What is an extra foot worth to you?

[benihana]

I am currently in the planning stages of a new build and I am stuck on whether to go with a 60x36x27 (250g) tank or a 72x36x27 (300g) tank. Currently there is a used 250g glass tank that I could pick up for about $800, otherwise I could have Midwest Custom Aquariums build me a new Acrylic 300g tank for ~$2k.

I have adequate space for either, and while the equipment may change slightly, I am not worried about that at this time. I will most likely be doing a remote sump, so space under the cabinet isn't of too much concern either.

It will be a mixed tank, but probably 70% SPS, and my tentative fish list will look something like this:

Achilles Tang
Black Tang
Blue Hippo Tang
Gold Flake Angel
Flame Angel (Maybe 2)
12-15 Anthias (TBD on Species)
Flame Wrasse (2 Females, 1 Male)
Copperband
Cleaner Wrasse
Magnificent Rabbit Fish
Pair of Snowflake or Onyx Clowns


So, my question is this "“ what is an extra foot of tank space worth to you?



.

 

[jarrodsanborn]

IMO, many tangs, like hippos, just won't work under 6'. That being said, the 3' width will help alot.
I'd get the 250, use the extra cash for other Reef items, and consider a stocking list change/consider all fish purchases a bit more carefully. Rock work also has a lot to do with available swimming room.

 

[ace_92101]

I agree on the extra foot with the Tangs, especially the Achilles. If you're willing to go with a used tank, why not wait until a 300+ comes available?

 

[bellis31]

If I had the room I would have preferred a longer tank... Like everyone has said the type of fish you can have are amazing compared to shorter tanks...

 

[ridetheducati]

Get a glass 300g. 72x36x27

 

[benihana]

Get a glass 300g. 72x36x27

The only issue is that the glass 300dd will cost the same (maybe a bit more) than the custom acrylic, PLUS, the likelihood of blowing a seam is WAY less with a properly made acrylic tank

 

[Bpawl]

I'd get the 250 and used the money I "saved" to buy other equipment and livestock.

 

[FDAWG]

If you go 60" you'll wish you went 72" and when you go 72" you'll wish you went 84" its never stops.

I'd definitely go a 72" if your planning to house tangs.

 

[benihana]

If you go 60" you'll wish you went 72" and when you go 72" you'll wish you went 84" its never stops.

THat is a very accurate point!:beer:

 

[dave.m]

96" long is hardly unreasonable...

djm

 

[Mordir]

Go as big as you can handle. Ensure floor supports, etc will not be a problem no matter the tank size. I agree with the glass route only because of how easy acrylic gets scratched. It is so sensitive it can easily be scratched cleaning the tank. If I was to buy another large tank it would be glass for sure.

 

[benihana]

Forgot to mention, this tank will be on a concrete floor in my basement, so supports are also not of a concern.

I wish I could go 8', but that would infringe on my bar space....and we all know NO ONE would want to do that

 

[dave.m]

I would. Get a keg and go the extra length.

Dave.M

 

[FDAWG]

I would. Get a keg and go the extra length.

Dave.M

 

[ridetheducati]

The only issue is that the glass 300dd will cost the same (maybe a bit more) than the custom acrylic, PLUS, the likelihood of blowing a seam is WAY less with a properly made acrylic tank

Will this be your first acrylic tank?

 

[ridetheducati]

A six foot tank appears to be big until you put water inside.

 

[benihana]

Will this be your first acrylic tank?

Yes, I am an acrylic virgin

 

[Hawg Pharm]

Granted, the only acrylic I have is my 45 gallon fuge, but I've done my best to keep it pristine. That being said, I have failed. Every little thing scratches it. I contemplated purchasing an acrylic dt tank at one time, but after this experience, I never will. Glass all the way.

 

[sfsuphysics]

Your fish list that you plan on getting includes a black tang and you're worried about another $1200 on the tank?

That said, I just broke down my 48" x 36" x 24" tank, and I had at one point 2 tangs (yellow and tomini) and two rabbitfish in the tank with no issues. People always compare the length of the tank, but when you get that extra depth it does make up a bit for it because you have another dimension of "safety" for fish to flee too. Plus they can swim more in circles than they can with a standard 24" wide tank which is more of hard U-turn.

But either way, it's not a matter of what *I* would do, but what *you* would do... that said the reason I broke the tank down is because I went for another 3 feet in one direction and 1 foot in another direction

 

[benihana]

It is a Black Tang, not a Gem Tand and Yes, contemplating the 1200 since I am starting fresh (currently no tank or equipment) and looking at putting 15k into the build. Plus all of the fish won't be purchased on day 1, more so over the course of a year or so