Big tank owners....what would you do?

[rodneyri]

Ok, so I really cant make up my mind here, im looking to build either 2000mm or 2300mm long tank to go on my current stand replacing the 1400mm tank currently there. Both will be in 12mm glass and 15mm base and one piece euro. So here is the problem which I cant make up my mind on :wall: ...

2000 option;
- gives me space on either side of the tank to really reach in for cleaning the glass...not a real biggy, lets me jump up on the sides of the cabinets if needed to work around tank
- will be external weir or corner weir back left of tank (as per current tank)...BUT as the tank will not go to the end a panel will need to be made to cover up some of the cutout for the plumbing as this will be exposed... yuck!
- utilise current sump
- pump placement will be on the back wall, as they look ugly on the sides...I think pumps on the side are better for the flow patterns though
- not as big :furious:

2300 option;
- as the alcove in my place is at an angle, the RHS is awkward so the weir will be on the right side internal, as with this size tank it would be difficult to squeeze in to clean the glass. if the weir is there less requirement
- pumps would be on either side of the weir and not too noticable I think...anyone got a setup like this comment?
- tank covers the cutout of the current tank plumbing
- require new sump...not really but to optimise space would build a new sump as the weir is on the side not back
- requires a cutout on the RHS to accomodate weir...if i want to go back to a smaller tank down the track the table top is ruined...who knows if i downsize

im leaning towards the 2300 right now due to the ugly cutout of the old plumbing and I can put pumps on either side of the weir blasting the full length of the tank...plus other pumps on the back wall at the left
some drawings;
2000 Option;

2300 Option;

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Well,
Bigger is better, it all comes down to what YOU want here Rodney.
Like they say "no worries mate".
Really enjoyed my time down under.

 

[rodneyri]

your probably right Vinny, im spinning the wheels here making a decision so thought id put it out there to see if there was something i hadnt thought of.

how long were you down here...did you go to the reefs for a look

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Rodney,
2 weeks in Australia traveling all around with a tour group.
Then 2 weeks in New Zeland and 3 days in Fiji.
Snorkeled for the 1st time on The Great Barrier Reef.
I would go back in a heartbeat!

 

[Epicreefer]

That's a bit tough, I think the 2300mm is the way to go.

If you like big fish like tangs and triggers they will be happier.
The difference in set up isn't much different price wise.
Having the overflow to the side is much more convenient than on the back
And of course if you don't you'll wish you had, and then begin a rebuild again.
If you do downsize I doubt you'll downsize to the 2m tank, much more likely to a 1m tank and possibly a different spot.

 

[rodneyri]

good stuff Vinny

i have a blue tang and achiles in my current tank.

yeah i was thinking the side overflow might be good...hoping its not too ugly to look at

here are some pics of the current setup so you can see roughly the space im working with

 

[SERVO]

a 2000 sounds like a bit less of a set up headache, but how many more lights would you need to add to your existing fixtures? Does the 2300 option force your hand at one more fixture, a new sump and wall renovations? I'm not sure of the limits of motivation, but one more foot or 300 cm is really only a big factor if your tank has less than 50 cm front to back dimensions.

 

[rodneyri]

I did some sketchups and can use my current sump which is one less thing. The lights well I will try with the 3 Mitras and see how I go from there. Cant do renovations I own an apartment so thats out of the question...I wish though!

pretty much decided on 2300 setup Im thinking lol

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Nice Digs mate!
Tank looks great too.

 

[SantaMonica]

From a looks standpoint, the longer one wins

For accessability... ?