13 inch tank too shallow?

[Tarpon001]

Sorry for the noob question. I posted in the newbie area but didn't get much response. Anyway, I want to purchase my first reef tank but I'm not sure how deep the tank should be. The one I'm looking at from Galsscages.com is 40 gal long 36x18x13tall. In the long run will I wish I had gotten a taller tank so that I can put corals up higher in the tank? Also can you recommend some other places to look for tank that are drilled with overflow?

Thanks

[Twz]

Nope thats a good hight for a reef just dont over do it on the lighting or you'll get bleaching

[Tarpon001]

Thanks for the reply. I've been gifted a 150w MH. Will that be too much for this shallow of a tank?

Thanks

[dendro982]

Should be OK, a lot of people are using 150W MH for 10 and 12g tanks. Only the area, covered by one light source, may be too small, and 2 lamps for 30" long tank could be better.

I have 70W MH over 20g long tank - 30" x 12 x 12, ends are in the shade.

I really like shallow tanks - look good, less light (no loss to the thick water column), and easier to reach.

[nanoDude]

I have a pair of 30 gallon breeders (36 long x 18 x 12.5 tall). I started with 175W mogul base halides over them but wasn't happy with the light so upgraded to 250W double ends. All of the corals are MUCH happier now. I have some zoas, rics, and acro three inches under the surface and have never had any problem with bleaching.

[checkinhawk]

i have a 24"x24"x14" deep tank lit by a DE 250w MH,150 should be fine.the shallow depth is a challenge for placing corals but if you keep the rockwork low and minimal you can make a really nice little tank for sps.

[LobsterOfJustice]

For SPS that would be really shallow. I would only do a tank that shallow if I were doing zoas, mushrooms, clams, etc. They don't grow off the rock, they just cover it. SPS however grow up into the water column, and I prefer taller tanks to leave them room to grow.

[wayoutacontrol]

short tanks are good they require much less light.
and 36x18 is a nice sized foot print, lots of surface area.
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[kc9dre]

There is a LFS in Louisville, KY that specializes in Reefs and their main displays are no more than 14 to 15 inches tall at the most, everything looks beautiful and isn't too crowded and displayed nicely. several MH pendants hanging not too close to the water...
I would love to have the setup they have, well maybay half of it... Its like 6ft x 20ft....

[norwall]

I've seen tanks this shallow and they do look good especially if the stand is low too. It allows you to look down on the reef.

[garrettm]

Short tanks Rock! think of the corals in the wild at low tide....just went to fiji and some corals are growing in a lot less water than that