Looking for some input thoughts on Tank Size

[Chris Adams]

Have a couple tank sizes in mind but not settled on dimensions. Which 1 would you go with.

If you love your 120 48x24x24 let me know as that was originally what I was looking at.

Then of course I have debate width and length which got me to the 150 sizes

No not going bigger

 

[JPSika08]

I say the bigger the better!

 

[jsker]

I am going with the 150 wide. I really like the rimless tanks and when I change it will be a rimless with a ghost overflow

 

[Duke4Life]

I voted 150 long because I prefer more running room for my fish. Btw a top cover of some sort is a must unless you have a canopy covering. Carpet Surfing!

 

[michellejy]

I had a 120, and with the canopy, it was definitely a pain for me to get to the bottom. I wish I had opted for the shorter/longer 125 gallon.

 

[Chris Adams]

Keep the info coming people all good thoughts. Ya I can make a screen cover which I have used on other tanks or may consider those fancy ones that I keep seeing people mention on here.

There will be no canopy. Will be an LED/t5 build. DYI setup but this is only in planning process. Going to take time.

 

[Cment]

If you originally wanted a 120 (48x24x24) then go with the extra length to the 150. I do love wide tanks but in this case 25.5 is plenty wide.

 

[zoomonster]

Well to state the obvious its really about what works for you. But tank size according to me

1) Bigger is always better (to a point) for the space to add more stuff . Simple rule is that whatever you buy you will wish it was bigger eventually.
2) Longer is better for the fish to swim and establish territory
3) Go easy on the depth of the tank. It complicates maintenance and lighting. Mine at 27" is a bit of a pain.

I have a 200g and wish I had of gone a little larger but that's a given. What I really wish I had of done is gone with a width of at least 30 instead of 24 and maybe a little shallower than 27. Mine is 72x24x27.

 

[jsker]

@Chris Adams sapphire glass too

 

[120reefkeeper]

I like the 120 little less cost involved, think about it. If your looking to go bigger I'd pass on the 150 and jump higher, much higher. The price point on equipment and lighting goes up a lot after you go past a 4ft tank. If your looking to get your biggest bang for the buck on a large tank get the biggest 6ft you can. If money is more of an issue then I'd hold up at the 120. Just my .02....

 

[bobman]

I agree with the rest on the 150. I have a 150 48x24x30 and I like it. If I had to get another tank I would go back to a 180 for the extra length. Everything zoomonster said is true especially with deeper tanks lighting can be a pain but I love the depth. You will hear a lot of cuss words in my house though when a coral gets knocked to the dirt however in most cases a 12 dollar grabber from homedepot is worth every penny and will do the trick. If not you will wish for some scuba gear lol

 

[PatW]

Either of the 150 gallon tanks. The depth of the wide really works for aquascaping.

The extra 12" of the long allows you to have small tangs. Longer tanks help cut down aggression. Fish have a bit more room to get away from each other and more room to sort things out.

Both tanks have clear advantages over the standard

 

[Chris Adams]

ya height will be 24". Have a 19" tall tank now and like that little additional depth.

 

[saltyhog]

I voted for the 150 long but my favorite size is the one DSA made when they were in business. It was a 72x24 that was 21" tall (155 gallon). It also had a single overflow with 5 holes (2 for returns and 3 drains for a BeanAnimal)

 

[Cment]

I voted for the 150 long but my favorite size is the one DSA made when they were in business. It was a 72x24 that was 21" tall (155 gallon). It also had a single overflow with 5 holes (2 for returns and 3 drains for a BeanAnimal)

Man I agree with you! DSA had some of the best dimensions for standard tanks. So disappointed they are no longer around.

 

[Chris Adams]

Thanks to those that replied. 1 of my daughters also said the 60 x 25.5 x 24 so it looks like I will go in that direction.

 

[Crixus]

If you are looking at 5 Foot tanks, you might as well go the extra and get a 6 foot.

 

[Chris Adams]

With the 60" I think I can get away with 2 hydra 52 and 4x T5 retro kit and possibly 6 x T5. I have had a 72" 125 and a 135 in the past and don't want to go that long. Plus that really would require added lighting. This will be mixed reef allowing me to combine my 2 other tanks into 1.