Need advice from the "BIG GUYS"

[semigodd154]

So I was given the green light to go bigger my issue is how big? My living room is 14x26 there is a basement/storm shelter but not usable for sumps or anything because of logistics/location. So everything will need to be in cabinet.
Here are my options.

175sq 48x48x17
240 long 96x24x24
240 wide 60x36x24
300 tall 96x24x30
300 wide 96x30x24
270 wide 96x36x17

Rimless
190 wide 48x36x24
240 cube 48x48x24

obviously I have preferences but I need to figure in logistics of placement, lighting, flow, and aquascaping I am a contractor and will be constructing my own stand and will probably want to keep it less than 36 inches high so it will fit through my door any thing you can think of equipment wise i will need please list. All suggestions will be appreciated thank you.

 

[LowersMyBP]

As long as the tank is less than 36 inches front to back, any height you build the stand will fit through a doorway. If it's all in the cabinet, the more room you have in there, the better. Put doors/access panels on all 3 sides. (this may be obvious to you)

 

[semigodd154]

well if the tank turns out to be longer i think the doors will be slide open or lift up and slide in above the equipment similar to a garage door.

 

[CyclistMT]

Here are some things to thing about.

For aquascaping, I find wider is better. I've gone from 24" to 32" to now 48". (Current tank is 60"x48"x24".) HOWEVER, 24" is probably the only reasonable distance you can reach into the tank (although a 30" height might make this difficult). So you need to be able to reach this distance from different sides of the tank if you go wider. Keep this in mind if the length of your tank is going to be up against a wall.

Specifically to your selections, I love cubes personally so I would go with the 48x48x24. Awesome dimensions.

If you want more of a brick look than the 60x36x24 gets my vote if you can reach all areas of the tank. Would need to be in a peninsula configuration to make that happen. Or if in wall, access in front and back.

 

[semigodd154]

depending on the shape the tank will be peninsula specifically 5ft or less in length longer goes along the wall and becomes a PITA for aquascaping my 36x37 is difficult as it is because of a 40in stand and only 2 sides reachable

 

[semigodd154]

I need to bump for the day guys i know its boring because there is no tank but i could use the help thz

 

[jjk_reef00]

300 wide 96x30x24

 

[semigodd154]

so far i have eliminated the 240l and the 300t i kind of like the 300 wide as well but am also concerned with lighting keep the info coming

 

[explor3r]

Im in the same shoes as you are now, giving your options I would go with 60x36x24, just my personal opinion but......if you can make it custome I would go 72x34x22 that is exactly what Im doing:hammer:....
Whatever you decide you will love it anyways..good luck

 

[semigodd154]

ok another elimination i am now down to the 96x36x17 the 48x48x17 i like the shallow a little easier on the lighting or the 48x48x24 rimless or 48x36x24 rimless or the 60x36x24 ugh i also need thoughts on equipment I currently have a SE radium 250 in a lumenbright mini wide and am scheduled to have a Reef octopus SRO-3000 internal delivered tom.

 

[mathusala]

I am a bit biased but I went with the 72x30x26 245g. I love the dimensions of the tank. For me it was hard to picture sitting in my living room even with a tape measure in my hand.

It looked smaller in the warehouse, I started out with a tank less than 200g in mind but when I started I fell into the idea it's only a little extra for the tank that size so why not?

Then I started really planning things out. I went with parts I thought were mostly top of the line after doing TONS of research and reading hundreds and hundreds of posts. The end result is I am into the tank now for about 10k so far and that is before filling it with water. I could have went cheaper absolutely but if your like me and really want what is reasonably best of breed parts, break out your calculator before you decide on just the tank dimensions.

I expected it to be about that, my wife however did not. So if your married make sure you factor in bribes for the miss's.

Just my two cents, hope it helps and can't wait to see your tank.

 

[semigodd154]

I expected it to be about that, my wife however did not. So if your married make sure you factor in bribes for the miss's.


LOL my wife is the one who suggested the upgrade lol I really like at least a 36 wide i have done 24 wide and less in the past and just got frustrated with aquascaping the main reason i am still leaning toward a 60 or 48 length is to make a peninsula tank i have room to go larger but i dont really want a fish tank with a living room in it plus i have been calculating heat issues it gets a bit warm here over the summer it averaged 102 everyday from mid may till 1st of october lol so i may lean toward the newer led cannons i dont know lol

 

[semigodd154]

So 60x36x24 it is i will be placing the order in a week or so and should receive the tank middle of march planning to have loads of open sand and minimal rock i am not a fan of the vortechs i am considering

tunze wave box 6215 i also have 2 korillia 4s and 2 korillia evo 1400s if needed

2 lumenbright mini wides with 20k radium bulbs

maybe a few stunner strips for night viewing

SRO-3000Int skimmer

About 75lbs LR
This will be a minimal scape with emphasis on select fish and corals any thoughts/suggestions?