Arggg... dunno what to do for a tank.

FiReBReTHa · Apr 12, 2009

I am rocking a 24g and I lubz the soft corals and zoas. I have a couple of clowns and a mandrin.

I have always been interested in keeping larger fish, but its not a priority for me.

I want to order a new tank, 48" x 18 but I cant decide on a height. I am consistently modifying things in my tank so I wasnt sure what to do.

Arrhggg....

What do you guys think?

macawmagic · Apr 12, 2009

get a 120 if you can fit the 24 width...u'll be MUCH happier!!! I've got a 75 and regret not getting the 120!!!

Ladipyg · Apr 12, 2009

Rick...I'm getting ready to set up my 120 as soon as my son can get a friend or 2 to help him carry it down the stairs. You can buy my bowfront set up...you've seen it before but it's 36" not 48"...depends on if it would work for you.

returnofsid · Apr 12, 2009

If height of tank is your only stipulation, I'd go shallower. Shallower tanks will allow for better light penetration, allowing you to grow a wider variety of corals.

FiReBReTHa · Apr 12, 2009

Ladipyg said:
Rick...I'm getting ready to set up my 120 as soon as my son can get a friend or 2 to help him carry it down the stairs.

I am likely going starfire since I love photography and I feel its worth the investment and rimless.

Cough cough... too bad you didnt know a guy who used to be a mover and works for frags....... (jK) I just need to know in advance cause I need to buy a new set of mechanix gloves

dunno where mine went.

Gotta be 18" the stand I built is 23" and I am very aesteticly concious

Elan · Apr 12, 2009

yea, youll want to get a 120 within a couple months. go for it

laskopyre · Apr 12, 2009

I'm in that boat. Wish I would have gotten the 120.

SaraB · Apr 12, 2009

I'd go with the 21" personally. I think overall the 16" would be too shallow. I also think the 24" is too high in relation to the width and length you have chosen ... I would think it would look too much like a tall trough!

ahayes13 · Apr 12, 2009

i have to agree. go with a 120 ! i had a standard 90 and it lacked in depth and couldnt do as many intersting things with your rock etc. we put up a 120 to replace it a few months ago. and its like night and day! it is so wonderful, the best choice ive made by far !!!!!!!!

Sikryd · Apr 12, 2009

We won't go back to anything smaller than a 6ft tank unless we ABSOLUTELY have to.
There is nothing like watching the fish swim the length of the tank and having fun.
For corals it is nice as well too.

aquaman3680 · Apr 12, 2009

I love my 90 but I would look into going with a 120. I wish I would have gone with the 120 instead of the 90! The width would be nice!

Tankguy001 · Apr 13, 2009

I like shallow tanks myself, so much easier to get in it if I have to. Both my reef tanks are shallow. For fish only though I do like deeper tanks

socalmonty · Apr 13, 2009

I have a 135g (60Wx18Dx30H). If I were doing it again, I would go 24" deep and only 24 high. 30" deep is toohard to work in. I can't reach all the way to the bottom and it really has affected how I have landscaped and ended up palnning the tank.

cloakerpoked · Apr 13, 2009

I'm a huge fan of my 120. The extra 6" of depth is huge and opens up so many different options as far as your aquascape is concerned.

underwaterfirefighter · Apr 13, 2009

My wife and I bought a 90 gal the end of last summer around Aug or Sept. We already have a 120 tank, stand and canopy setting in the middle of the living room to replace it. Hopefully going to do the change over this Sat. I think you will be much happier with the 120. The 48x24 footprint allows so much more in the way of aquascaping. We have about 100# plus of live rock in the 90 right now and I cant stand it. I cant get it to look good and allow placement of corals, room for fish.
Just our opinion.
Dave

zoous · Apr 14, 2009

I agree I would go with the 120 gallon. Once I accumulate enough funds I plan on getting a 120 gal myself. Oceanic sells a 120 gal that uses starfire glass but unfortunately not rimless.

bannshy · Apr 14, 2009

I did vote for the 90 because 120 wasn't an option. I have a 120 and love it. I will be upgrading to a 6' tank within a year. I am hoping I can go 6' wide x 3' deep (front to back) x 24" tall. I want to be able to reach the bottom. If things work right I will put the one of the 3' ends on a wall with the other 3 sides viewable like a penisila.

Good luck

firsttime · Apr 14, 2009

I am in a similar situation as you are. I have a 36*18 and I am happy with it. I am looking to buy a new tank and stand as the current one I have has an outside overflow box and I want an internal one.

I would recommend the 48*18*18/21 because you will have good light penitration and also you can reach the bottom of the tank to do all the maintenence easily. Just my 2 cents.