Choosing a Display Tank

[abogard24]

Hey guys!

I have really caught the itch again after being out of the hobby for about 4-5 years and my live in girlfriend is really excited about the idea of seahorses. I have been doing a lot of reading on these forums and wish I could change her mind but I am looking forward to the challenge =)

I am still a few months away from taking the plunge but I am trying to get my ducks in a row before I get started.

The biggest problem I am running into is tank size since I only have one spot in my living room where it would fit and we want our first tank to be visible since we spend most of our time in there.

I have been looking at a 30g Tall which is 24x12x24 which I think would look great and acceptably house a pair of horses. My concern is with my giant 2yr old mastiff. I have never had a tank that shape and was wondering if anyone has some experience with how stable it would be. I am worried my dogs will hit the stand while playing and since the tank is twice as tall as it is deep I am scared it would be easily knocked over. Am I over thinking this or is stability a concern in a tank this size?

Realistically I may be able to get a custom 24x15x24 tank if anyone thinks it will add significant stability to it.

I also had a question about water volume, I know the rule is 30g per pair and 15g for each pair after but is that calling for the actual display tank size or just water volume total?

Thanks for any input =)

 

[JLynn]

To begin with, yes, the 30+15x does mean the display tank. Any additional volume from the sump is just that- additional. As for your concerns about the tank being knocked over, is it going to be against a wall or something or freestanding? I wouldn't think that the tank could be knocked over quite so easily, but I see your point. One thing that might give you some peace of mind is having the tank sit in a recessed stand- maybe a couple inches deep?- so that even if the stand does get knocked into the tank is more firmly secured. Is the area you are looking at too small for a 24" cube? That would reduce the risk. Apart from getting a different sized tank, the only other ways I can think of to add stability are to have a shorter stand and add weight to the base of the stand (most easily accomplished by having a heavy sump). Hope that helps!

 

[jhoff]

I have a 34gal Current solana frameless 20x20x20 and its on a marineland ventura stand 24x24x32High ferfect size for viewing the ponys.I am also useing a 10gal sump for extra water volume.You could also anchor the back of the stand to the wall with mollys and some cable so tank can't tip over here's a pic

 

[abogard24]

Thanks for your responses.

You tank looks very nice Jhoff, I love the look of the cubes but I just can't get a sign off on coming that far out from the wall.

I think I am going to get a custom 24x15x24 built and build a stand with a lip like Jlynn recommended.

Are there any good plans or walkthroughs on how to build a stand laying around?

 

[JLynn]

There is a thread in the DIY section with a great, easy-to-modify, basic stand plan. It is here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1169964. Also, lots of people posted their modifications to the basic template, so that should give you plenty of ideas to work with. Good luck!

 

[dg3147]

I have a 34gal Current solana frameless 20x20x20 and its on a marineland ventura stand 24x24x32High ferfect size for viewing the ponys.I am also useing a 10gal sump for extra water volume.You could also anchor the back of the stand to the wall with mollys and some cable so tank can't tip over here's a pic

Can you post a few pictures of your set-up. I am thinking of buying one of these and drilling it, creating overflow, etc. Looking to create the slickest look possible.

 

[orteh22]

What type of plant is in your tank?