Time for a grown up tank... need expert consultation :)

[Jenaleigh1]

Ok, so I currently have a little 5 gallon tank for corals and "safety" and a 10 gallon nano I've had about three months. I started with the highest maintenance tanks I could possibly have and now I would REALLY like to upgrade. I really like the look of long tanks, but I am wondering if these are harder to maintain than the standard tanks.
I know lighting might be a little challenge, as well as flow.
Also, where do you order these long tanks from? My LFS has 20g longs, but after the incessant maintenance cycle of a 10g, I doubt 20g would be any different.
Does anyone have say, a 50g long? I think that would open up my options for the look and livestock in the tank and allow everything to have some cruising room.
Does the shallower depth affect health of the corals or create other issues?
Any advice anyone has is welcomed. Because we are military, I really don't think it's a good idea to get a 125g or anything like that, because I'd have to sell off and move it every few years.
Also, if someone could direct me to a thread that can educate me on drilled tanks, i.e. plus/minus etc. and how it all works together, that would be great, too.
Thanks!

 

[robbrouse]

I do know there are 30 and 40 gallon breeder tanks. Petco sells both. They are not drilled and I do not know if they can be. I want to say in Utah they are about $90. Lighting would be buying a fixture that fir the tank the put out enough light to give you want you needed. Should be too hard to find. As far as flow even in a 50 gallon long (I've never seen one) 2 or so power heads should fir the bill.

I have a drilled and a non drilled tank.. I would never go back to overflow box or DYI system again. Yes they work, jut not how I would do it...

Anyway good luck and thank you for your service in the military.

 

[Mrfresh]

I would say check out the build thread section under 180gallons amd see how some ov them have done there tanks.
Personally I think the 40breeder is one of yhe best tanks to get its a reasonible size in gallons and it has good dims so theres a lot of real astate. For rocks and fish swimming.