Tank choice

[spoonycoot]

I’m looking to get my first reef tank and the two options I’m considering are an innovative marine 75gal ext and a FijiCube 81gal ext. I’m not sure if I want the stand or not, I could make a nice furniture grade stand myself but may not want hassle with it.
Any thoughts about these brands? It appears that the IM has a nicer overflow?? I like the look of the FijiCube stand better, but I hear that the IM is really nice and sturdy.
Also considered a shallow version, but I’m not sure I like the look as well, unless there is an advantage to choosing them. I am 6’ tall with long arms but I’m sure a 16” deep tank is easier than a 21” but I doubt it’s significant.

Any suggestions or thoughts are welcome.

Thanks

 

[oldmonk]

With 21" you

Get to play around with the aquascape height and fish will have some room above also.

Get better height for wavemaker placement.

Get water volume will be relatively more, and so will be the stability.

If aiming for mixed reef, more room for coral placement and also for figuring out light intensity.

If there is a difference in glass thickness between 16" and 21", then with 21" tank will be sturdier. As saltwater tanks have water movements. Ofcourse the manufacturer must have accounted for this in both the cases. Its just my view.

There could be many more things, but this is what comes to my mind immediately


Thanks

 

[spoonycoot]

Any thoughts on the two tank brands?

 

[oldmonk]

If you look at the over all user reviews. IM scores over FijiCube

 

[glb]

Fwiw, building your own stand gives you a lot of flexibility with tank height and how much room you’ll have to work in your sump. Plus a diy stand built properly may be stronger than a pre-built stand (but it won’t be cheaper!).