Option 1 or Option 2

[ArizonaReefer]

Trying to decide between to tanks

Option One
Standard 300 Gallon
96L x 30W x 24H
[] Two overflows on the back side

or for $600 more

Option Two
250 Gallon
96L x 30W x 20H
[] Peninsula Style
[] 3-Side Starphire
[] Diamond Polished edges
[] Euro Bracing

Seems like a no-brainer, go with "Option Two"

What I'm struggling with is the room where the tank will go will require it to go up against the wall. Option Two will then only be viewable on two sides.

So what do you think?

 

[streetjudge79]

I'd go with number 2.

 

[Fade]

Option 1 ( I like taller tanks )

 

[Eric the half-bee]

What type of animals are you going to keep. If a reef, with a taller tank, lighting may be greater req't on taller tank. I vote opt.2

 

[jimmy n]

Another vote for 2. Love the tank.

 

[ArizonaReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13725969#post13725969 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Eric the half-bee
What type of animals are you going to keep. If a reef, with a taller tank, lighting may be greater req't on taller tank. I vote opt.2

SPS - Bare Bottom - High Fish Load

 

[savethereef]

i own a Penninsula and i say Number 2 all the way.

 

[ArizonaReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13726281#post13726281 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by savethereef
i own a Peninsula and i say Number 2 all the way.

I tried to point out that even though its a Peninsula tank I won't be able to set it up that way. One of the long sides will have to go up against the wall, which makes the fact that it is a Peninsula a negative factor, because then it will only be viewable by one long side and one short side.

 

[Volcano1]

I have option 1 set-up currently. Only diff. is my overflows are in the corners, and I have no center brace. My rock work pretty much limits the ends from much viewing.Both do have at least one brace, so lighting scheme, moving across the entire tank when cleaning, is about equal.

Option 1
More water, more space for rockwork going vertically, more fish swimming room.Height between the two for lighting not a big diff.
Non-Starphire, less clear, does not scratch as easy, cheaper.
Overflow set-up would work better if you wanted to use a wave box, Might be a big issue with a single end overflow,
( Hoping some users of tanks like this will chime in)

Option 2
Clearer glass, scratches easier,less room for vertical rock work,less water ,swimmng space.Overflow may be issue or not. 2 sided viewing.Less water, less money to maintain.Plumbing may be slightly easier with single overflow.

I recently aquired a 96x36x28, that is awaiting set-up. The extra height did not concern me for lighting, I don't think that should be a factor unless you want a tall stand and have a low ceiling height or are shorter and want it to be more of a look down if you are not going to use a canapy.
Ideally I wish I could have externel overflows, Option 1 and Starphire.
Most people love thier Starphire tanks, and take extra care not to scratch them.
I think which ever you choose you will be happy and always want a larger tank.HTH's, at least some.



Todd

 

[savethereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13726350#post13726350 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ArizonaReefer
I tried to point out that even though its a Peninsula tank I won't be able to set it up that way. One of the long sides will have to go up against the wall, which makes the fact that it is a Peninsula a negative factor, because then it will only be viewable by one long side and one short side.

oh man thats to bad a penninsula with 30 wide would be killer. in that case i would go with the 1st one then because if you are using the penninsula against the wall and its 3 side starfire you would be wasting the money on that extra panel. Also a 24 inch height is much better IMO. my tank is a 6x2x2 peninsula and i love it. my next tank which is being repaired right now is a 72x30wx24H
Front side starfire.


Here is a Video of my penninsula 180g



But what ever you pick i bet it will be a kick arse tank

 

[Nanook]

I like Option 1 as well.

 

[gjakub]

Tank 2 is very nice haveing actually seen it at AA but i like tank 1 since it has to go against the wall. And the $600 can go for rocks or sand or......................

 

[96p993]

I would say option one since you arent using option 2 for what it was originally built. 600.00 can start you on the way with lighting and/or a skimmer...

 

[ccampbell57]

Option 1 for sure...50g is a nice buffer for heavy fish load.

 

[Jflip2002]

I like #1. Ive went from a 24" tall tank to a 20" tall tank, and you really underestimate the importance of that 4". As a cop out, I think either one is a good choice. Itd be a very tough choice if the same price... but I dont think the #2 is worth $600 more.

 

[Mr. Brooks]

I like option 1.

 

[bkvreef]

Buy both and then when bored you can switch out tanks :rollface: .
Sorry I had to.
If you aren't going to be able to take advantage of the penninsula then why not go with Option 1.
4 extra inches aren't going to make a heg difference (I wouldn't think)
While the two overflows may be more plumbing wouldn't they also help with more with circulation?

Either way it's a nice decision to have to make.

 

[ArizonaReefer]

Thanks for the replies,

Another thing about Option 2 that I like is the Euro Bracing, I would like to have a little wave action created by some VorTechs and figure the bracing will help keep the water in the tank.

 

[535freak]

I would go with option 2 and find a way to use it as a peninsula.

 

[Lowredranger]

I am stuck with the same problem I love the peninsular look but my wife does not like where i picked to put it. I just hate wasting a whole side of the tank if it is possible to go peninsular. I would go with option 1 if peninsular is out of the question as it is a bigger tank i definitely think you will miss the 4" if you are going with a sand bed.