Tank Depth (front to back) -- 24" vs 30"

BAPrince · Apr 18, 2020

Working with Planet Aquariums for my tank build. It will be 66" long (room limit) and 24/25" tall (based on all the feedback here). The last debate in my head is depth. The tank will be up against the wall. Of course, I WANT 30" deep, bigger is better. However, most the recommendations on height were based on being able to reach the bottom. I'm worried about being able to reach the bottom, in the back, at 30". Any feedback from from people with 30" deep against a wall?

Leslie Tabor · Apr 18, 2020

I have a 3' wide and LOVE it. I feel the extra width wouldn't be an issue if I hadn't also gone 30' deep. I also recommend leaving room along the sides to get up next to the tank. That has been a life saver. I love the dimensions of my tank even of it makes maintenance a bit more work. On the plus side, I stay out of the tank more...leaving things alone...because it is not as easy to putz around in there everyday. I make sure it is worth it!

aherre07 · Apr 18, 2020

My tank is 72x30x24 and really happy with the extra 6" of width. Love the fact that theres room for fish to swim around aqua scape. I put my aquascape along the center of the tank and fish can literally do laps all day.

Hal3134 · Apr 18, 2020

72x28x30high here. The key I found is to design your hood so that you can reach in from the side as well as the front. Otherwise you are going snorkeling whether you do 28 or 30.

BAPrince · Apr 18, 2020

aherre07 said:
My tank is 72x30x24 and really happy with the extra 6" of width. Love the fact that theres room for fish to swim around aqua scape. I put my aquascape along the center of the tank and fish can literally do laps all day.

@aherre07 Almost exactly the tank dimensions I'm looking at! Swimming laps and room for flow around the back is exactly what I WANT.... and, if your tank is against the wall (?), can you reach the back/bottom of the tank at all?

Big C · Apr 18, 2020

I have a 72x24x24 with center overflow box. Regardless of the box I wish I would’ve had that extra 6” for scaping and room behind it........

albano · Apr 18, 2020

Definitely get 30" front to back, much better for aquascaping.
My 500g tank is 6'x5' and my next will probably be 8'x6'... Little harder to work on, but sooo worth it!

K7BMG · Apr 18, 2020

Yup 30 inch I recomend.
As humans we have the ability to extend our reach with tools.
If you cant get to a spot then create something you can use to get there.
The proem with 30 is its not a standard dimension so and will have a greater cost.