What size tank should I choose

[dc_909]

I am looking to get into a larger tank (180+).

What size tank would everyone go with if they were to do it again? And what position you prefer the overflows to be in.

Please give dimensions.

I just want to get a feel of what people like as far as height of tank, width of tank, etc...


And if anyone knows a good place to get quotes for the tank, please post a link.


Not sure on coral selection or other products. Just want to figure the tank first and work on that.

Thanks

 

[Ironsheikh]

If I had the cash and a floor that would hold it I'd go with a 240 gallon acrylic the company is on ebay its $1200 shipped to your door- you'll know it when you see it. I'd rather have a tank longer and wider than taller for sure -- I had a tank over 24inches tall and maintenance was a pain since Im 5'9"

 

[Chihuahua6]

I'm doing it now, going bigger, much bigger. At the beginning planning stages it was supposed to be 300 gallons. It kept getting bigger as time went on and now it's 633 gallons! (586 gallon internal measurements).
Why so big? The main reason is once I decided to build the tank out of plywood I was able to afford a much bigger tank. Also I like fish as much as coral and I wanted to be able to keep a decent amount of fish while still keeping the bioload light.

To answer your questions:
Dimensions: 90X62X60X70(four sides)X32H are the outside dimensions. The one side is angled due to an angled wall in the fish room. The tank will be inwall.
Overflow: One long external overflow across the rear of the tank (70").
If I were to do it again I would go bigger. This is the biggest I could fit and I had it planned (for a 300) before the house was built. If I were to have one built I would only use James from Envision Acrylics. He has a flawless reputation.

 

[nickb]

If I had the money, I'd go for a depth (front-to-back) of 48" or more. It adds a lot of prespective and gives great scope for aquascaping.

Chi, your tank sounds really interesting. Do you have a thread or photos anywhere?

 

[Chihuahua6]

Nick I hope to get photos up this week. I decided to post the progress in the general interest forum since there are a few unique things about the tank that will attract the DIYers, advanced topic folks (because of the natural light tubes and biotope theme) as well as the large tank folks.

 

[WDLV]

Look at a couple of factors.

- Startup cost
Pick the largest tank that will fit in the space you have selected. Plan all the components that you want in your system ie: Tank, sump, lights, skimmer, circulation pumps etc. Then decide on the brands that you want to use for each. Determine the price of each component including the tank, stand and liverock.

- Monthly Maintenance Costs
Calculate the KWH that will be burned to run each device for the monthly electrical usage and the price that a 20% water change will cost you per month.

If this amount plus whatever livestock you plan to buy falls inside your monthly budget go for it. If not, research the next size down.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

I agree, front to back depth makes for a great look. If I had my choice, I would like to see atleast a 2:1 ration is not less. For example, its the tank is 8ft long, I would like to see it be 4 ft front to back. Height would be 30" max.
If you like the 6ft length, how about a 72x36x24 or 30??