Deep tank owners

[Harleyguy]

I'm building a tank that will most likely be 36" deep and would love to hear from people that have deep tanks. Pros and cons on what you like and hate about the depth of your tank. What kind of problems do you encounter, and what light are you using?

If you had it to do again would you go shallower?

 

[FOSELONE]

how are you gonna clean that thing ?

 

[Harleyguy]

Big freaking magnet lol

 

[skewch]

Had a 30" deep tank one... I'm a tall guy (6'3"), and there were many occasions where I couldn't reach the bottom. Next tank was only 24" deep

 

[Nanook]

Great for FOWLR but for reef you better have some Monkey Arms or some long tongs

 

[Elliott]

I have a 30" tank, it's difficult, there are only a few places I can reach with my arm pit in the water, I like the looks, in fact I'm sure I'd like the look of a 36" even more but maintaining a reef in a deep tank day in and day out makes it a hassle, and I'm 6'4"

 

[spazz]

this tank is 4 ft deep.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/cathyrpeck/StJudeTank/photo?authkey=jeoDQ126zfA#5131808017724898194"><img src="http://lh5.google.com/cathyrpeck/RzfYM9_-e5I/AAAAAAAAAnA/sQwfXfFb_SA/s800/DSC_0169.JPG" /></a>

 

[dsandfort]

Mine's only 32" and it stretches me most of the time. But, I prefer it to my old 24".

 

[Chihuahua6]

I have a 30" column tank 47 gal. I bought it for its interesting shape and I like it. I don't need to reach the bottom all that often. If a coral falls and I need to get it I scoop it up with a big plastic kitchen spoon, the kind you use to stir soup or sauce. If a rock needs to be moved I use salad tongs. I probably need to reach the bottom once every month or two. The infrequent inconvenience is worth it because I like the look of the tank. I just bought a 290 gal tank that's 30" as well. Anything 6' or longer just looks better at 30" than it would at 24" in my opinion. It looks more balanced to me so I will gladly add a few minutes of effort to reach things at the bottom when needed. Now if I were someone who always has my hands down in the tank I might feel differently.

 

[Harleyguy]

I really want the depth for two reasons, 1. I think the tank will look disproportional if I don't go at least 36" and 2. I think with 400W MH the difference in Par from the sand to the surface will very greatly allowing me to have a nicely mixed reef. But will what everyone has said I might reconsider. On the other hand if I go with 36" and I feel it's too deep I can always add more sand....

 

[bkbailes07]

i have 30" but the canopy isnt removable and so it basically adds another 12" and i have had to balance my waist on the canopy, put on some goggles and dive in! but there is nothing like a deep tank, you will love it and now i got a good pair of tongs now and made everything much easier.

 

[ricks]

Harleyguy, I would go with 36" again for my tank. I love the extra room it gives for the coral to grow. And the fish can swim over the reef, just like the wild. With you going 120", your right anything less will look funny...

Happy Reefing

 

[bristle]

I have a 30" tall aquarium. Wet armpits sometimes occur and getting to the very back at the bottom is more difficult than not. But when you step back and look at it, wet armpits don't matter.

 

[JMaxwell]

My tank is 54"x24"x40" tall. For me, you can't beat the look. Caveats are 1) that you must be careful of flow so that you don't get detrius piling up in the lower half, 2) that you should probably have an oversized overflow to sump and to skimmer to facilitate extra oxygen exchange (or stock lightly), 3) its a PITA to get to the bottom of the tank. Number 3 is not that big a deal. Its a good incentive to keep you hands out of the tank. Otherwise, get some tongs and a mask/snorkel. Also make sure there is enough room in your canopy for the upper half of your body.

In sum, with proper planning, tall works fine and looks absolutely stunning.

best of luck.

 

[Helter Skilter]

Glue your frags very well, and invest in a good snorkle. Bristle's right though. Good luck.

 

[MN. Reef crzy]

than you can have a reef tank and go swimming in it, something i will never get to do. I think tall tanks look great, you will just have to struggle cleaning it.

 

[Harleyguy]

Thanks for all the insight; I think I will continue on with the 36" height. I too like the look of a deep tank and with the length of my tank I think anything less would look... well funny.

 

[Helter Skilter]

Good luck, and thank you for your service.

 

[kwl1763]

I think a lot of people "think" ot will look funny but have never seen a nice looking long one. Here is a really old picture (6 months ago) of mine and it's 120" wide and only 25" tall. I wouldn't change. I can keep the bottom immaculate this way. I've had all kinds before and would never go over 30" and will probably never even do that again!

 

[Elliott]

I think the way you have it set with the crown molding, two tones and bar top/chairs gives it balance, looks very nice!