Why no 55 gallon tanks?

[darkdruid]

I see everyone using everything from 2 gallon acrylic pico tanks to 4000 gallon floor busters, but rarely a simple, dirt cheap, standard 55 gallon tank. You can pick up a tank and stand for $150 or less on Craigs List all day long, so why aren't they more popular for reefs? Too tall and too narrow maybe?

 

[1DeR9_3Hy]

The trend seems to be going towards tank depth (front to back) and less height (under 18"), which is why i would guess you see less 48x12's.

There are some, and im sure someone will post some pics or links here. But in general, most people find a deep tank more appealing (18-30" front to back).

 

[n00by]

55g 48" x 13" x 21"

75g 48" x 18" x 21"

Believe me the extra inches makes a difference for fish, once you pile up some live-rock you're gonna lose alot plus if you decide to put an overflow like an durso you'll lose so much real-estate.

I was going to get a 55g but was talked out of it by my friend. i would have gone with a 90g which has an issue of being too tall, 3" more inches, but was scared of my floor crashing through with all that weight.

I wouldn't even consider a 65g, 36" x 18" x 24"

 

[Rich D]

I have an old 55 in my basement. Theyre kinda tricky to light correctly because they are deep and thin. I was thinking about making a BB or frag tank out of mine but im unsure if I have the correct lighting for it.

 

[Alaska_Phil]

I have a 50 long, which is just a 55 but about an inch shorter. It's a pain, I can't stack hardly any live rock without it leaning against a wall making it hard to clean. It's too narrow to fit much light over with decent reflectors and my sand bed is just a 2 to 3 inch wide strip across the front. If I did it again I'd definitly go with a 75 or 90 gal, or even drop down to a 40 breeder to get the extra dept front to back.

Phil

 

[TP123]

For the same length, you can get a 75 gal which is much easier to work with.

 

[Peale]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15256647#post15256647 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by n00by

I wouldn't even consider a 65g, 36" x 18" x 24"

Hey! What's wrong with a 65? That's what I have and I LOVE it!!

 

[amcvay]

i used to have a 55g reef....too narrow. I think a 55g would be a perfect sump under a 125 or 90g though.

 

[bgraves]

I have what's called a 55 tub, tall or 58 36x18x21

 

[SSpiro]

My first tank was a 55g. Was great to learn on. Outgrew it QUICKLY.

 

[Alaska_Phil]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15257364#post15257364 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Peale
Hey! What's wrong with a 65? That's what I have and I LOVE it!!

I have a 65 gal freshwater planted tank. My only complaint is that 3' lighting is no cheaper than 4'. And 24" tall is right at the extent of my arms reach. I got it because at the time I was in a small apartment and only had 3' of wall space available. :lol:

However, from an astetic perspective, the propotions are very pleasing and I've been tempted many times to convert it to a reef.

Phil

 

[darkdruid]

I picked up a 55 and stand at a yard sale for $35. Unless I change my mind, I'm going to disassemble it and cut it down to a 12" x 13" x 48" shallow frag tank. I know, it's a pain in the rear, but it beats paying $150 for one already built.

 

[saltjohnswharf]

I am not feeling the love! Please see my videos in the link below. This is a 55 gallon tank that went through some reconstruction recently.

http://www.dailymotion.com/user/saltjohnswharf

Still working on it. Recently I had the oppurtunity to upgrade to a 125 but after chatting with people here on reefcentral I decided to take up the challenge of making a 55 that WORKS. Please tell me what you think. I have to admit.... A 90 would have made it a lot easier....

Please note: no rock touches the glass and no powerheads are immediately visible.

 

[darkdruid]

Very cool tank, I guess it goes to show that it might be the people setting up 55 gallon tanks, not the tank. I like it.