New tank Build

[jamie callard Verified Sponsor]

So I have a wonderful 48" X18" by 24" 90 gallon tank. I got it as a start into saltwater and got bit bad by the bug. The wife and I have decided that we want to go bigger so that we can have different fish (tangs specificly) and more corals. I have a few questions and hope some experience can help answer.
First let me say I know that we are upgrading to a 8' tank as this is the space I have and wont have to upgrade again.
So question number 1) long term acrylic vs glass?
question 2 if we go glass do I need tempered?
Question 3 I know I am going 24" wide, we are torn on an 18" height or a 24"?

I know once we get going there will be more questions so plan to see more from me. Cant wait though to be able to post my build in the large tank forum.

 

[sbash]

I went through this last year when I upgraded to a 6' tank... After weighing costs and options, I ended up having the tank custom made, and is roughly a 220 gallon glass with eurobrace. I wanted the eurobrace to avoid shadowing from the cross brace on plastic bracing.

Anyway... Acrylic is nice, but expensive. I bought a second hand acrylic once and it was so cloudy, I had to give it away as a goldfish tank. Perhaps it was mistreated or simply low quality acrylic, but it certainly affected my opinion; so I would say glass is more durable, as it does not wear down like that. I also read somewhere that the algae slowly wears down the surface of acrylic. Not sure if that is actually a thing, as I have read a lot of 'opinions' which are stated as fact.

I also only tempered the side of the glass which I had drilled. The manufacturer recommended this, and based on my research the thickness of my glass was more than thick enough to withstand the pressure. I can also say, the manufacturers that temper the glass, use thinner glass overall (so perhaps the temper is needed if the glass is not super thick). So make sure the glass is at least 3/4" thick if you are not tempering.

As for the height, I would go with the higher tank. My main display is 30" high and is wonderful, I definitely recommend the 24". The height also works well for lighting, although my sandbed still gets a lot of light, I have some 'shady' areas to grow some softies, zoas and such. I keep softies and LPS in the lower third of my tank, and SPS in the top 2/3... I mention this because a shorter tank might be limiting, depending on what you are going for.

 

[jamie callard Verified Sponsor]

I went through this last year when I upgraded to a 6' tank... After weighing costs and options, I ended up having the tank custom made, and is roughly a 220 gallon glass with eurobrace. I wanted the eurobrace to avoid shadowing from the cross brace on plastic bracing.

Anyway... Acrylic is nice, but expensive. I bought a second hand acrylic once and it was so cloudy, I had to give it away as a goldfish tank. Perhaps it was mistreated or simply low quality acrylic, but it certainly affected my opinion; so I would say glass is more durable, as it does not wear down like that. I also read somewhere that the algae slowly wears down the surface of acrylic. Not sure if that is actually a thing, as I have read a lot of 'opinions' which are stated as fact.

I also only tempered the side of the glass which I had drilled. The manufacturer recommended this, and based on my research the thickness of my glass was more than thick enough to withstand the pressure. I can also say, the manufacturers that temper the glass, use thinner glass overall (so perhaps the temper is needed if the glass is not super thick). So make sure the glass is at least 3/4" thick if you are not tempering.

As for the height, I would go with the higher tank. My main display is 30" high and is wonderful, I definitely recommend the 24". The height also works well for lighting, although my sandbed still gets a lot of light, I have some 'shady' areas to grow some softies, zoas and such. I keep softies and LPS in the lower third of my tank, and SPS in the top 2/3... I mention this because a shorter tank might be limiting, depending on what you are going for.

I am having the tank custom made just need to decide on type first. Price I am finding to be about the same due to the size. I know if I go glass I am doing low iron on 3 sides. If my overflow and return holes are near the top of the tank do you still recommend tempered I understand for ppl that have the bottom glass drilled. Most tanks I am looking at are using 1/2" glass but I may look at the cost to go up the next size. I figure the thickness must be good as they offer a lifetime warranty on the tank.
As for lights I already have 3 radion G4 pro's for the tank. I was just worried about par at the lower levels. I plan to be mostly anemones and LPS the wife likes the flow better but I will still have my SPS for the color.

