How do you decide on aquarium height?

[PR_nano]

I know this is a very subjective question but I'm trying to understand what are some factors that make you decide on the aquarium height.

To preface, this question came as a result of my initial research for an upgrade tank. I currently have a Nuvo 20 (23Lx 15Wx 13H). I'm looking at (36L x 22-24W x unknown H). The more I look at different tanks the more I realize I like the shallow looks of tanks in the 16-20 range. For example I went to an LFS and saw a Red Sea Reefer 300xl one I been considering and seems too tall at 22H.

 

[KrisReef]

Shallow tanks can be constructed with thinner walls as the water pressure is lower in shallow tanks. Helps keep the cost low.

The deep tank is more impressive imo, but light penetration at depth impacts the cost of lighting options.

If you like shallow- get shallow! I have a reef flat that has 18 inches of water depth and 28 inches view depth( front to back) and 48 x 18.

it’s mostly obscured from the side as I like top down surface viewing. Myself. Drives my friends and family crazy so I scrape portholes for viewing from the side!

Get what you want, hth!

 

[Wasabiroot]

I wouldn't personally go deeper than 24 inches unless it's a drop-off tank. The inability to reach the bottom is annoying. I have the Tunze grabber for my wife but I think depth is more important.

 

[PR_nano]

The deep tank is more impressive imo, but light penetration at depth impacts the cost of lighting options

Thanks for the input, Kris. I agree, when I go to the LFS I see the massive display tanks and look at awe. However, I don't see myself with a huge display for multiple reasons mainly manageable and cost. The lightning is also a great point especially for cost (light requirements and operational cost). I like the viewing points you mentioned.

 

[PR_nano]

I wouldn't personally go deeper than 24 inches unless it's a drop-off tank. The inability to reach the bottom is annoying. I have the Tunze grabber for my wife but I think depth is more important.

Thanks for the input and I agree. I personally don't see myself getting a 24" H a 22" seems tall when seeing in person but I haven't completely discarded as a possibility. I'm glad there are multiple LFS here and I can see the different options in person.

 

[The Farmer]

I go for the looks, be a little miserable during maintenance is a small price to pay when you can just walk up to the tank and get lost in the sauce!! Lol

 

[Wasabiroot]

For sure. To be fair, a deeper tank is absolutely maintainable, but it gets more difficult if it's eurobraced or on a higher stand. My 240g is eurobraced in my basement and on a custom stand i made so that the tank is eye height (I'm 6'5). It looks great but darn do I hate the acrylic cutting into my armpit as I attempt to reach the bottom. I'm sure if it was waist height it'd be manageable.

 

[zpete3323]

My rule of thumb is a long as I can reach the back bottom seam with my fingertips while standing flat-footed in front of the tank I'll be happier/more likely to keep up on maintenence. For me that number sits at around 24" front to back and 16-17" tall. Narrower tank front to back would lend me more height

 

[Big Smelly fish]

To me the ideal height is 26 to 30 inches. Like a big screen tv I want the most viewing area possible. Right now all my tank are shorter and I miss the extra height. Cleaning isn’t a problem for me . Long arm and I can get it done.

 

[musicreef]

I just received my Waterbox Frag tank and it took me a little while to decide between the Reef (at 21.7" H) and the Frag (16"H) models. There is a difference in price between the two but that wasn't a consideration. I currently have a 75gal. tank which is 48"L x18"W x 20"H and it sits on a 33"tall stand. I am 5'8" tall and when I clean the tank, I can reach the front of the tank okay but anything from the middle to the back I have to get a step stool and my snorkel gear to reach. With either of the models I considered the width is almost 24" which would have made it harder still to reach the back.
If you are not too tall, like me, and like to wear deodorant, I would not get a very deep tank.

 

[jda]

I like to view top-down, so stand height, tank height and also open top with pendants are all paramount to me.

I have a taller tank too - tall tank and 27 inches high. Even though I am over 6 feet, I have a three step folding ladder with tray that I use to work in it. I have a a few grabbers and long tweezers too. I mostly have fish in this tank, but I do like it.

 

[PR_nano]

Thanks for the input and insight guys. Out of the couple tanks I'm considering the top two contender are 36*22*22 and 36*24*16. Going to keep checking out more options and visit a few more LFS. One carries 36*24*21 models.

 

[Arego]

How wet do you feel like getting doing maintenance. If you want water volume increase the sump.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I just received my Waterbox Frag tank and it took me a little while to decide between the Reef (at 21.7" H) and the Frag (16"H) models. There is a difference in price between the two but that wasn't a consideration. I currently have a 75gal. tank which is 48"L x18"W x 20"H and it sits on a 33"tall stand. I am 5'8" tall and when I clean the tank, I can reach the front of the tank okay but anything from the middle to the back I have to get a step stool and my snorkel gear to reach. With either of the models I considered the width is almost 24" which would have made it harder still to reach the back.
If you are not too tall, like me, and like to wear deodorant, I would not get a very deep tank.

I have the same issues. How do you like the WB Frag tank?

 

[Wasabiroot]

Thanks for the input and insight guys. Out of the couple tanks I'm considering the top two contender are 36*22*22 and 36*24*16. Going to keep checking out more options and visit a few more LFS. One carries 36*24*21 models.

Option 3 would be what I'd pick. But it's your tank! Pick whatever one makes you the happiest.

 

[musicreef]

I have the same issues. How do you like the WB Frag tank?

I haven't set it up yet, it's still in the crate in my garage but it does look very nice and it was expertly packaged. I assembled the stand and it seems pretty sturdy. I'm waiting on some help for setup as it's going to be a one day tank swap, wish me luck.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I haven't set it up yet, it's still in the crate in my garage but it does look very nice and it was expertly packaged. I assembled the stand and it seems pretty sturdy. I'm waiting on some help for setup as it's going to be a one day tank swap, wish me luck.

Good luck

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Great question! I think for me it is the combination of the following factors in this order:

1. Looks
2. Ease of maintenance
3. Added water volume

These all rate pretty closely for me, and all are factored in, but this is the order of priority for consideration. So...if I don't like the way something looks, the other 2 won't matter. However, if I can't maintain the tank, it won't matter how good it might look initially, I'll end up neglecting maintenance (resulting in the tank being unhealthy) so that still factors in pretty high, and then the last of these is the additional water volume/swimming room.

 

[Koh23]

Think big.....

Yes, it's pain to reach bottom on higher tanks, but, it's worth imho....

As wide and high as budget allows (primary thick glass price), i went from 150x50x60 to 132x62x62, and, i don't miss 18cm in length, but 10cm in width is big difference.....

 

[rtparty]

I absolutely love the look of a tall tank with plenty of room above the reef for fish to swim. I absolutely hate the maintenance and will never have a tank over 22" tall again.

My 120 is 24" tall and a total pain to do anything in. Having a canopy doesn't help either.

My new custom tank is 22" tall and I am finding that to be a great height for maintenance. Keep the rock low (which I prefer anyway) and leaves plenty of room above the reef for fish.