Help me decide!

[PinkPunisher]

So I'm going to be moving coming mid-November, I recently tore down my 75 gallon and sold my livestock as I found it easier to just set up a new/better system. I'm currently stuck debating between two tank dimensions, 48"x24"x18" and 36"x36"x16". The square offers the largest footprint with that of a 125 gallon and other a 120. Which would you choose and why? Any thoughts on flow/lighting? I was thinking possibly 2 WP25 and either a 6x54W or 6x39W with DIY LED supplement.

I'm also open to different dimensions but the max gallonage for the DT must be 90 gallons. I'll be on the 4th floor of an apartment and want to play it safe. :beer:

 

[Mr. Brooks]

To answer your question, I'd like to know what kind of fish you intend to keep.

If you want to keep a small tang I'd say the 48".

If you want to grow SPS with a single metal halide I'd say 36".

 

[Ron Reefman]

I like a slightly bigger front to back than 24", but 36" gets to be a bit hard to reach over to do things in the back. How about a 40" or 42" x 30" x 18"? That's about 90 gallons. I'm starting a build for a tank that will be 4' x 18" (I can't go thicker) x 18" and will use starfire glass for the front and make it rimless with no euro bracing. It is a QT/local stock tank to replace the 55g tank I use now. I'm trying to gear up my confidence to do a 6' x 30" x 20" rimless tank to replace my old 180g DT.

 

[atreis]

I voted for the 48" just because a 36" square is fairly awkward, but it really depends - on the animals, setup, and the space where the tank is going. If it were going into the middle of a room, then I'd go for the big square. Against a wall though, I'd go for the longer tank.

 

[PinkPunisher]

In regards to animals and stocking. I was thinking since the 36x36 had the same square footage of a 125 I would have had more options for stocking in regards to tangs than in the 48x24. I do have interests in tangs but now that it seems the length of the front pane is all that really matters it changes my thought process on what was acceptable in that size of a tank. I thought I would be able to get anyway with more than just the bristletooth tangs, according to the tang primer anyways. I thought I would be able to start dipping into other Genus's of tang, Zebrasoma, and Acanthurus for the most part being where my interests were. Now obviously not all species from those are acceptable, but some are fine in a 125. As far as corals go I'd like to start expanding into 'colourful sticks' and would like this tank to be a mixed reef but mostly dominated by SPS. I'm still trying to decide exactly what lighting I'd like to go, I only have experience with T5 and have only ever really read threads about T5 and LED or a combination of the two. So basically my MH knowledge is squat aside from that everyone seems to really love Radiums correct? haha

What some of you are saying about the 36" width does make sense in regards to cleaning. My thought process was that since the widest tank I've owned to this point was 18"s, double that was even better! haha

I should also mention that I will likely be having this tank custom made by Miracles Aquariums as they're a little less than an hour from my door step. I'm thinking 1/2" glass, rimless, and possibly an external bean animal overflow. I may settle on an internal one though if there is a significant cost difference.

 

[shaggss]

Do a search for d2mini cube build. It was awesome. Lots of good ideas for you.

Here you go.....

 

[PinkPunisher]

d2mini's cube is a huge inspiration to me, such a beautiful system all round. I'd love to try imitate his stand, the stain was gorgeous.

Though I recently found blackthunda77's build for a 48"x24"x16" and it was awesome as well. Its what made me even consider doing a shallow tank in the first place!
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2168479

Which tank would be best for tangs? Was I correct with what I was thinking before with the tangs in the 36"x36"? In total there is nine square feet, the same to that of a 125 gallon. Is it really that much better to have a 6' narrow tank than a 3' deep tank? Obviously volume wise there is a difference but can't I take handle of that with careful bioload planning?

Also would love to see votes even if you don't post, any votes in the poll would be appreciated!

Cheers!

 

[Saltwatercoral2]

I was in the same situation. Was considering getting a cube tank, but ultimately ended up with a custom made tank from Planet Aquariums, 48" x 24" x17" tall, and I'm glad I went with this over the 36" x 36" x 18" tall I was considering.