 

[kateater]

I would go with glass and it doesn't have to be tempered. My DSA 215G is 1/2" non tempered glass and I've had it for years with no issues. I would go with the 24" deep tank, this will give you more flexibility in your aquascape. My tank is 30" deep and I can barely reach the bottom and struggle with coral growth near the sandbed. This is frustrating so I say no deeper than 24". Also, Low iron glass is softer than regular glass so it tends to scratch easier. Just be careful cleaning near the sandbed and you shouldn't have an issue.

 

[ndrwater]

Personally, I like glass. Simplest reason is I can go at it with a razor blade if need be. Low iron is also a must when going glass. As mentioned above, thicker is better, but be prepared to go DEEP into the wallet...
As for height, go as tall as you can knowing that taller means wet armpits.
I have had both, but unless going rediculous big, I will never again have acrylic.

 

[jamie callard Verified Sponsor]

Personally, I like glass. Simplest reason is I can go at it with a razor blade if need be. Low iron is also a must when going glass. As mentioned above, thicker is better, but be prepared to go DEEP into the wallet...
As for height, go as tall as you can knowing that taller means wet armpits.
I have had both, but unless going rediculous big, I will never again have acrylic.

My budget is about $6,000 to $7,000 on this build. I have a 24" now and my wife hates when she needs to do something and I ma at work because of the depth. I am also thinking light penetration as I plan to use part of this tank to grow out and make money to support this hobby. My LFS is already willing to work with me to grow out and sell in his store.

 

[ndrwater]

I like your plan, but be prepared to throw that budget right out the window. I have a friend who just dropped $5k on his tank alone.
Just don't tell the wife I warned you...

I also have Radions on my 8' tank... 5 of them, and probably could have done 6.....

I wish you all the success in the world, and look forward to the build thread!

 

[sbash]

My budget is about $6,000 to $7,000 on this build. I have a 24" now and my wife hates when she needs to do something and I ma at work because of the depth. I am also thinking light penetration as I plan to use part of this tank to grow out and make money to support this hobby. My LFS is already willing to work with me to grow out and sell in his store.

Very true, reaching the bottom of my 30" deep is problematic. I have to lean over the tank to reach and the water is up to my shoulder. I do have 32" tongs and long pokey things to move stuff around though, that helps a lot...

As for the tempered, Marineland Deep Dimension tanks are 1/2" and not tempered (based on some quick searching). So I would think it will be fine. Also, if the manufacturer says it would be fine and they warranty the work, it is a pretty good indication it will be fine. They would not still be in business if they are selling tanks with thin glass and constantly honouring warranties...

Low iron is a good choice! It is going to look amazing!!!

 

[ndrwater]

For what it's worth, depth front to back is much more dramatic than overall height. The build I am working on now has a front to back depth of 36" and a height of 28". The odd number height is that is the height I can do and keep the pits dry...

The stand will be the same height as the current tank at 42". Plenty tall to get whatever under the stand and the added benefit of being close enough to eye level without having to bend or stoop to see into the tank.

 

[jamie callard Verified Sponsor]

I have not even thought about height of the stand for the build. I know the sump I have in the plan is 24 height. art of the stand will have an open section as part of my sump is going to be for display of non photosynthetic corals and my lobster.

For what it's worth, depth front to back is much more dramatic than overall height. The build I am working on now has a front to back depth of 36" and a height of 28". The odd number height is that is the height I can do and keep the pits dry...

The stand will be the same height as the current tank at 42". Plenty tall to get whatever under the stand and the added benefit of being close enough to eye level without having to bend or stoop to see into the tank.

 

[ndrwater]

Sounds like a 42" (at least) stand is in order here...

I like the idea of non photosynthetics in a display sump. Be a really good spot for em..