Looking at new tanks.... too shallow?

[Jon Fishman]

I am pricing out a new tank (tossing between glass/acrylic, but that's for another day)

I'm looking at a 96L x 18W x 12" tall

I'm concerned the 12" depth (it's rimless, so probably less!) would be a problem for some corals...... it's basically a really long frag tank.

I know I currently have a bubble-tip that stretches > 12" but figured I could rehome him, or he'd just 'adapt' but my concern is, would green slimers, or acros or other branching corals not be good in a tank that shallow?

My idea was to grow plating-covering/non branching things on rocks, and most others coming from the sand-bed. Has anyone seen a successful dedicated reef-tank that shallow though?

I know it will eliminate some fish I could otherwise keep in a standard 125gL, but that's o.k.

For the price, this configuration works best for me (although I could go 18" tall and 12" deep, but I know there is no way to run a tank that narrow)

Obviously just "spending more" and going 18 deep AND tall is best, but I would have to find one used!

 

[dantimdad]

I am thinking at some point, it becomes a top down tank. I would think that fast growing sticks like BGS would poke out of the water in a matter of months.

 

[Jon Fishman]

I should point out, the plan was to build a riser-type setup, so the tank would be somewhat "high" when in plain sight, but to walk up to it, it would definitely be similar to a "view from above" frag tank..... hopefully I can find a happy median to make it work.