30" to deep? Corner or Center overflows?

[awesmdiver]

I currently have a 180G 72x24x24 acrylic tank that I am taking down as I had aiptashia from one end to the other and I'll be starting all over again. I am in the process of ordering a new tank glass tank, yes, I'm really starting over and would to get some opinions on the following:

Since I already have a stand, etc., I want to stay with the same length (72) and depth (24), but thinking of going up to 30 inches for the height. I understand I'll need to be on a ladder, but I do have really long arms.

Question, if anyone has a 30" deep tank, do you regret it from a maintenance perspective?

Also, I'm not sure if I want to go with two corner overflow units or a single center unit? Any value to one or the other?

Thanks.

Todd

 

[Mr. Brooks]

I have the exact tank you're considering in acrylic. It looks good when you're standing in front of it, but if you're going with a reef you'll need more powerful lighting. A lot of PAR is lost on that extra 6". I'm 6' 2" and it's a pain to work in the tank. I have to get on a ladder and take my shirt off. I can barely reach the bottom.

I'm starting over as well. I went with a 96" x 30" x 24" 300 gallon Starphire glass tank. I'm looking forward to the shorter height and Starphire glass.

 

[awesmdiver]

Yeah, my wife has forbid me from going wider or longer. I really wish I could. For lighting, I currently have 3 250W MH lamps and do have SPS.

 

[nauticac4]

I have a 36"x36"x31" Tank and visually the height is great. Any major maintenance that is going to require you to reach the very bottom of the tank is going to be difficult at 24 inches and 30 inches. I'm plenty happy with mine.

I light the tank with a single XM 10k 250Watt Halide. So the lighting you have should just fine, make sure you use a high PAR bulb.
I have had clams on the bottom of the tank for a year and they have grown considerably.


Get a good pair of grabbers if you decide on going tall. I'm 6'4 and cannot reach the back bottom half of the tank but other than that I'm fairly happy with my decision.