Which tank to buy

[Ab129]

Trying to decide between a 72 gallon bow front and a 75 gallon 48X18.
Aside from price and the actual footprint of the tank, are there any advantages to one design over the other or is it just personal preference?

 

[BigBlueTang]

Trying to decide between a 72 gallon bow front and a 75 gallon 48X18.
Aside from price and the actual footprint of the tank, are there any advantages to one design over the other or is it just personal preference?

Just personal preference.. Bowfront tanks look hideous to me, you couldn't pay me to have one.

 

[roostertech]

I used to like curve glass.... Till I try to scrape algae off curved glass.

 

[postshawn]

Easier maintenance for the non curve tank. If you need to buy other tank size specific items or just general cleaning. Not a fan of the bow front tanks either. Had a corner tank and hated that.

 

[cincyjim]

I would go with the 75g as well and not just because I have one but for the room and options you'll have for rockscape and corals.

 

[century81]

I have a 30 gallon bow front (fresh water). I wouldn't buy one again.
It's actually hard to look at sometimes. Feels like I'm drunk. Makes everything look out of proportion. Just my 2c.

 

[Fish doctor]

I would get the 75 gallon tank. It will be easier to maintain.

 

[Ab129]

Thank you all for the replies.
I'm convinced to stay away from the bow front but now I have another question.
Size wise, in my space, a 55 gallon would work better for me than a 75 but I am concerned that the 55 tank may be a bit narrow ( front to back).
Is there enough space in there to set up nicely?
I have never aqua scaped before and I know I will need to leave some room for my corals to grow and for my future fish to swim around.
Is the 55 going to be too tight?

 

[cincyjim]

I never had a 55g before but you will appreciate the more depth you get with the 75g over the 55g. I'm always wishing I had more depth in my 75g.

 

[ComforablyNumb]

Here's a couple of my 55g:





I wanted some space behind the reef as well for flow and the 'scaping was a nightmare. I finally got there, but building a reef in 12" of space holds some big challenges. Not recommended by me. I really wish I had put my 90g (18" wide) in there instead. That birdsnest in the upper right has had its forward facing branches knocked off by my cleaning magnet several times its growing so close to the glass. Also, its impossible for me to get my arm/hand down to the bottom of the tank on the right hand side, its that tight in there. Go with the wider aquarium.

 

[Ab129]

Numb , your tank looks great, even if it is tight!
This sort of thing is just what I was concerned about.

 

[mandarin_goby]

I had a 55 freshwater then upgraded to the 75. The extra room front to back was like a breath of fresh air - scaping is SO much easier.

 

[scallywags]

+1 for the 75. Not a fan of the bowfront... plus its bigger.... isnt that always better??

 

[Bent]

another vote for a 75. I just upgraded to a 75. I like it a lot.

 

[Hatonhed]

I was looking at a 75 but a 65 popped into view. Good dimensions at 36x18x24 and with the 36 length it is fairly easy to find affordable lighting for it. Room for a small sump underneath if you wanted and plenty of room for the scape at 18". 65 seems like a fair size, not to big not to small!

 

[uncleL]

I do like a 75-gallon footprint but I also like a 90 it's like having a widescreen TV

 

[LED Jack]

People with bowfronts think they are better than us square tank owners!!!

 

[WaReefer458]

dont get a 55. its terrible for rock work. a 55 is good for freshwater with random structure in it but not ideal for saltwater

 

[Hatonhed]

I was looking at a 65 myself but I put my girlfriend in front of the 90 and guess what she decided we need to have!!

 

[mandarin_goby]

dont get a 55. its terrible for rock work. a 55 is good for freshwater with random structure in it but not ideal for saltwater

55 is awful for even freshwater :/ Just too darn narrow for much of anything.