Looking to go BIG but not sure on the dimensions-Suggestions Needed

[wfgworks]

i like the idea of a 96"X36"x 27" tank, is it going to be a reef?

Yes, the tank will be a reef tank

have you thought of a coast-to-coast external? saves room in the DT.

I have to do some research on Coast to Coast as I'm familar with. How does it differ from a normal external overflow box?

MH lighting is easy on a tank like this but since i think you prefer T5 you can use 4 4' T5 fixtures (like a 6 bulb combo for all 4 or a 2-8bulb and 2-6bulb) if you want converage everywhere or you could go with a 72" fixture (havent seen any online recently :/ ) and just raise it up 10" so you get slightly longer coverage or something. on BRS the 4-4ft fixture option for a TEK system is around $400/fixture.

I going with the new Lumen Bright Fixtures that are coming out soon. I have (2) 48" fixutes on order. I like the lumen bright reflectors so to get them in a fixture with T5s and LEDs to me should be a nice ALL-IN-ONE fixture.

 

[d3hree]

IMO the greater front to back depth the better. The illusion of depth and a reef that goes on forever is far greater with increased front to back depth than it is with width or height.

With larger tanks (width) you have to be stood a fair distance away to take in the whole view and this isnt usually how we enjoy our reefs. Usually we are stood closer to the glass peering into the depth. IMO large tank's width is for swimming space for fish but front to back is for viewing pleasure.

Have a look at this video, Stuart Bertram's Reef tank. This tank is 5ft front to back, 7ft wide. I have seen this tank in the flesh and peering into it with the aid of clean glass and reflections it looks like it goes on for miles. Stuart can access it from both sides so essentially it could be a pennisular set up, although it isnt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0vJsX9GuXM

Another good example of how impressive front to back distance can add to a reef would be steve weasts epic aquascape

HTH

 

[slief]

Ok, I'm going to be finishing my basement early next year and would like to upgrade my current tank.

I'm unsure of the dimensions as I'm staying open to different options in hope of finding a good deal on a big tank local or even if I have to drive a few hours to get it.

Below are three dimensions I have been considering. I want the depth to be at least 3ft and length to be at least 6ft and cant go longer than 8ft and height has to be 27" or less because of restrictions of getting the tank into the basement.

Current tank is young in SPS so the new one will be the same.

Possible options
96x36x27
72x48x27
72x36x27 (300DD Marineland)

Will the extra lenght be worth it or is the depth the way to go?

I would like to have both depth and length but feel the cost to light would be too much for me at this point.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks,

Bill

One thing to take into consideration is the cost of the glass or acrylic and the fact that most sheets come in 4'x8'. That said, your dimensions are going to result in a lot of material waste that will factor into cost. I would consider a 48" wide x 96" long x 24" tall tank as it will use about the same amount of acrylic or glass from a material costs standpoint. Those are my dimensions and anything short of that would be missed while the tank costs would have been nearly the same.

Here is a link to my build thread that might give you some ideas.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783476

 

[clsanchez77]

I like tall and wide tanks. Last tank was 30" tall and will be going 48" on my next big build.

How would you maintain a tank 48" deep?

You guys are way out of my league. We dont have basements in New Orleans...you'll never guess why

But seriously, I am limited in length to 6', maybe 7' if I go custom. I am limited to 24" depth, maybe 30" if I go bowfront and convince my wife. So that really leaves me with height. 36" is the standard max. But Nyvp's comment intrigues me.