My employer has built a new office and is installing an in wall reef tank. He has gotten an LFS quote for 6k+ for a stock 140 (48x24x30) and 10k+ for a custom 185 (48x24x37) (prices include everything from mag floats to coral). Only height is optional as the opening has already been created.
I'm an experienced reef keeper but not with a system this large (I have a 58g reef). I'm in the process of pricing everything out to determine if it would be worth buying everything ourselves and installing it. If I do end up installing everything I'm sure I'll be back here seeking advice/support.
My question for now is if there is any benefit to the 140 over the 185 in a tank this size. I know the larger the surface area to volume ratio the better but would it matter in a tank this size? Obviously the 140 would be easier to work in when positioning rock/coral. Also, I'm not a fan of "tall" tanks but I'm sure it would look better from the waiting room where it will be positioned.
Any thoughts?
I'm an experienced reef keeper but not with a system this large (I have a 58g reef). I'm in the process of pricing everything out to determine if it would be worth buying everything ourselves and installing it. If I do end up installing everything I'm sure I'll be back here seeking advice/support.
My question for now is if there is any benefit to the 140 over the 185 in a tank this size. I know the larger the surface area to volume ratio the better but would it matter in a tank this size? Obviously the 140 would be easier to work in when positioning rock/coral. Also, I'm not a fan of "tall" tanks but I'm sure it would look better from the waiting room where it will be positioned.
Any thoughts?
