Tank Height

rldcpa

rldcpa

New member
I have to decide between 2 tank sizes and the only difference is height.

72x30x22H 165 gallon

or

72x30x26H 205 gallon

the extra height might look nice but will the height be a problem with servicing the tank?
 
The higher the tank the harder it is to reach the bottom & harder for light to penetrate the bottom of the tank, but a deeper tank gives you more tank to look at.
 
I have a 30in high tank. I like them better than shorter tanks because of the increased viewing area. My old 250mh and now leds work fine with this size tank. I have mostly sps all through the tank and they seem happy.

Cleaning the tank is no harder than a shorter tank, just need longer cleaner tools.
 
Get a shorter tank. 22" is pretty high. You will also need stronger lights with a 26" high tank.
 
Get the 26." It'll take a bit more light, but 90 gallon tanks are that tall and don't need super amounts of light. And LEDs penetrate deeper than halides anyway. You'll thank yourself later for the depth and greater rockscaping varieties. It will require a stool, but woopty do, lol.
 
I too agree with taller tanks. My tank is 30 inches and I wouldn't set up anything less. I love tall tanks. Ofcourse I have long arms though. Taller tanks allow for a higher rock work and more water volume
 
Get your step ladder reader it's essential. I have a 72x30x24 and it the only way I can get my hand in the tank.
 
Correction - the 72x30x22H is 205 gallons and the 72x30x26H is 245 gallons. The cost difference between the 2 tanks is $110.
 
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Normally I would say bigger is better, but that 30" front to back depth may make it tough to reach the bottom/back of the tank especially in the center. It may seem stupid, but I would suggest mocking up the dimensions with cardboard or something you have around the house to get an idea of the "real" size of both tanks. I think this will help you determine how comfortable you will be working in the tank.

As others have said, if you have quality lights, the depth shouldn't be an issue.
 
Actually the tank will not be flush against the wall as I have a bay window and I am not setting the tank in the bay. I will have about 20" all the way around the side and back of the tank so I will be able to clean the back glass etc.
 
For a Mixed SPS dominant reef tank do you think the difference between 22" and 26" will matter much. I am planning to get 3 Apollo Dimable or 3 Chinese 120 watt LEDs.
 
How tall are you? I'm 6'-0" and a 24" tall tank is as much as I care to keep, especially at 30" deep. At 26" you are most likely going to have to get your shoulder submerged to get to the bottom rear of the tank.
 
In terms of light, no, with 3 units you'll be fine.

And height is really just preference, but I will always take more swimming room and coral growth room; if it means working shirtless or getting some tank tongs so be it, lol.
 
Taller tanks are more impressive to look at. Most wont even notice the depth of a tank until they REALLY look at. But they'll always notice a tall a$$ tank. My next tank will be 30" tall. It'll have mucj more "face" to look at. Think of the front pane as if it were a TV screen. What would you rather look at?
 
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