Suggestions Needed on 180-300 Gallon Tank Build

[camaroracer214]

I am looking to build a new tank and need suggestions. Currently, I have a 180 gallon aquarium. It's a 72x24x24 tank that is eurobraced, has an external overflow box, 5/8" thick glass, starphire, an external overflow box, and black silicone.

I want to change it up a bit though. I'm thinking of going with a 72x36x20 or 72x36x18 tank that is obviously more shallow but deeper (front to back).

But, I'm open to a variety of sizes and need suggestions as to which is a unique and awesome footprint. I'm not firm on the two footprints listed above. Also thinking of going with a rimless tank as opposed to a eurobraced setup. Again, just looking for experiences and suggestions.

Thanks.

 

[camaroracer214]

hmmm...nobody?

 

[troylee]

I feel your pain lol....these forums take a long time to get a response.....anywho....I personally would go with the more shallow tank and go deeper from front to back it provides for better flow better light penetration and easyier maintence and a awsome set up for aqua scaping..imo.......as for rimless there great but they get really pricey for the tank because of the material thickness used but that's up to you...

 

[crvz]

I'd go with the first setup. You won't be upset about those 2" in height, but the 36" will be a real step up.

 

[camaroracer214]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15169748#post15169748 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by crvz
I'd go with the first setup. You won't be upset about those 2" in height, but the 36" will be a real step up.

yeah, that's definitely the one i'm leaning toward.

 

[Lightsluvr]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15170258#post15170258 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by camaroracer214
yeah, that's definitely the one i'm leaning toward.

I think you will really like the 36" width of the tank, but I wouldn't sacrifice height to get it. A 20" tank may be okay for small fish, but 24" is much better for aquascaping and swimming room... a shallow tank might encourage jumpers, too, IMHO.

LL

 

[serpentman]

I agree with Lightsluvr, additional height will be advantageous when the corals grow in.

 

[camaroracer214]

well right now i have a 24" tall tank (180 gallons).

i can't really reach the bottom, especially with the canopy on the tank. and the canopy is huge and super heavy so it's impossible to move.

i have looked at some of the shallower tanks and i do like them. they look pretty good...especially the ed's shallow reef inspired art or whatever it's called.

i'm checking with a few manufacturers for a quote, so we'll have to see how it all goes from there first.

 

[Jflip2002]

I was in the same position, I really wanted a 72x36x20. I ended up settling for a 72x30x24, and am pretty happy with my choice. The extra height of 4" seems more valuable than the 6" depth, IMO. Plus they aren't necessarily custom made, since its a standard 225g size.

 

[camaroracer214]

what do you guys think about closed loops? i have been toying with the idea on the setup i have now, but when i got it i would have had to drill a bunch of holes because the tank didn't really come with any. i got a little nervous about it and chickened out. so, i've been using vortechs and tunzes to create flow. but if i'm going to have a custom tank made, i mine as well have it setup for closed loop.

was thinking of a reeflo pump and an om 4-way, two reeflo pumps and two om 4-ways (would require two large drains/feeds in the tank and would be the most costly setup imo), or one larger reeflo pump and an om 8-way...what do you guys think?

 

[Ed Reef]

IMHO, tank is size is very personal and best advice I can give is hang around the Large thread forum and see all the different sizes tank and then decided which/ what catches your fancy.


Shallow or tall tanks both have their advantages/ disadvantages BUT deeper tank surely helps in aquascaping :lol:

 

[camaroracer214]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15180388#post15180388 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ed Reef
IMHO, tank is size is very personal and best advice I can give is hang around the Large thread forum and see all the different sizes tank and then decided which/ what catches your fancy.


Shallow or tall tanks both have their advantages/ disadvantages BUT deeper tank surely helps in aquascaping :lol:

ed, i can't tell you how many times i've gone through your build threads. you're shallow tank has been my inspiration to go shallower than the standard 24".

 

[Ed Reef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15182859#post15182859 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by camaroracer214
ed, i can't tell you how many times i've gone through your build threads. you're shallow tank has been my inspiration to go shallower than the standard 24".

COOL....does that mean we will ahve another memebr into our Shallow reef club soon

 

[camaroracer214]

hopefully...just waiting on a quote now