Help me pick the dimensions of my aquarium

[TylerS]

I need input from experienced large reef aquarium keepers on what are some of the pro's and con's of various sizes. Would you rather have more length, width, or height. I'm looking for insight into stocking and aquascaping that comes from experience I don't have yet.

I'm considering anywhere from 8' long x 2' wide x 2.5' high to 6' long x 2.5' wide x 2.5' high.
Questions:
1) Is it worth it to go from 2' high to 2.5' high (24 to 30 inches) and why
2) would you rather have 8' long and 2' wide, or shorter (6 or 7' long) and wider (2.5') and why. If I go with 8' long it can't be more than 2' feet wide (8' long is stretching it for the space).


Some background
I'm about 1.5 to 2 years off from getting my first reef aquarium (going overboard is underrated) and I've been doing lots of reading (easily over 100 hours so far) and started some design work and calculations. I can figure out associated costs for various tank sizes and dimensions on my own. It will be on the first floor along a wall in the family room, with plumbing running to the basement where there will be a fuge / sump etc. I've always wanted an aquarium and I'm really excited to have a house that I can finally put one in.

 

[rick12]

My preference is not too high! Don't like getting my armpits wet.

 

[DavidinGA]

I have a 210gal (6ftx2ftx29) and prefer "tall" tanks as they give a much better wow factor imo. Shorter tanks just kinda, well look small for a lack of a better description.

I'm debating an upgrade and am hoping to get an 8ft tank this time around as my 6ft is just too short for all my tangs. My tank is 24" deep and I find it fine and don't see any need to go deeper; but if you can why not - bigger is better. I do tend to prefer length over girth tho (so does the misses too pun intended lol).

I'm hoping my next tank will be around 8ft x 30" x 30"

 

[campos]

It's too bad you're not California. I am selling my 8 ft long Leemar tank. Absolutely beautiful tank. Selling with everything, stand, 4 AI hydra's, Apex reef keeper, reflow external pump. $5000 or best offer

 

[Fudz Cwerner]

I'm hoping my next tank will be around 8ft x 30" x 30"

I agree, that will hopefully be the size of my next tank! One of my friends has a 8x2x2.5 300g and it is stunning!

 

[TylerS]

It's too bad you're not California. I am selling my 8 ft long Leemar tank. Absolutely beautiful tank. Selling with everything, stand, 4 AI hydra's, Apex reef keeper, reflow external pump. $5000 or best offer

It is to bad. It may take a while, but hopefully I'll be able to find something like that closer to me when I start looking.

The misses and I set up some boxes today and decided that 30" wide is to wide, but she was ok with 8 ft long x 24" wide. Last decision is to go by 24 wide by 24 high, or 24 x 30. I'm going to try to find some pics online (but they're typically not sorted by dimensions).

 

[woodnaquanut]

Will this be your first tank ever? You might want to start with something less massive. Nothing smaller than a 40B. There are lots of used tanks available to get your feet wet!

I have a 24" high tank. I wish I had gotten a 22" high one. It's not so hard picking things up off the bottom or cleaning the glass at the bottom, but when placing corals I like to use my hands. 24" is close to me needing snorkel gear!

It is a really personal choice. Tall tanks do look more impressive. They are not better for the critters.

Longer tanks will be better for the big swimmer fish like Achilles Tangs.

 

[saltydog1]

Will this be your first tank ever? You might want to start with something less massive. Nothing smaller than a 40B. There are lots of used tanks available to get your feet wet!

I have a 24" high tank. I wish I had gotten a 22" high one. It's not so hard picking things up off the bottom or cleaning the glass at the bottom, but when placing corals I like to use my hands. 24" is close to me needing snorkel gear!

It is a really personal choice. Tall tanks do look more impressive. They are not better for the critters.

Longer tanks will be better for the big swimmer fish like Achilles Tangs.

:thumbsup: I agree