Need advice on tank size

[mprygh]

Yes, tank size has been discussed a lot, and I have read a lot of threads.
But this is very specific, and the decision is driving me nuts.
I currently have a 65G 48" long reef tank, and am going to upgrade.
I cannot decide between:
72" x 24" x 24"
72" x 30" x 24"
96" x 30" x 24"

I like the extra feel of depth with the wider 30" tank.
But reaching the lower back areas might be a pain.
And the extra lighting is a hassle.

The longer 8' one would be nice, but it is starting to get well ... huge. Everything steps up in size so much.
And other than just more space, I do not see that you can put
a wider range of fish. Which is my biggest reason upgrading from 65G tank.

I also wanted to make sure the 24" deep size makes sense.
I do worry a bit about corals getting large.
On the other hand, the depth adds to lighting issues, and requires
thicker acrylic and everything.

Another issue is that the wider 72" tank seems more "custom".
But not really a big deal.

Tank cost and room size is not critical.

Just wondering if anyone has a tank of those dimensions, and opinions on it.
Thanks!

 

[Dante_JoseCuerv]

I don't own a tank that size, but I will tell you this much from what I've seen. Any tank with a 30"+ width opens up a whole new world of aquascaping.

The 96" x 30" x 24" is going to be a fairly large tank. Personally, I'd shoot for that but the 72" x 30" x 24" might be better if the 8' length is going to be too much.

Have you looked at Marineland's Deep Dimension tanks? They've got that nice 300 gallon (72" x 36" x 27") and from personal experience I can tell you that that tank is BEAUTIFUL! I know it's not acrylic, but it can be a good starting place for ideas. Hope this helps.

 

[mprygh]

Oh great, just what I needed, more options. :spin2:

But looking at that deeper tank, I am intrigued. Some interesting aquascaping options.

Hmm. Thanks.

 

[strout]

I would go with 72x30x24 or 72x33x24, 96 thats big, more lights, bigger skimmer, bigger everything. This is jmo, if I were going with a 96, I would want an equipment room.

 

[nyvp]

not even a thought ...no question ... why are you even asking

go go 96" x 30" x 24"

i would use either 3 xm 250w or 3 400w 20k radiums in the usual lumenarc or max
once you pass 150/g size they all come out to be about the same price is equipment and use.
the few extra dollars will not be felt once the tank has water in in.
They would all use about the same skimmer and lighting and nothing beats size
ask almost any reefer and the answer is always I would have gone bigger or my next will be bigger.

 

[reefer96]

96 inch ALL THE WAY. I'm upgading from a 72x18x27 (150) to a 96x36x30 (450) display.

I cant wait for extra space, even 24in felt to narrow, I looked at several deminsions and this just felt right. :spin2: ( whatever right is)

I know its a lot easier said than done, there's alot to think about:
8ft lenght offers up a selection of larger fish, opposed to 6 ft (naso)

Bigger skimmer

Larger reactors (calcium, Fluidized beds, etc) Especially if you like to have a heavy fish load.

Extra water volume needing De-humidifying. Here in St louis i will be adding a 2nd AC unit in fish room to help with Excess moisture issues. Maybe your Ok?

More rock/sand

Water change system?? How much GPH do you need, as well as, what size reservoir tanks do you need for water changes RODI/SALT. (vertical poly tanks) and pump.

FLOW: return pump, power heads, Closed loops?

and BLAH.....BLAH......BLAH

All i can make out is to write up a few different build scenarios and see what fits your needs. Willingness, Space, equipment, financial, etc.

Good Luck,
BTW 96 in ALL THE WAY:celeb3:

 

[porthios]

i'd only add that 72" lighting fixtures are fairly common. if you want to use fixtures on a 96" tank you're usually looking at running two 48" fixtures. that has a significant effect on cost, bulb replacement, hanging aesthetics, etc..

if you're gonna use mh it's just one more ballast, bulb, reflector, whatever..

i may be in the minority but there are definitely fish i'd keep in a 96" that i wouldn't keep in a 72".

like every one else, i would definitely encourage you to go as wide as possible. my tank is 96x42x30 and if i had the room it would be wider.

 

[mprygh]

Lots of great advice. I am leaning toward the big tank.
Seems fairly consistent here and from friends : If I can handle the size, go big.

Background:
I am lucky to have a large living room, with a big blank wall, and a fairly useless space
just outside.
So the main tank will go in the living room. Then I am making a big hole in the wall, and all equipment goes just outside in a shed.
So lots of pipes, and even forced air ventilation, from tank, to outside.
Filtration will actually be algae-turf-scrubber based + large cryptic zone.
Great experience with that. But it does take up a lot of space.
Once I decide on the final tank, I will probably write up the full plan.

 

[Dante_JoseCuerv]

I agree with reefer96. 96" x 36" x 30" is pretty awesome.

 

[Dustin1300]

Size does matter Go with the 96 incher if your making the investment. Your cost of install will be basically the same with equipment but will give you more room for rock/coral/fish

 

[bullitr]

if i have the the room too i will do 96x60x29
but i am pretty happy with 36" wide because you have more option to aquascape.

 

[PSU REEFER]

Tank cost not critical====GO BIG

 

[mprygh]

I decided on the big 8' 300G one.
Many thanks for the advice.
I guess for fun I need to start a thread on that now.