tank dimensions

Hungriee · Jul 8, 2009

I'm in the planning phase of upgrading to a larger tank. I've looked into several member tanks and have a few ideas of tank dimensions but have never really encountered one in person except the elos 120xl which I dont have enough funds for it yet.

So I'm stuck between either a 60" to 72" length tank vs. a 48" tank. I really like the >24" width of the tank but dont like tanks that are too tall.

some of the tanks sizes i like so far are:

1) marineland deep series (200g - 48x36x27, 250g 60x36x27, 300g 72x36x27)
2) 48"x30"x20"
3) 48"x36"x24"

last issue i'm deciding on is custom make vs buying "as-is" marineland deep tanks. Any suggestions?

If you have any of these tanks, would you mind pm me your advice, suggestions, build threads or any FTS?

Steve Ruddy · Jul 8, 2009

I have a 180 72x24x24. I have had it for many years and love it. Easy to reach everything and not too small. If you have the space the 72x36x27 would look awesome however it would be too deep for me to easily reach the bottom which is why I usually stick with 24" max height.

H@rry · Jul 8, 2009

After having a couple of 30" deep tanks for several years we got 3 24" deep tanks a couple of months ago. They are 24" front to back and 24" top to bottom. It's a lot easier to reach everything on the bottom without getting your sleeves wet. I also think they make better use of your lighting. I think the ideal tank size (for me) is 180 gallon - 72L x 24W x 24D.

ahayes13 · Jul 8, 2009

i have a 4' 120 gal (48x24x24) and love it. the tank dimensions are just great, easy enough to reach everything too.

AlexStinson · Jul 8, 2009

I love my deep sea 185, 60x30x27ish

in our store our display is the marinelnd 300, i find the 36 front to back to be a bit excessive. you HAVE to have rear access, i handled my 185 with it being against a wall, but 6" more is hard

Hungriee · Jul 9, 2009

good advice all. i think im leaning towards the rimless 4' tanks that are 24" or less tall - i have short arms HAHA

SDguy · Jul 9, 2009

I have had my 48 x 18 x 30tall tank for a few years now. I love it. Is the 30tall part a PITA? Sure, sometimes. Here's my take on the situation...

If you are constantly in your tank, fragging chalices that you keep on the floor, moving corals around, etc etc DON'T get a tall tank.

If you're like me, a "set it and forget it" kinda guy, and glue your corals down once, and that's it, then the tallness of the tank is really no big deal. But the dramatic look never fails to garner an "Ooooo" or "Ahhhhh" the first time someone comes over. It really is visually impressive, IMO.

In fact, I am taking advantage of moving this year, and upgrading to a 150g (still 30" tall) and recently purchased a 48 x 18 x 30tall tank to be a FO.