(custom) optimal tank height ??? should depth DSB be taken into consideration ?

[WarrenAmy&Maddy]

hello fellow reefers

we are considering options in upgrading to a larger system
(currently 125display, 50fuge, 35sump)


mainly going to get a tank custom made/sized to fit in a space in our living room.


72" long
32" wide

if 24" height = 240gal display tank
if 29" = 290 display

but cannot decide on height of tank.
for a number of reasons - one of which being (((if))) we decide to go w/ a DSB in display - should that be taken into consideration deciding on the height of the tank.

for example
seems that 24" height (might) be ideal height for display tank... but then factor in a 3-5" dsb and the height (lite reaching corals on bottom) is now less then 24"

so w/ DSB
would a 29-30" height w/ 3-5" dsb - still be a good option to go with ? considering that the dsb is actually raising up the bottom and lowering the 'height' so to speak.


we have primarily housed LPS corals
using vho only...

now upgrading halides (probably 400 watt) and more mixed SPS/LPS system



would using 250 watt halides be sufficient w/ 24" height? (240gal tank)

on 30" would 400w halides be necessary (290gal tank)



any recoms on this?

(thanks)

regards

[purebullet417]

if your going to use 400w mhs go 30" my uncle has a 30" tank and i have a 24"tank and the 30 is much better especially if your going to use a dsb

[WarrenAmy&Maddy]

Originally posted by purebullet417
if your going to use 400w mhs go 30" my uncle has a 30" tank and i have a 24"tank and the 30 is much better especially if your going to use a dsb

Purebullet
why do you think the 30" is much better?

regards

[jab502]

I have a 24" tall tank and compared to all of the 30" tall that I have seen, my tank sucks. The 30" looks much larger and I think the extra height goes a long way towards giving the tank additional and more interesting aquascaping possibilities, as well as housing larger more mature coral colonies. When I upgrade I would only consider the 30". The only down side that I can see is ease of reaching the bottom, as the 30 would be tough unless you are tall with long arms, but I think the sacrifice would be well worth the aesthetic benefits.

[purebullet417]

Originally posted by WarrenAmy&Maddy
Purebullet
why do you think the 30" is much better?

regards

because it makes the tank look SO much bigger and gives your corals more room. and like stated above the only downside is reaching the bottom but with a deep sand bead it shouldn't be a problem. now if i was going bb and was getting a custom tank i would prob go 28" tall lol

[WarrenAmy&Maddy]

Purebullet and jab502

agree about the "aesthetic" appeal of the 30" tanks
although it seems like its going to take a lot stronger lites for the deeper tanks too - which means more overall expense as well (considering halides being used that is)

regards

[geekreef_05]

Im just in the middle of setting up a 110 gallon that is 30" ..
...i thought it looked cool.

I was also debating about which halides to use .. would 250w's do or is 400w's the better idea?