20" or 24" High tank for SPS?

[BHD]

Hello everyone,

I am upgrading my tank to a bigger one than the 75G that I have now. However, I still can't decide on the high of the tank. I want a tank that is within my budget and I can keep it running for years. I don't want to go too big and have to shut it down in a couple years. So I was thinking of 155 gallons with the dimension of 60"L x 30"W x 20"H. However I keep on having second thought and want to increase the high of that tank to 24"H.

So what do you guys think? 20" high is good enough for SPS. The benefit is that I don't have to use alot of light and a bit less water change each year. The different between those two tanks are just 30 gallons. But keeping the tank for 20-30 years, those 30 gallons will add up to alot.

Or am I thinking too much and I should just get a 60"L x 30"W x 24"H tank so I don't have to regret later???

Thanks,
Bao

 

[Mock]

4" is the amount of a sand bed... If it makes that much difference with you, go 24" though... I really dont think I would miss it. I have plenty of room at the top in a 24 and could have easily done just fine with a 20.

 

[BHD]

thanks for the quick reply. I will go with barebottom on this tank or maybe keeping an inches of sand only.

Anyone else have a 20" high sps tank, please post some pics??

 

[Immers1]

19" SPS tank from UK:

http://www.ultimatereef.com/TOTM/2011_august/

 

[tibob32]

the taller tanks look way better. HOWEVER I don't like my 120g because 24" is too high to work normally in the tank (my opinion). I like to be able to reach in. My next tank will be at most 20" high

 

[chrishayes]

If you go with the 24" make sure you get an aquaglove so you dont get deodorant in the water! lol I wouldnt want to have to work in that deep a tank but thats just me. I do love the look of the deeper tanks though. Also, I dont think lighting will be any different between the two so dont sweat that. In the end do what you WANT cause you WILL regret later and thats no good anyway you look at it. Good luck!

 

[meshwheel]

Go the 24" high for sure! I just scored a 65 gallon and it's 24 inch tall and I am going to love it! I have seen taller tanks and they look so much more natural in my opinion.
I have had many tanks in my day. The taller look better, but are certainly a bit harder to maintain. I think it's worth it!

 

[Finland]

I would go 24". After those little frags get to be big colonies, you don't want them growing out of the water. Besides, the 24" looks better, imo.

 

[reefereef]

220g 20" tall

 

[MammothReefer]

There are pros and cons of both, 20" is a good size though sort of in the middle. I wouldn't mind the extra 2" on my current tank.

Currently I have a 36x24x18" tank, I used to have a 36x24x24. I liked them both, but I at this time I prefer my 18".. 20 would probably be a bit better however.

The pluses of the extra 4"

Diversity of species since you have more light.
More room for fish of different sizes.
More stability from larger body of water.
Option to have a deeper sand bed if you want one
Larger powerheads have more vertical room for streams.
Typically costs the same as the smaller version.

The Pluses of a shorter tank.
You can grow light demanding corals threw-out the tank with smaller lights
With wider tanks it's easier to reach the back if it's shorter.
You get another viewing angle without needing to stand on a chair. (My favorite thing is to check out my tank from the top down with this system)
You can get away with less pumps due to smaller tank height. (my mp40 covers a very large area of the tank but it gives me very little low flow areas if I wanted them).
and you get the benefits of less water (easier to fix things with a quick water change, cheaper to maintain etc.)

For me I went with a smaller tank because I rent. I wanted a tank that I could move on my own if I needed to easily. However if you are looking for a 30 year tank.

but with all that said, if you are looking for 1 tank to last you 30 years. I'd go bigger. I like my tank it's fun for now but I'm sure I'll update or switch at some point. 3-4 years has typically been about my max for a single tank.

 

[Reef Bass]

My current tank is 24". I wish it were 20".

 

[Zagzoo71]

My 120g is 32" high, looks great but there a few cons to it:

1). Lighting to penatrate that much water
2). Needing a scuba mask to reach the bottom

Pros:

1). build high rock walls, mountains, caves etc...
2). Lot of room for fish to swim

 

[fcmatt]

I think a 20 inch tall tank is a minimum to even bother with and now days I prefer a 24 inch
tank. The extra height makes it more interesting to me.

 

[DonaldLL]

20" has a "shallow" look and easier to maintain (reach); you have to decide. Mine is 20". You are thinking about a 30 year tank? Yah I believe you are over thinking this a bit!

 

[Mock]

I never have to go armpit deep in my 24"... If anything I did when I was working the rock and then after that maybe twice. If there is a frag or something on the ground that I dont want there its is never too large for my pinchers to grab. I just use them to pick up shells and rake the sand and what not... It looks awesome in my wall too as opposed to a shallower tank that wouldnt have the impact.

 

[BHD]

Thanks everyone for your opinions.

 

[dimitrge]

I like the shallow tanks because of the ease you have to work with. The high tanks are a pain to work on. Step stool and tongs and you can't get stuff perfect. I like 20" that's what I got and keep my sps high and middle with some Lps down low. It's what your comfortable with at the end of the day.

 

[BuckeyeTodd]

Depends how tall you are, if you've got long arms the added height isn't an issue. My current tank is 27 tall and no problems for me(I'm tall)

 

[droth335]

Our 210 is 29" and I wish it were 24 (although some sps are "breaching" during water changes even now) but I think 20 might be too shallow. Taking into account the canopy, i hate using tongs to get at the bottom of the tank.