Tank size, choice between...

[john miller]

I have located a couple of tanks locally and I'm torn by which would be the better choice. Both are approximately 60 gallons. One is 48x24x12 and the other is 48x18x16. It will be replacing a 37 (30x12x22).

What would be some of the advantages/disadvantages to each?

 

[davocean]

I prefer depth from front to back over the other dims as it's easier to scape, so the 48x18x16 would probably be my choice.

 

[ludiNano]

I like tanks that are wider too, so... wouldnt the 48L x 24W x 12T be the choice.

 

[pimp4cheddar]

Isn't 12'' kind of short for a tank?

If you add sand...that's about an inch gone. Not to mention you have the water level about .5''-1'' below the top of the glass...

 

[kb1916]

I like wider tank as you can creat more depth to your aquascape instead of just a straight line of rock

 

[RJT]

I like I higher tank. A 12" tank is too short.

 

[Moonstream]

I'd choose the 48X18X16, personally. IME 18" gives you plenty of width for aquascaping, and a 16" height is really the shortest I'd go for any mid-sized reef. a long, wide, 12" high tank is gonna be much harder to aquascape than a long, less wide, taller tank, IMO.

 

[lordofthereef]

I have seen some pretty nice looking shallow tanks. The shallower the tank, the less penetration you need on your light as well. This is purely a personal preference call IMO.

 

[davocean]

I was assuming the 12 and 16" dims were front to back, 18 and 24" is height.
If so 18" is a touch shallow, wouldn't do a DSB, but still high enough to be cool.
If 12" is height, that would be way too shallow for me, but agree, it's personal prefs.

 

[TreyK]

48x24x12 would be my choice. Those are actually some pretty sweet dimensions! i love shallow reefs.

 

[john miller]

The 48" width x 24" depth x 12" height is the one I'm leaning toward. I really like the look of a shallow tank but I also understand the difficulties of aquascaping so it would look in proportion. Good thing I like small fish.

 

[john miller]

Thanks for everyones input. In the end I bought the 48x24x12. I'll be starting a build thread soon.