Tank width 18 vs 24

RyanCSGO · Mar 30, 2017

I started making a list of all the items I need to acquire for a new build once my wife and I move. Can't decide if I want to 24" or 30" deep. my LFS has a 30" and the look of depth is amazing, but I feel like the extra length will be difficult at times for maintenance (depending on the tanks location)

ALs FLorida Corals · Mar 30, 2017

Honestly , it depends on what you are going for . I personally feel like unless u want to have a large sanbed in front of your rock work then the 18 is the way to go is also not as much of a pain to work and clean

Klwheat · Mar 30, 2017

I looked at a 30", ur the extra front to back makes maintenance more difficult...especially for my shorter wife.

imustbenuts · Mar 30, 2017

LbulletM said:
Just solved the mystery. The Synergys have 2 holes for the pass through from the tank, but 3 holes in the bottom of the overflow for draining. Sooooo, 4 holes in the tank, but I can still run a Bean!

Ahh, yes. Only 2 holes connecting the front and back of the overflow through the glass. I should have mentioned that.

acer · Mar 30, 2017

How big are the 2 drain holes? If the holes are 1 inch and only one is a full siphon to your sump, so the other is just for a trickle to stay quiet and act as an emergency drain. Then , you will have to figure out your max return pump gallons per hour based on that one hole and the siphon drop of about 5 feet to your sump. I cant remember the formula. But, you dont want to buy too big of a return pump and have to use a valve to limit it = waste if money and that type if setup us said to be hard on the pump.

imustbenuts · Mar 30, 2017

acer said:
How big are the 2 drain holes? If the holes are 1 inch and only one is a full siphon to your sump, so the other is just for a trickle to stay quiet and act as an emergency drain. Then , you will have to figure out your max return pump gallons per hour based on that one hole and the siphon drop of about 5 feet to your sump. I cant remember the formula. But, you dont want to buy too big of a return pump and have to use a valve to limit it = waste if money and that type if setup us said to be hard on the pump.

There are 3 drain holes. The SRO now comes with three 1.5" holes.

acer · Mar 30, 2017

My fault- got distracted mid post.lol. Meant to say how big are the two passthrough holes? They may be the limiting factor of how much return flow there can be in the system.

LbulletM · Mar 31, 2017

acer said:
My fault- got distracted mid post.lol. Meant to say how big are the two passthrough holes? They may be the limiting factor of how much return flow there can be in the system.

Tried to copy their diagram, but they make it annoying to grab their pictures.

1.5" pass throughs.

BlueCursor · Mar 31, 2017

I have had a couple different tanks. My next tank is going to be 36". Obviously I am in the wider is better camp. The only problem is you have to be able to keep clearer water if you go over 24".

dana_rod · Mar 31, 2017

I don't have any experience with a 24" being that I have a 90 gallon so 18" but as I am filling up with more coral I feel like by the time you get your live rock in you are really limited in the front sand bed area which makes it hard to find spots for things like my elegance or welso. I'm regretting not going for a 120 now.