How far from wall should tank be?

[gcgrad]

This is a really simple question. My 125 gallon tank has twin corner overflows. The holes are drilled through the bottom and the plumbing goes straight down into the stand. Just curious as to the appropriate distance from the wall the back of the tank should be. I'm thinking 2-3 inches, enough for the power cords to make it to the plug in. There is no HOB filter, skimmer, so no need for room there. I can't really think of any reason to leave more room back there than I need. It's my first system though so I definitely haven't thought of everything. I just don't want to set it up and realize, oh crap, I should have left myself more room back there.

 

[Wolverine]

I'd leave more room that that, if you can. I like to be able to get my arm to full length behind the tank. You never know when something is going to be dropped (or jump) right into the middle behind the tank. With only a few inches, I might not even be able to get up to my elbow from either side, which would mean there's about 4 feet of space that I couldn't reach.
Also, having more distance will help limit the amount of salt creep on the wall.

 

[ReeferBill]

Space Behind Tank?

Space Behind Tank?

Hi gcgrad ; I agree you may want to clean the glass with a magnetic scraper or maybe to dust or find that new wrasse that jumped out. Happy Reefing!!!!!!!!:dance:

 

[Cj923]

I got mine 4 inches from the wall and can reah the middle ofthe tank from both sides. Always good to leave some room just incase

 

[syrinx]

I would agree with at least 4 and preferably 6. Just because you don`t need the space now- doesnt mean you wont in the future.

 

[dzfish17]

I usually try to keep around 4-5 inches between the tank and wall.

 

[lilmonster]

1/4", just enough room for a power cord.

 

[Virtuoso]

If you do put your tank almost flush against the wall, isn't there another way to clean the back glass other than a mag float? Some kind of pole with a scrapper on the end? Do those kind of things work?

 

[bamf25]

I am at about 6 inches and it is not moving now.

 

[gcgrad]

Thanks everyone. I'll shoot somewhere between 4-6 inches.

 

[Indymann99]

If you do put your tank almost flush against the wall, isn't there another way to clean the back glass other than a mag float? Some kind of pole with a scrapper on the end? Do those kind of things work?

Yes a Kent or Tom scraper on a long handle works but it is a lot of work. I would say that if you can position with enough space to use a MagFloat it is much easier.

I dont have that option. :hmm5: on 3 sides...

 

[Bigdaddy_wood]

Mine is 8",

 

[Sk8r]

I keep mine the width of a cement building block: when i have to get behind it, I use a tall ladder and stack cement blocks so I can get one foot back there and lean. A mirror is another good trick, to be able to see what's going on.