Tank length question

Divinus · Feb 16, 2022

I’ve been out of the hobby 15 years and started doing research on a new setup. My original was quite basic but this time putting some money into it. I’ve purchased a water box reef 180 but am considering upgrading it to the reef LX 190.
Main question: even though the 190 is slightly more volume the dimensions are fairly different. Would the longer tank be the better option?
190- 50L x 30D x 23H
180 - 60L x 25D x 22H
Space is not an issue.
FOWLR is the plan, I have a long term goal of adding a bristle tooth and hippo tang. Only other fish planned are clowns, wrasses , jawfish. Porc puffer and Picasso trigger are potential additions as well.

Sorry for the long write up for a seemingly simple decision. I take planning pretty seriously.

blaxsun · Feb 16, 2022

I see your dilemma. Essentially the difference boils down to length vs. depth. I'd personally go with the longer tank, as the 5" less depth and 1" less height will make it easier from a maintenance standpoint.

vetteguy53081 · Feb 16, 2022

Divinus said:
I’ve been out of the hobby 15 years and started doing research on a new setup. My original was quite basic but this time putting some money into it. I’ve purchased a water box reef 180 but am considering upgrading it to the reef LX 190.
Main question: even though the 190 is slightly more volume the dimensions are fairly different. Would the longer tank be the better option?
190- 50L x 30D x 23H
180 - 60L x 25D x 22H
Space is not an issue.
FOWLR is the plan, I have a long term goal of adding a bristle tooth and hippo tang. Only other fish planned are clowns, wrasses , jawfish. Porc puffer and Picasso trigger are potential additions as well.

Sorry for the long write up for a seemingly simple decision. I take planning pretty seriously.

Extra length always a benefit. Depth is equally of consideration

SlugSnorter · Feb 16, 2022

what do you want to stock? it effects which is "better"

Arego · Feb 16, 2022

Won't matter to the fish they still get the same volume. A handful of inches in either direction won't make any fish life better, the sum of it all can sure help. Just pick the one you like more.

Deeper tanks can be tricky to work in depending on the aquascape that's about the only thing I would consider between the two. I'm glad I don't have a standard 250g I didn't want the depth so I extended the length/height/width a bit to accommodate the volume without using the standard layout. Glad I did.

nereefpat · Feb 16, 2022

I would get the 180. 50x30 is an odd proportion to me, and a 5' length is better for swimmers than a 4' tank. Of course it's up to you. I don't love the porc puffer or hippo tang for either tank size, however.