Tank upgrade suggestions (long vs wide tank)

[Jeff Ritzinger]

Hello All - this is my first post here. I have been keeping a reef tank for about 5 years now and I think I'm ready to move up in size. I'm targeting something in the 300 gallon range and am torn between a 72x30x30 or if I should go for the 96x24x30.

why would any of you prefer one layout over the other? I like the idea of a long tank because it's generally more display area, but at the same time I also like the idea of having some added width to the tank so things can be spread out in terms of depth of view verses view side to side view.

All input is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[JaimeAdams]

I would do a 96 long x 30 front to back x 24 tall.

 

[Daniel Waters]

This wasn't an option you listed, but if you have the room and ability, do a 96" x 30" x 30" !

The extra width is nice to have for aquascaping purposes. The extra length is nice if you plan to have fish that will appreciate the extra length to stretch their "legs" (some tangs come to mind).

Lighting is something to consider. If you're planning on using T5s, the 8 foot tank might force you to have to buy an extra unit (and more replacement bulbs each year), whereas the 6 foot tank you could get by with one fixture. If you plan on using LEDs, the extra length isn't really an issue as you can just add an extra LED unit. I can't comment on the 30" width for lighting in regards to LEDs. I think it would depend on your aquascape and coral plans. Many people are able to cover a 30" width with most LEDs by turning units front to back (such as the Radion XR30). I suspect there's a definite width point in which you start needing 2 rows of units to adequately cover a tank, but my best guess that is probably at the 36" and wider areas. Of course, some LED units may be better suited to cover wider areas than others. I guess I'm just saying you need to think about your lighting in regards to how many units you will need with one tank size versus the other.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Welcome to R2R! I say go as big as you can fit.

 

[gcarroll]

72" long x 36' wide x 24" tall
Greater things you can do with aquascaping.

 

[Jeff Ritzinger]

Excellent points on the lighting - thank you.

The votes for bigger are certainly appealing too! You can never go too big, can you?

 

[Daniel Waters]

Excellent points on the lighting - thank you.

The votes for bigger are certainly appealing too! You can never go too big, can you?

Well, the 30" depth is something you may want to consider or talk to others who have a deep tank. I've heard from a lot of people who really hate having tanks that deep, so you may want to consider scaling back to 24" but I can't offer much insight in that regards.