54 Corner or 46 Bowfront?

[bmorecopper]

Things are finally slowing down for me. (story for another thread) I am going to restart a tank from the beginning. My plan was to have a reef tank and a fresh water tank. Due to lack of space and objections from my wife I am only going to do a reef set up.
I recently sold my 44 pentagon which leaves me a 54 corner and a 46 bow front. Both are in good condition. I am really torn between which one to use. I am leaning toward the 54 corner just because it is more unique.
Some thoughts... If I use the 54 I could use the 150w MH pendant I have for lighting. (Should I upgrade to a 250w?)The 46 has a center brace that causes problems for placement of the pendant. So I would probably have to buy another pendant or maybe T5's to get the best lighting coverage.
More thoughts... Sump/refuge space. With the 46 I have enough room under the tank to install whatever I need. The 54 is kind of awkward but I have read threads were people have made the most of the space. BigKodiak has a 54 I believe.
With all of that said, I would like to do this with the least amount of money possible. I do not mind selling or trading what I am not going to use. (One of the tanks, power filters, lighting etc) Basically I want to use what ever funds from selling stuff to fund my set up. Or at least get started.

So give me your thoughts and/or questions.
Thanks,
Copper

 

[kingpin9995]

54 has a center brace? Thats odd mine does not. Is it essential to be in there structurally? I have a 54 and a 150 is fine. I do like the style for reef as it does cost less to fill with rock etc because of the shape. Also the lighting is cheaper. I used a 20 in Current Nova Extreme 6 lamp system which worked great, and recently went to the Kessil 150W Ocean Blue. I love it and am really surprised with one how well it keeps my corals. Two eventually will be the ticket just because of the corners being a little dimmer but as far as growing corals and shimmer its great. I think the 54 is the way to go.. Less live rock, live sand, and cheaper on the lighting in my opinion.