Poll: Taller (deep) or Wider (depth) Tanks

[Picesduh]

I can't decide so please post your poll responses...and why

LxWxH

72x22x20
or
72x24x18

 

[Tphill]

Currently I'm thinking my next tank will be 72X36X18.

 

[tdileo]

I’d do the 72x24x18. Tall tanks can be harder to properly light all the way down, are a bit harder to scape, and most fish will benefit more from the extra swimming space rather than height.

 

[BradB]

30 inches is exactly the right height that working on the bottom is manageable, but it would change if my arms were a different length. I might go taller for the view, but it would be hard. A bigger tank is always better, but length is better than width.

 

[lapin]

Cant chose both huh?
current tank 5'x5'x3'
Longer tanks allow fish to escape others that might be pestering them.
Square tanks allow for more aquascaping options.
Deeper tanks get more than just your wrist wet.

 

[reefwiser]

Tall tanks cause lighting and maintenance issues.
They can also cause flow issues as water at the bottom of the tank can stagnate if you don’t place your pumps properly in the tank.
Deep tanks give you more room to aquascape the tank. You can get a better distribution of corals and it can be more visual appealing. You can place powerheads better in the rear of the deepe tanks as you have more front to back room to work with.

 

[Picesduh]

Tall tanks cause lighting and maintenance issues.
They can also cause flow issues as water at the bottom of the tank can stagnate if you don’t place your pumps properly in the tank.
Deep tanks give you more room to aquascape the tank. You can get a better distribution of corals and it can be more visual appealing. You can place powerheads better in the rear of the deepe tanks as you have more front to back room to work with.

All points noted. For the powerhead placement, it would make sense but mine will be peninsula so no powerheads on the "back" of the tank - just on the two short sides.

I'm going to make my decision tomorrow....it looks like it's going to be width over height....anyone feel differently?

 

[Sarah24!]

Hello,

I love and hate my tank, it’s a 240 so it’s 72x34x24, which is a decent size. This size is awesome because it gives me awesome height width and depth, which gives me more room to aquascape, and have a nice full sandbed. It also provides great swimming room for my tangs. Yet, on the bad side, cleaning it, and maintaining it kinda sucks. I’m a very small girl, so In order for me to clean the glass or fix issues on the sandbed, it’s scuba time.

Since I have short arms, when ever I have issues I have to literally put on a swim suit lol. Most of the time even if I pull my shirt past my shoulder, I still have close to five inches to reach the bottom. That then means usually my entire shoulder is under water, and I have to try and avoid my face plunging into it. The other annoying aspect is, I have to always move my lights, I everything gets wet. Another, annoying feature is, I have to make sure I don’t have lotion on, or perfume etc. I don’t want any of that stuff going into my tank.

So I’m some ways my tank is truly amazing, and others it’s a royal pain in the hieny. I definitely won’t change it and of course lol I want a bigger tank. But, if you have long arms and large stool, you should be golden.

 

[ca1ore]

Yes, I'm in the 'where's the response for both' camp. If you must compromise then I think a bit more depth is preferred over a bit more height. My tank is 36" deep AND 30" tall .... so both ...... ;Smuggrin

 

[alanbetiger]

I personally think you get more bang for buck with wider rather than taller. With light refraction you lose about 1/3 of width. Your tank will look skinnier looking head on, your sand looks thinner, rocks look steeper. Height won't be affected.

 

[Gablami]

Same, I would go with both bigger. It’s not like 18 or 20” is prohibitive on height. But if you were talking 30” tall or wide, I would choose wide.

 

[Dawsokj1988]

Wider allows for better aquascapes (in my opinion) and easier maintenance!

 

[Picesduh]

Overwhelming turnout for wider tank! Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

 

[User1]

There was no both option - so can't vote. I have a 210 gallon that I recently upgraded from a 40 breeder. Previous largest tank was 100 gallon. I'll tell you this. I personally love 30" tall tanks with a 30" depth. You have a lot of room to add some interesting aquascape and get a firm hold on managing depth perception. Both with rock and coral growth. However, this comes at a price. By price I mean unless you are 6'6 or taller you are looking at a bit more difficult time in doing tank maintenance, reaching back of tank, bottom of tank, etc. It can get frustrating not only for you but for your helpers. My daughter, while really digging what we created, always gives me that slight glint in her eye saying I sure did make it difficult to work on

So yeah - height and depth can be nice. Maintenance - not so great.

Edit: My tank is 54" W x 30 H x 30" D

 

[shred5]

Taller tanks are a pain to get to the bottom.. Tanks with width front to back just make for such cool aquascaping.