Show Me Your 18" Tall Reef Tanks!

[brannock_16]

Hello Everyone,

I am considering purchasing a new tank to accommodate my growing reef. The new tank would only be a net gallon increase of 15 gallons, but the new dimensions are very attractive.

My current tank is a 120 gallon (48"x24"x24") and the new tank is a 135 gallon (72"x24"x18")...so I want to see some pictures of reefs in 18" tall tanks to get some ideas! Also, if you have a 18" tall tank what is your feedback?

Thanks in advance,

Robert

 

[Zoacoral]

i agree those are awesome dimensions.. I am contemplating a new tank, and really dont wnat to go over 18" high.. 20" at the max. ARe you having yours custom built? if so by who?

 

[Troylee]

I will never own a tank over 18" tall again!!! The flow is great it's easy to acsess and clean and lighting is simple no matter what you use... It also looks super clean...more pics can be found in my thread.... Check my signature for a linky..30x30x18

 

[brannock_16]

i agree those are awesome dimensions.. I am contemplating a new tank, and really dont wnat to go over 18" high.. 20" at the max. ARe you having yours custom built? if so by who?

Actually this tank came up for sale on the local reefing website. I would still have to check it out and look at the stand, sealing, glass condition, etc. but this would be a nice upgrade for my tang to have more swimming length and allow for a more open aquascape. It is also a plus that all my existing equipment will work on the new tank (minus the lighting system).

 

[brannock_16]

I will never own a tank over 18" tall again!!! The flow is great it's easy to acsess and clean and lighting is simple no matter what you use... It also looks super clean...more pics can be found in my thread.... Check my signature for a linky..30x30x18

Great looking tank TroyLee! What kind of flow do you run on your tank? How is the maintenance in the tank (versus my 24 inch tall tank)? I would be swapping over a 40 Breeder sump/fuge, a magdrive 18 for a return, Vertex Alpha 170 skimmer, 2 x Vortech MP40 W ES's, and 1 x Vortech MP10 W ES. I would need to get new lighting, but I have already been considering a 10 bulb ATI.

 

[Zoacoral]

i want a 4 x 2 x 18" tall not too big and not too small

 

[Troylee]

Great looking tank TroyLee! What kind of flow do you run on your tank? How is the maintenance in the tank (versus my 24 inch tall tank)? I would be swapping over a 40 Breeder sump/fuge, a magdrive 18 for a return, Vertex Alpha 170 skimmer, 2 x Vortech MP40 W ES's, and 1 x Vortech MP10 W ES. I would need to get new lighting, but I have already been considering a 10 bulb ATI.

Flostar 3200 return and dart on a closed loop it rocks the house lol...

 

[Bandomo]

Here's my opinion, 18" tall tanks are absolutely beautiful. And that's me speaking from experience, I own a 50 breeder (36"L x 18"W x 18"H) and wouldn't change a single thing. When you look at the tank, it has a nicely balanced rectangular feel to it. However, in my opinion, once you pass the 48" length and still keep it at 18" high, it losses that balanced feel to the tank as it becomes to shallow in comparison to the length. For tanks more than 48 inches long, I would recommend making the tank 1-2 inches taller to keep that balance feel but shorten the aquarium stand by an niche or so. So to sum up, for a 48" long tank or below, I would definitely go with 18" high. For a 48" - 60" tank, I would go with 19 inches high. Anything above 60" long, I would stick with 20 inches. Again, everyone has their own preferences, but this is my logical reasoning behind why so many people like the dimensions of the various breeder tank sizes. Its a balance between being shallow to the proportion of its length.

 

[keokea]

I just started my 48x18x18 I like the lower tanks for light penetration

 

[brannock_16]

Thanks for the input everyone! Let's keep these coming...I want to see come more complete reefs so I can get an idea on coral growth and light penetration!