul 3, 2018

It would limit your fish options, especially with tangs. Most tangs require a 75g and up.

Genomecop · Jul 3, 2018

Palyzoa said:
It would limit your fish options, especially with tangs. Most tangs require a 75g and up.

Well thats giving me about 60 gallons. 14 inches high will give me about 70.

1Clown · Jul 3, 2018

Palyzoa said:
It would limit your fish options, especially with tangs. Most tangs require a 75g and up.

You can have a 75g tank with a footprint of 12" by 12", doesn't mean its now suitable for a tang based on the gallon size since it'll be tall. In my opinion the swimming space is what's most important for a tang and to me your tank OP seems fine.

Genomecop · Jul 3, 2018

1Clown said:
You can have a 75g tank with a footprint of 12" by 12", doesn't mean its now suitable for a tang based on the gallon size since it'll be tall. In my opinion the swimming space is what's most important for a tang and to me your tank OP seems fine.

Oh thanks.

Venator · Jul 3, 2018

I enjoy shallow tanks a lot more than tall ones, and +1 to what 1Clown said; a tang should be fine as long as it’s one of the somewhat smaller ones. Can’t wauit to see the tank, good luck!

Twolabs443 · Jul 3, 2018

I’m by no means an expert on this, but I have been researching tank sizes and dimensions a bit as part of construction planning for a new home, and am actually quite fond of shallow tanks. Is the tank going to be a FOWLR or a reef tank? I ask because it seems that one of the major drawbacks to going with a shallow tank is it can make it difficult to have a mixed reef. With the shallow depth it is hard to have high enough intensity light for most SPS without blasting any LPS/ Spfties you might want to try and keep down low or on the sand. One possible way around that would be to have different light “zones” for the tank, with lights set to lower outputs for sections you wanted to try and keep LPS and softies. Just some rambling thoughts of mine...

ssky · Jul 3, 2018

Shallow tanks are great. Easy to clean and not to mention, you don't need to buy very powerful lights. Looking forward for a great build

Daniel@R2R · Jul 3, 2018

Having a shallow tank definitely should limit your fish selection somewhat (though exactly how much is more subjective than precisely scientific). You'll need to look at how large the fish can get and determine if there's enough room for them to move around adequately (I'd stay away from most tangs) and it would also probably limit fish that are typically jumpers to a degree (I'd probably not add any large wrasses). As I said, this is ultimately subjective, but I'd definitely suggest knowing your planned fish's size potential and behavior before adding.

Another tip is to make check out some tanks with similar dimensions and see what they've stocked with. It may help give you ideas.

HTH and good luck with the tank! Shallow tanks can be awesome!

Genomecop · Jul 3, 2018

I will DEFINITELY have a lid. Quick question, getting quotes they are asking how many drains and returns and what size bulkheads? I want two drains and one return? and bulkhead?
Thanks.
OH, lights I'm going to suspend so intensity should not be a problem.

Venator · Jul 3, 2018

If you have a shallow, managing flow will definitely be easier. Is it a peninsula? I would do two outtakes, so to maximize flow across the whole surface area, but that’s just my advice. Can’t wait to see the tank! Good luck!

Genomecop · Jul 3, 2018

Yes Peninsula. Funny thing is I just realized my coffee table is the size of the tank...except its 15 high. I think this would make a great tank. What says everyone?