Wanted: Feeback on tanks Taller than 30"

[FuzzyZipperbaum]

Would you do it again???

I want to go 36... but would like to hear from any of you who have gone down this road....thx

 

[7Reef]

It makes for a beautiful display, but a maintenance nightmare. Getting wet every time you need to pick something off the bottom or clean the bottom of the front panel gets old real quick. Once something becomes a burden it is not fun!

 

[hotdogg]

You need really long arms

 

[albano]

It makes for a beautiful display, but a maintenance nightmare. Getting wet every time you need to pick something off the bottom or clean the bottom of the front panel gets old real quick. Once something becomes a burden it is not fun!

+1...years ago got rid of a 30" tall 300g tank, spent the $ and replaced it with a 24" tall 300g!
all my tanks now are MAX 27" tall!

 

[Aquatron]

Hello,

My 750 was 48" deep big pain, my 300 is 30" not bad with step stool

 

[1Sik1500]

you need long arms! they are great for veiwing but working on can be tough.

 

[jdpiii3]

My tank is 72x36x36 in wall the top and back side are open for easy access. When I need to do any major work I drop the water level about 8 -10 inches then I can get to the bottom without a problem, I do need to use a ladder because the top of the tank sits at 6 feet. Other then that it really makes for a great looking display.

You can see my build here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2040499

 

[dave.m]

The key to a tall tank is access from all sides. People who build "in-wall" set-ups often neglect to add an access panel on the front of the tank. This is what leads to so many maintenance problems. You absolutely must have access from all sides to make maintenance doable.

Dave.M

 

[rpjaws74]

can be a pain specially if you have short arms but they do sell those long extension rods with fingers at the end that you can squeeze to pick things up.

 

[dzfish17]

The key to a tall tank is access from all sides. People who build "in-wall" set-ups often neglect to add an access panel on the front of the tank. This is what leads to so many maintenance problems. You absolutely must have access from all sides to make maintenance doable.

Dave.M

Not a must. My in-wall FOWLR doesnt have front access but with a raised floor in the fish room I can easily reach the front pane for cleaning. I wouldnt have a tall reef tank but on a FOWLR its not that bad... I rarely use the tongs.

 

[bugs713]

I'm in the process of setting up a 185g that is 38" deep, 6' tall on the stand.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2139179
I had a good idea in what I was getting myself into before I started and it is quite the challenge, but I think the rewards will be great as tall tanks really display like none others!
It took some trial and error to get the plumbing dialed in, but now all is good AND power-outage safe. I'm 6' 3" and still have reach problems, but I have a few different robot extension arms that are mandatory equipment.
Aquascape is in progress and is a challenge all of its own.... I think my ideas (from extensive research) will work. I am running a lot of flow and will also be running a closed loop on the tank floor.

So, bottom line, you must be committed to a tall tank and the differences you will face.
Good luck!

jdpiii3: Very impressive build! You and wife in my prayers.

 

[mrx66699]

If you plan properly its not an issue....I have two setups larger than 30 here is a link to them...

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2147084

 

[Aquatron]

Nice tanks and build threads GUYS/GALS As said taller tanks due require a special commitment with a reward of killer viewing. I believe every 6" adds to a few different needs and once you get 36" plus well the game changes. I would have to get in my 750 96" x 48" x 36" with full cover wet suit on because i didn't want my hair and stuff getting into my water. I did this once a week for three years that was enough for me so i down sized this build

This was my inwall 750 right after cycle before adding corals, sorry about pic most pictures lost in flood/

 

[dave.m]

I wouldnt have a tall reef tank but on a FOWLR its not that bad.

I was referring specifically to reef tanks. Sorry, I guess I didn't make my meaning clear. I have inherited a very tall, narrow 220 reef that is just about impossible to reach the front half of where, naturally, the rocks and corals all fall off of.

Dave.M