Tank Height

[shakinghorizons]

I keep going back and forth with myself on the height of my next tank. 30" is my max, but keep going back to 26".

I will be going the custom route and the dimensions set in stone are 60" x 36" x ?

I had a standard 180g previously at 25" tall and had no issues, but had about 4" of sand. This time around, I plan on using starboard on the bottom and no sand.

I'm 6'1" so reaching the bottom of a 30" tank shouldn't be an issue, but looking for the opinion of people with tall and short tanks.

Thanks in advance!

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

IMO , Make a decision on size based on the place the tank will be.

You could even use cardboard to make a 2d mock up for pre viz.

 

[shakinghorizons]

IMO , Make a decision on size based on the place the tank will be.

Not quite sure what you mean. The living room (where the tank will be placed) is 24' x 20' with an 18' ceiling.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

It's like picking a couch. Will a low long look better in the space or a tall wide , or narrow wide look better.
Large pice of art for that wall or a small one. Same principal. Filling negative space.

 

[ca1ore]

I have had tanks in all your poll height categories. 6' 1" also and it can be a pain to reach the bottom of a 30" tall tank ...... but, for may main display, I'd go with nothing else. More swimming room, more coral growing room ..... and how often do you really need to reach the sand anyhow. I bought a pair of tongs.

 

[TonapahNorth]

I have had tanks in all your poll height categories. 6' 1" also and it can be a pain to reach the bottom of a 30" tall tank ...... but, for may main display, I'd go with nothing else. More swimming room, more coral growing room ..... and how often do you really need to reach the sand anyhow. I bought a pair of tongs.

I agree with this. I’m also 6’1” ... it’s not optimal but doable. I wouldn’t hesitate to call it 30 and be done. You will need solid penetrating lighting if you are intending a reef tank. Also easy, just plan ahead.

 

[shakinghorizons]

Thanks for the responses! My current plan is to use 3 - 400w MH's so penetration shouldn't be an issue.

 

[JOKER]

I went 16" and love it!! It is nice not having to go armpit deep into tank!!

 

[saltyhog]

None of the above. I have a 72x24x21 and love it. Easy to work in and looks great.

When I bought it it was a standard size for Deep Sea Aquatics. Unfortunately they went out of business.

 

[Greybeard]

My new custom is 60"x30"x18" I like short and wide

 

[Bouncingsoul39]

Personally, I don't like doing maintenance on tanks taller than 24". Sure it can be done, I'm also tall and have the arm length, I just find it more of a hassle. For fish to have fun, I've always thought the length and width were the most important considering some fish will stay in their own certain regions of the tank. Some may never utilize that extra top few inches of swimming space, that's not to say none would you'll of course have some that will just go willy-nilly.

 

[Kyuss414]

It's a matter of preference, but if you like the taller look I'd go with a 28" if your doing bare-bottom. I have a 29" tall 150g and stopped the rockwork about 6-8" below the water surface. Give corals some room to grow up and open space for the fish, and they seem to enjoy it as they hop between the rock work and the open swimming space. I've always enjoyed the larger viewing panel.

That said, I'm 6'6" with some long arms and I'm about maxed out reaching my fingertips all the way to the sandbed towards the back, but it's really not that big of an issue. As suggested above, a cardboard mockup may not be a bad idea so you can see how it would be with the tank dimensions in-place.

 

[vertigo01]

FWIW. I am 6'1" with rather long a4ms and hated having to get anything off the sand in my old 180 ( 48×30×30) .
Always needed a ladder ( stand was 43" tall) and felt as though I needed scuba gear just to do what needed to be done. Especially if I needed to reach from the front to the back.

This time around I went with a 60x24x24 and have no issues getting anywhere within the tank.