Prep for future built-in tank

Yes, that's why I asked if you could fit a stock 120. On sale from Marineland you would be looking at around $250, minus the low iron glass. Custom is always going to be much more and a bow front would substantially increase the cost. IMO, it distorts the view of the inhabitants which I don't like.
 
If you are in the custom glass $$ range you may want to look into acrylic. Most Acrylic tanks are built to order so custom size, custom overflow, and hole placement, doesn't substantially alter the cost.

You should search on acrylic as it has its pro/con.

FYI, I went with acrylic but thats just me.
 
CuzzA, yeah I'd love a standard size (48") and the increased gallons and specie potential. I'll double check if it's possible structurally but know it would be really cramped in the space. But a 36" may be undersized for the space!

All you guys who responded have 24" tall tanks. I have many topics to research and one of them will be how, and how often, one needs to access the very bottom of the tank. A 30" tall sounds really inconvenient but I'm pretty sure there are implements to reach the bottom.

I'm neck deep (literally) in my spare time on a major outdoor koi pond expansion (5' deep and will be 3,500 to 6,000 gallons) with very advanced life support. So I've yet to have the time to research salt aquariums. My goal for now is just to order a tank so I can schedule the cabinet build around it! You guys have been great in helping me out!!!
 
All you guys who responded have 24" tall tanks. I have many topics to research and one of them will be how, and how often, one needs to access the very bottom of the tank. A 30" tall sounds really inconvenient but I'm pretty sure there are implements to reach the bottom.

I access the bottom every time I clean the acrylic/glass. Stuff (tech term!) grows there and if it's not cleaned up looks like crap (nother tech term!!). I have scrapers that reach it but they flex and it's hard to bring the force needed to the task at hand.

Other tasks, like placing corals, can be done with tools but sometimes I've just got to use my hands.
 
On reexamination of the space with a decorator we've settled on a 36" wide, probably a 36x24x24. I may be able to go to a 36x30x24. Hoping that a salt tank that "small" can still be interesting (I'm sure it can be). Especially if I have a significant sump.
 
Thanks Indymann for checking in. We're at a standstill until our contractor can come and make up an initial drawing. I was a little disappointed to learn that a 36" wide is probably the best fit. I wanted to maximize the tank. It will probably be 24" wide and I'll have to test my reach to see if 30" tall is practical. The other holdup will be finding the time to research exact equipment and setup. What I need to do is find people with tanks to check out. Will certainly keep this thread posted when we progress!
 
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