which tank to use

[jamntoast]

i'm brand new to marine tanks, not to fish keeping and aquariums. i have been doing a lot of reading and such though. i'm almost ready to convert my a tank over and ive got 2 that i am thinking of using, looking for the experienced salties opinion. the tanks are close in volume so the equiptment i'm planning on picking up will be the same. i welcome all of your opinions!

1)the first is a 60g 60"x15"x15. good length and allows me to spread out the layout a bit and create different zones for flow and lighting although its pretty narrow. it is shallow so i dont have to worry about light penetrating to pretty much all the tank which could also be a negative for any lower light corals, it would no doubt be more expensive to light because its longer. its second hand and i have it on an old stand that is taller so i would give me more room for a sump underneath

2)the other option is a 50g 36"x"19"X18". more compact i could get away less lighting fixtures i think. might get blown around a bit more with a powerhead in there and i would have to be more creative with placement. but it does give me a bit more depth to play with from front to back. i would have to build a new stand for this one its on a very short stand so thats a downside but not a deal breaker

 

[Rover88]

Bigger is better, more volume is more forgiving.

The shallower tank will be easier for you and may cut back on light requirements a bit (though a few inches doesn't matter).

You'd probably like the 60Gallon more because of its larger footprint, although having the slightly 'wider' tank would allow you more room for rockwork.

 

[sde1500]

I think I'd prefer the extra front to back space and the height personally. That would make me lean towards the 50. Though already having a nice tall stand ready to go for the 60 is a plus.

 

[mcgyvr]

IMO 15" is not deep enough front to back..
18" min IMO..
So 50g for me if I had to pick (but I wouldn't choose either of those personally)..

(Happy 80G rimless Deep Blue Owner.. 48 x 24 x 16)

 

[crawlerman]

The aquarium is one of the cheapest things you will get. I wouldn't use either. Get a 125g, it's a good starter size.

But if I had to choose between the two I'd go with the wider tank. By the time you put rock in the 15" wide tank there won't be much room and it won't look right.

 

[top shelf]

If having to choose between the two I'd go with the 50g as well. A narrow tank as mentioned will definitely be harder to scape and will have to be done just right to look decent, not that it can't be done just will require more work. More water volume is ideal but between the 2 it isn't that huge of a difference. If you are able to get a different tank that is a better option. If you look around you can most likely find a good deal on a used tank. I've seen 75g go on Craigslist pretty cheap.

 

[billdogg]

IMO 15" is not deep enough front to back..
18" min IMO..
So 50g for me if I had to pick (but I wouldn't choose either of those personally)..

(Happy 80G rimless Deep Blue Owner.. 48 x 24 x 16)

The aquarium is one of the cheapest things you will get. I wouldn't use either. Get a 125g, it's a good starter size.

But if I had to choose between the two I'd go with the wider tank. By the time you put rock in the 15" wide tank there won't be much room and it won't look right.

What all of them have said, and for the same reasons.

If you want a 36" tank, I'd pick a 40 breeder. If 60", then a 125 or larger.

IMHO, a standard 120 (48x24x24) is a great size for several reasons. First, you have the volume to allow for some cushion when things happen. Secondly, the 24 deep x 24 tall make creating an interesting aquascape while still allowing room for fish/corals much easier.

You can get a standard 120 undrilled for a few hundred dollars and turn it into a killer reef tank with a couple holes and an overflow box. ""Reef Ready" tanks are, IMHO, anything but.

If having to choose between the two I'd go with the 50g as well. A narrow tank as mentioned will definitely be harder to scape and will have to be done just right to look decent, not that it can't be done just will require more work. More water volume is ideal but between the 2 it isn't that huge of a difference. If you are able to get a different tank that is a better option. If you look around you can most likely find a good deal on a used tank. I've seen 75g go on Craigslist pretty cheap.

 

[Jon0807]

I'd pick the 50. The narrow depth of the 60 would make aquascaping somewhat limiting

 

[JUNBUG361]

Between the 2 tanks I like the height and depth 50

 

[Ron Reefman]

I agree with billdogg, either get a 40 breeder if you want the short tank or go for a 125 and get 4 or 5 feet.

I switched from a 180g (6'x2'x2') to a Cadlight 125g (5'x2'x20"). I appreciate the extra front to back room and after years with a 24" deep tank, I like the 20" as much or more. It's easier to work in and the eurobrace makes for a nice shelf to set frags and containers while you work in the tank.