Choice of two tanks

[Becks]

Hi all,

I have the following two options of tanks to use for my marine tank;

Tank 1; was the original tank I brought which had a cracked corner that is the following dimensions L48" W24" H30" with a centre weir and pipe work including sump. It really is a huge tank and I can have the front panel replaced. Measuring roughly 650 litres plus sump

Tank 2; L48" W20" H25" around 400 litres plus sump. Has two holes drilled in the centre for pipe work but is currently covered with a glass plate that needs removing but I have the option to install a corner weir and use my current stand to drill holes though the back so I don't need a weir that goes completely down the tank.

Although I like the thought of the 30" deep tank, it seems like it would get frustrating to carry out maintence.

I intend to have a mixed reef tank with some fish using a shallow sand bed, I also like the more minimalist looking tanks so I won't want to jam the tanks full of LR.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Entacmaea]

Hi Becks, I'd go for the unbroken tank, but that is just me. The larger tank is nice, and not that much bigger footprint though. 30" deep is more of a chore unless you have long arms : ) Personally, I would drill the tank for a Synergy Reef/Ghost Overflow or similar low-profile overflow, which take up much less real estate inside the tank. A little more to set up initially, but you will thank me later! If you like a minimalist look, then they are about the least noticeable overflow out there.

 

[bat21]

I would forever be nervous about reusing a broken tank, even if it's repaired.

 

[Entacmaea]

bat21 is referring to the all important "I will sleep better" factor : )

 

[Becks]

Yeah that was a concern of mine! The sleep betér faktor haha. But the big tank looks like it could have so much potential, I guess I wish the smaller tank was 24" wide, is 20" still a good width and would a tank of 30" deep get frustrating bearing mind I would have to get a stepladder each time I clean the bottom or something

 

[Entacmaea]

If the larger tank wasn't broken, I would go with it in a heartbeat - just because larger is often "better" for a lot of reasons. I qualify "better" because of course there are caveats to what better means. A deeper tank can be very dramatic and I prefer them, and the wider the tank the more three dimensional you can get with aquascape. BUT, if I'm constantly worried about whether my tank will leak or hold up, that is not worth the extra couple inches in each dimension for me. You might price out the repair and a new pane of glass, and see if that informs your decision...