Help Me Decide On A New Tank!

[Jflip2002]

So I've had the intentions to get a new tank. Im kind of torn on some of the decisions. All will be Leemarr, recessed eurobrace, starphire with black silicone. I am totally set on the tank being 72" long, since I really love my tangs. Here are the options:

1) 72x36x20 (225g)- This is the size I really want, since I had a 36x36x20, its basically two of them side by side.

2) 72x30x24 (225g) - This is a popular 225g, a lot of guys have it, who do infact have 225s. Im not totally sure if I like the 24" tall tanks, I kind of like them shallow. But when I have shallow tanks, I miss the height.... The grass is always greener.

3) 72x36x17 (190g) - This is the same concept as the 72x36x20 tank, but its notably cheaper than the 72x36x20 tank. I Also think I could run 4 of the 250w halides on it, as opposed to the 400w, and Id be totally fine. I also could use my Warner Marine AS200 skimmer so Id save another $1k on the skimmer (Man, this is sounding more ane more convincing as I type, lol)

4) Other 72" option

What would you guys choose? Reasons are a plus!
(I'm Leaning towards the 72x36x17 since It wont be as expensive or inconvenient)

 

[waynem]

Do they make a 72 x 36 x 24?

 

[Jflip2002]

Not Leemarr, I dont believe. When I asked for that dimension initially, I was told it had to be AGE, which is out of budget.

I could use Leonardo's and Ed's tanks for inspiration if I go with the shallower tank also. I just have a vision of very open aquascaping, with maybe 5-6 single larger rock islands in the tank. Leaving tons of open space for fish to swim. Id just be fearful that the 17" depth will get old.

 

[laugh]

Hard to justify all the extra costs for 3" I say 72 X 36 X 17

 

[Jflip2002]

The extra cost is around $500 extra, plus the cost of a new skimmer (take away selling my old one), which is about a $600 difference, so $1100 total difference. If I had less limits on my budgeting, I think the choice would be easier. Im just totally set on 72", and would find it hard going with a tank less than 36" wide, I love it. My last two tanks have been 36" wide.

 

[laugh]

Agreed, wider is better than taller. Don't forget more lighting to penetrate the deeper tank.

 

[Jflip2002]

Id probably run 4x400w regardless, lol. I might dial it down to 250w with a 17" tank, if I go that route.

 

[hk45]

I just order a 72x30x25. I want the extra width.

 

[NexDog]

I have a 72x36x30. 20" tall is a bit shallow. 30" is a bit of a pain but I can reach the bottom okay with my hands and wet armpits.

 

[AcroSteve]

I think 17 is not enough.

 

[GSMguy]

72x36x20 would be my choice, that's coming from a guy with a 14" tall tank , I think 17 is too shallow for that size tank.

 

[serpentman]

Are you planning to run a pendant or canopy. I think shallow tanks are cool provided you have the benefit of a top down view. Otherwise, I like some height. Personally, I would go 72x20x24.

 

[edandsandy]

I would go with 72x36x20...
I can hardly reach the bottom of our 24" deep,
i really like the 36"width, you can plant so much more

 

[Jflip2002]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14830346#post14830346 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
72x36x20 would be my choice, that's coming from a guy with a 14" tall tank , I think 17 is too shallow for that size tank.

Even a shallow tanker is saying 20", so 17" must be real shallow lol. I was leaning towards the 17" tank, having the stand a little lower, so its eye level from the couch, and so you could also easily look down.

For lighting, I'll do 4x Lumenarcs with 250 or 400w (depending on if I go 17 or 20 tall). Id like to put it on a floating canopy.

Im kind of surprised with how many people voted for the 225g 72x30x24. That seemed least appealing to me lol. It just seems like theres more "usable" real estate for the fish with the longer and wider, rather than wasting the space with height.

You guys arent making the decision any easier, LOL
(Keep em coming)

 

[Blinding Reef]

how about 72 by 30 or 36 by 27 tall? your tangs will thank you and love you for for the length and width and your corals will love and thank you for the extra room to grow upwards..lol

 

[Jflip2002]

I Dont like tall tanks. 24" is the absolute maximum. Then with these bigger dimensions, its going to be out of my budget anyhow.

 

[maxheadroom]

72x36x20 (225g)


Go big!

 

[Jflip2002]

I was fearing people would encourage the 3" taller, lol. Now that leaves me needing a bigger skimmer, even though this warner says its rated for 250g.

 

[James Wright]

ypu will never be happy with a 20 in tank. I have a 31 incher and i hate it, but I hated my old 20 inch jeight even more. Absolutely go with a 72x36x24 a 36 inch depth is an awesome tank 30 is really nice too, but you can do so much ore in a 36. I say screw it and go 72x48x24 or 30. that would be a beast of burdens

 

[sfsuphysics]

FYI I run 250w DE pendants on my 4x3x2 tank, so don't think you MUST go to 400watt bulbs with 24 inches.