8' vs 10' 365 gallon tank - let me know what you think

[bag151]

So moving the hot water heater is totally out of the question? It's not really that difficult to do. I really love the extra depth of a tank as long as its manageable. 48in with only 14in of clearance I think is going to be pushing it, its not like you are going to be able to take the top off. I think the deciding factor is what you really want to do with the tank. If your a more into fish go with the 10ft if your more into coral and sps I would do the 8ft. At 10ft you are going to have 3840sq in of real estate but you focus it in one direction so that you can have a massive swimming run. At 8x4 you are looking at 4608 sq in that you can fill with massive sps colonies. Even at 32in wide that is alot of space.

 

[kilmca]

Just to clarify both tanks will be the same height. Only differences will be length and width of the tanks.

The only reason to move the hot water heater would be if I wanted a 120" long x 48" wide x 24" tall (600 gallon) and that's just out of the question.

Tank choices are the following:

120" long x 32" wide x 24" tall (400 gallon) vs.
96" long x 48" wide x 24" tall (475 gallon)

I like fish alot, Tangs especially. I believe if the Tangs had a vote they would say get the 10' tank.

 

[Kshack]

I bought Rick's old tank. It was 30" wide and 30" deep. I replaced it with a 36" wide and 25" deep tank. I really like the extra width and the possibility it gives your rock work. I do not miss the depth and problems I had cleaning the bottom 2". You will also have to go from 1/2" glass to 3/4", which will increase cost about $1,000 if you go any deeper that 25". So my vote would be for the 42" wide tank. My tank is viewable form three sides, so that does make a difference. I also went bare bottom. Hey, we are all in the Portland area. We should get together some time.

Ken

 

[kilmca]

kshack,

The tank I'm setting up will also be viewable from 3 sides. I agree we should meet up sometime. I need to check out both, Rick's and your tank to get some ideas. If you don't mind. According to the tank manufacturer I have to go with 3/4" acrylic on the 10' tank but I could go with 1/2" acrylic on the 8' tank and save some money. I just feel a little more comfortable with 3/4" acrylic and there will be less bracing with 3/4".

One issue with the 8' tank is that I plan on using my current 200 gallon tank(8' long) as my sump/fuge and it's going to be a tight fit with only an 8' stand. I believe it shouldn't be an issue extending and modifying my current stand to accomodate the 8'sump/fuge.

 

[ricks]

Hey Ken, wasn't that about 12 years ago. I've had 2 more tanks since than, my current tank is a 500 gallon picture above.

kilmca, I would go with 1" acrylic on both tanks. I feel 3/4 is to thin for even 8' let alone 10'. You seriously need to talk with James at Envision Acrylics. In my opinion he builds the best acrylic tanks... He built my tank and he is local, in Beaverton. Sure you might spend a little more, but this isn't a inexpensive hobby. And there is alot to be said about peace of mind...

You can come see my system anytime....

Rick

 

[jay24k]

I agree. Peace of mind is worth the extra amount. The "what if" is a nice thing to put out of your head especially if you are on vacation.

 

[maxheadroom]

go for the 10'. If you don't, you'll kick yourself later.

 

[clekchau]

i went with an 8 foot long 4 foot wide tank, now i wish i would have gone 10.

 

[kilmca]

Rick's,

Actually Jame's is the one I have been talking to about the tank. I have heard so many good things about his tanks. I believe since the tanks i'm considering are 24" tall or less and bracing is really not an issue 3/4" is adequate. Or that's the understanding I got from James. The only time he mentioned going with 1" is if I didn't want alot of bracing, with my light setup bracing is not an issue.

maxheadroom,

The 10' tank is probably the way to go. My wife wants me to get the tank that will satisfy my addiction for as long as possible. She wants this to be the last tank that I setup for a while. Our house is a little older and is in need of some updating. She's letting me do the tank before the big house projects.

clekchau,

Can you give me some reasons you wish you went for the 10' tank rather than the 8'x4'? What kind of livestock do you have?

Thanks, Calvin

 

[gliebig]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11797897#post11797897 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kilmca
By depth do you mean front to back or bottom to top?

I assume you mean front to back but just wanted to clarify.

Yes, I meant front to back.