Opinions on my first reef tank size

[AdamPD]

So I want to start my own reef tank and I have two tanks available for my main tank and sump.

Main tank: 48"L x 18"H x 12"W

Sump: 30"L x 18"H x 12"W

My main concern is the width of the tank. Id like to be able to put a decent amount of rock arches/caves in there but I still want have room to scrape the algae off when it comes. I hate the look of corralline algae on the glass.

My question is...is it worth taking the time and money to set up this narrow tank? Have other people aquascaped nice reef tanks that are 12" wide? I would hate to buy a new aquarium when I have these two that would work.

Please let me know what you guys recommend! I'm excited to get in to the hobby and have been doing some heavy research the past couple of weeks.

 

[mcgyvr]

IMO 12" wide tanks SUCK (like a 55g is a horrible reef tank)... Not wide enough.. 18" min IMO..
I'm loving my new 24" wide tank (80G rimless deep blue)

And FWIW.. A 40B is an awesome sump size (and even display tank) if you are making your own..

 

[ssky]

I concur with mcgyvr. Go with at least 18 inches deep tank.

 

[themagicman]

Like mentioned above the dimensions of that tank are definitely not ideal, but a beautiful reef tank can be created nonetheless. Minimalistic aquascaping anyone?

If you got the space and the funds for something else though a standard 20 gallon tank, a 20 gallon long or a 40 breeder are all good tanks to start off with. Sumps are optional no matter what size DT you choose. GL.