Tank size preference- length or width

GOSKN5 · Mar 16, 2022

I am in the process of ordering a new tank. I have narrowed the space down to either a 8x2x2 tank or a 6x3x2 tank.
What would most prefer? The extra length or the extra width?

Daniel@R2R · Mar 16, 2022

Tough call. For me, I prefer the 6x3x2 over the 8x2x2. I feel the extra width gives opportunity for more depth in the aquascape. However...and this is BIG HOWEVER...I do think it depends on whether you're planning a peninsula or a standard side view tank. If I were going standard side view, I think my answer would change to the 8x2x2 for ease of maintenance. I wouldn't want to try to figure out how to access that extra foot of width from only 1 side.

Sean Clark · Mar 16, 2022

I also vote 6x3x2 That extra with will really shine.

Dbichler · Mar 16, 2022

I currently have a 6x2x30” will definitely increase width vs height for next build. 6x3x2 would be an amazing tank.

JachPot · Mar 16, 2022

I have a 1300 sq foot finished basement I'm planning on putting a tank in. There's a steal on a 210 that is 6'x2'x2.5' and I still can't pull the trigger

Sean Clark · Mar 16, 2022

JachPot said:
I have a 1300 sq foot finished basement I'm planning on putting a tank in. There's a steal on a 210 that is 6'x2'x2.5' and I still can't pull the trigger

Well you probably came to the wrong place to talk you out of it... Really thought that sounds too small for your basement.

I Dont Want To Changed My Mind GIF by NETFLIX

Dbichler · Mar 16, 2022

Right his basement is the size of my house

TheDragonsReef · Mar 16, 2022

Theyre both great sizes. Which one id chose depends on viewing angles and what you plan to keep.

GOSKN5 · Mar 16, 2022

Daniel@R2R said:
Tough call. For me, I prefer the 6x3x2 over the 8x2x2. I feel the extra width gives opportunity for more depth in the aquascape. However...and this is BIG HOWEVER...I do think it depends on whether you're planning a peninsula or a standard side view tank. If I were going standard side view, I think my answer would change to the 8x2x2 for ease of maintenance. I wouldn't want to try to figure out how to access that extra foot of width from only 1 side.

it’s funny you say that, if I go 8’ it will be against a wall. If I go 6’ it will be a peninsula style.

GOSKN5 · Mar 16, 2022

TheDragonsReef said:
Theyre both great sizes. Which one id chose depends on viewing angles and what you plan to keep.

8’ would be against a wall.. 6’ would be be peninsula style. Planning a mixed reef with mostly smaller fish (I’m a fan of lots of smaller active fish)… maybe a tang or two at most

JumboShrimp · Mar 16, 2022

Generally (emphasis on “Generally”… lol), reef enthusiasts would appreciate the extra foot of width, FOWLR enthusiasts would appreciate the extra foot of length.

TheDragonsReef · Mar 16, 2022

I would do the 6x3 then. Youll be able to show off alot more coral and have an intricate scape with lots of rock for the smaller fish to hide in. Still plenty of space for some tangs too. If you wanted to keep a large group of tangs id say the 8ft. But i definitely prefer peninsula style vs against the wall.

JachPot · Mar 16, 2022

Sean Clark said:
Well you probably came to the wrong place to talk you out of it... Really thought that sounds too small for your basement.

I need to go larger.....

ReefguyEric · Mar 16, 2022

Go with the 3 foot deep tank you will love it

Daniel@R2R · Mar 17, 2022

TheDragonsReef said:
I would do the 6x3 then. Youll be able to show off alot more coral and have an intricate scape with lots of rock for the smaller fish to hide in. Still plenty of space for some tangs too. If you wanted to keep a large group of tangs id say the 8ft. But i definitely prefer peninsula style vs against the wall.

tbrown · Mar 17, 2022

GOSKN5 said:
I am in the process of ordering a new tank. I have narrowed the space down to either a 8x2x2 tank or a 6x3x2 tank.
What would most prefer? The extra length or the extra width?

I like extra width if you can fit it. More room for islands. I feel like there's more usable space in wide tanks rather than long tanks.

Projects with Sam · Mar 17, 2022

I would go 8' so you can have some of the more active tangs. I would also be concerned about reaching to the back of a 3' deep tank.

bud217 · Mar 18, 2022

My dad has the 6*3*2 and it's a great size/dimension. However I will say if it's built in a wall like his is, it can be difficult to reach towards the front middle but the rock work he can do with that depth is much more awesome than I can with only 2' depth in my 180.