Need help deciding on next tank

[danskim]

I am debating between a 96x24x25 and a 72x24x31 tank. Volumes are somewhat similar. I like the tall look because it gives corals a lot of room to grow, but I also like the long look because it makes the tank seem bigger (and gives fish more room).

I am kind of leaning toward the taller tank because I only have experience with DSBs. A 5" bed will still give me 25-26" of usable vertical space.

If there was a 5" bed in the 96", then there would be very little room..

Any input would be great...
I am considering a BB tank if I choose the 96", but again, I don't have much experience. I would have to siphon quite often, correct?

 

[spazz]

there is alot more to think about than just a dsb in the tank vs a bare bottom tank. where wil the tank be in a fish room or on a stand?
will you need to house other equiptment in a different room if the tank is on its own stand.

what material will the tank be made from? glass or acrylic?
if its acrylic than you might need to consider the sheet size before you decide the tank size.

 

[mflamb]

I like taller for corals because I'm a DSB fan.
I like longer for fish because they can swim further before turning.
I was having the same battle, so I got both.

 

[ReefingBuddha]

I would go wider instead of taller maybe 72x30x25.. give the thing a sense of depth.

 

[danskim]

The sump and other equipment will be in the storage room behind the tank. Nothing or at least not much is planned for beneath the tank except for closed loop stuff.

Also, the tank will be glass.

 

[nyvp]

go the largest dimensions you can 96Lx24-36Wx30H

 

[RichConley]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10439515#post10439515 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mflamb
I like taller for corals because I'm a DSB fan.
I like longer for fish because they can swim further before turning.
I was having the same battle, so I got both.

96x36x31? Everyone wins.

 

[danskim]

I'm leaning more towards 96x24x31.
However, I don't think I can go much further because of my budget.
Lighting and circulation will cost a pretty penny, and 300 gallons is probably my limit with the current BM250 (if not a little too much for it to handle).

 

[danskim]

As of now, I am going to try a small compromise...
96x28x28.

Somewhat wide and somewhat tall.

I'll probably use a 150g stock tank for a sump and 100g stock tank for a Remote DSB.

In the display will be a shallow sand bed mostly for aesthetic appeal.