Tank decisions....

Coach63 · Sep 17, 2015

I have the opportunity to get a larger tank. The two sizes are listed in this poll. Which one would you choose? Thanks in advance for your input. Both are around the same water volume (180 ish)

DeniseAndy · Sep 17, 2015

That is if the width is 30 and height 20. I like the idea of the depth greater for more visual stimulus. Good luck with whichever you choose.

Coach63 · Sep 17, 2015

DeniseAndy said:
That is if the width is 30 and height 20. I like the idea of the depth greater for more visual stimulus. Good luck with whichever you choose.

You are correct: length x width x height

Thanks for your opinion.

LetItReef · Sep 17, 2015

I prefer more height for viewing purposes.

rayn · Sep 17, 2015

Width for Aqua scaping!

HowUDoin · Sep 18, 2015

I would favor the extra space front to back. If anything, less height will make it easier to have higher PAR.

Jimbo662 · Sep 18, 2015

Wider for better aquascaping and shollower makes it easier to reach the bottom for cleaning and arranging.

Harold Green · Sep 18, 2015

I would say choose depending on what you intend to have in the tank. Large fish go for the tall tank. Lots of small corals go for the shallow tank.

Greatreefer · Sep 18, 2015

I personally prefer shorter tanks. I hate using ladders when it comes to clean the tank.

ReefBum · Sep 18, 2015

I recently went with a 60L x 30W x 24T tank.....it is 187 gallons. IMO, go as wide as you can. It provides some pretty cool aquascaping options. And an external overflow will also give you more room in the tank to work with.

Coach63 · Sep 18, 2015

ReefBum said:
I recently went with a 60L x 30W x 24T tank.....it is 187 gallons. IMO, go as wide as you can. It provides some pretty cool aquascaping options. And an external overflow will also give you more room in the tank to work with.

Who's the tank manufacturer and who did the stand? Thanks,

Coach63 · Sep 18, 2015

I believe it is a coast to coast.

danangelo · Sep 18, 2015

I like my 30w i wish i did 36w. 20 tall is perfect for me. I can reach the bottom no problem.

ksfulk · Sep 18, 2015

Mine is 60 x 22 x 36 and its a pain to get to the bottom of the tank at time - and I'm 6'4" so my arms are plenty long. Depending on how you like to set up your rockwork, depth can be a pretty important factor. If you are doing islands, I dont think width is as important, but if you are setting up a "rock wall" type of scape, then width can really be a deciding factor. If I had the choice I like the 24" depth for viewing and working in the reef, width being secondary based on my rock scape choice.

Lab_Adam · Sep 18, 2015

I like the 72x30x20. Im thinking about going 72 or 96 x30x15.

shred5 · Sep 18, 2015

Wider with out a doubt.. Better aquascaping.

Fishphi784 · Sep 18, 2015

Depends on a lot of things. Firstly, what space is it going in to? If it is going to be built in to a wall with limited access, depth can be a disadvantage. However if it is viewable from more than one face, the depth can make for some really great viewing. Also, the stand height matters. I had a 180 with a custom 40" tall stand- it was a pain in the butt! I am 6'3 and had to use a step ladder daily. It made having the tank more work than it was worth. I would prefer a lower overall height and more depth if afforded multiple viewing angles. Good luck!

goldy26 · Sep 18, 2015

Double wide! I think with width you can create better aquascapes as well as have a bit more options.

Coach63 · Sep 18, 2015

Thanks everyone for your thoughts-it is making my decision easier. I am going to have a 40" stand so I think the shorter height would be best. This is why I love this forum; you get so many opinions of people who have been in the hobby and have already made the mistakes and are willing to help a fellow reefer. Thanks again guys (and gals).

Coach63 · Sep 18, 2015

Fishphi784 said:
Depends on a lot of things. Firstly, what space is it going in to? If it is going to be built in to a wall with limited access, depth can be a disadvantage. However if it is viewable from more than one face, the depth can make for some really great viewing. Also, the stand height matters. I had a 180 with a custom 40" tall stand- it was a pain in the ***! I am 6'3 and had to use a step ladder daily. It made having the tank more work than it was worth. I would prefer a lower overall height and more depth if afforded multiple viewing angles. Good luck!

It is going into our library against a wall. It will be viewable from three sides. As with you, I will also have a 40" stand and I am only 5'10", stepladder it is......