It's Tough decision time everyone. I need your help.

[Tron87]

Here's the rub. 24x24x24 Cube for $250
30x24x24 Brick for $380

I didn't expect the larger size to be so much more. LFS says its cuz the tank company cuts the glass in 2, 4, and 8 foot pieces so I am being charged two 4' cuts.

I am also hesitant to go for the larger because it will mean higher upkeep costs.

Lets break down pros and cons.
24x24x24:Pros
60 gallons(+10 from current setup)
probably good with a 150 or 175MH
will be less strain on future chiller.
Is at a FANTSTIC price for my budget.

Cons:
Smaller option of the two
maybe not big enough for that Kole Tang I want
more prone to dominatin by my future anemone due to smaller size.

30x24x24:Pros
75 gallons (+25 from current setup)
Will feel good about getting Kole Tang and anemone(BTA)
will be situated as a peninsula and afford awesome viewing.
Will be Freakin radical.

Cons:
will need to go 250W for good coverage and lighting
more strain on chiller(maybe require larger size altogether $$$$)
Price is an uncomfortable strain on the wallet.
If my woman sees the price tag I will end up in the hospital.


I want the tank to end up with a range of corals up to LPS with the centerpiece being the nem I will buy for my clowns. Only contraversial livestock should be the tang.

Lets hear some advice.

[Tron87]

Another pro for the 60.

I'm new to reefs so a smaller scale beginning may be smarter.

[Travis L. Stevens]

I assume that the 30" is the length and not the height? I would go with the 75g. A single metal halide of the same wattage should power it just fine, so there isn't a higher electric bill or worries about temperature. If it is 30" tall, I think you might as well go with the 60g cube because 6" in height just isn't that amazing in my eyes, especially for that price.

[miracles38]

Get the biggest tank you can. Bigger = more stable

[Travis L. Stevens]

Originally posted by miracles38
Get the biggest tank you can. Bigger = more stable

Which is a double edged sword.....

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Go for the 24x24x24. First and foremost, you can't enjoy the larger one if you're in the hospital as a result of domestic violence.

Second, I think the look of a true cube is fantastic. Sure, you may not be able to get that Kole Tang (with a good conscience anyway), but there are plenty of fish in the sea (advice which also helps if domestic abuse *does* ensue )

The bigger tank isn't THAT much bigger, so arguments surrounding stability don't really weigh in, in my books.

[Tron87]

Techincally they are both affordable but the smaller in much more comfortably within the budget.

Should I do myself in and go with 48 inches long. That should be a very similar price according to the store guys's glass cutting explaination.

It would require another light fixture but then I might look at T5. My head hurts.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

I'm a bit partial to the cube. I'm becoming bored with the typical long, narrow tanks. But that's just my opinion.

[Tron87]

I know what you mean. I like the fatter shorter tanks. If you are going T5 then longer works but MH lend thenselves to cubes and bricks.

So far the Cube seems to be in the lead.

Who can convince me otherwise, the jury is still out.

[evilelvis]

Go with the cube! I went from the normal rectangles all my life (Fresh and salt) and man...what a difference. You can really explore with a tower and the depth and I dunno, they just look cool. Go with whatever will leave you beer money afterwards.

[Tron87]

Nice point about the beer money.
Your signature confounds me.

[KyleO]

I vote for the cube also..............I doubt that the extra 6" in length (15 gal) will make that big of difference in the stability of the tank. You are going to closely monitor either I am guessing.

The cube is a classic look!!!

[DaveJ]

Buy a used one..... you can find many on this board and craigslist. If you are patient you can find a GREAT tank and the size you want it, you can probably even pick one up with all the extra equipment as well for the price of a new one.

[squeezix]

You said radical. Cubes are radical. Rectangles are boring, 'nuff said. You can get that tang, just sell him if he gets too big.

[pledosophy]

IMO I would just get a standard 75g. It's 36x18x24 so it's similiar to the tanks your looking at, with the exception that it sells for around $200. With the money you save you could get a good T5 light fixture. honestly with what your planning on keeping one of those little Nova ones would be fine.

THis would save you cash, and give you appropriate size for the livestock you want.

JMO

[Tron87]

Hey hey hey woah waoh you guys.

Too many options. If there is anything I have learned in this hobby it is that if I don't eventually limit myself to a couple options my head will melt and I will never choose anything.

I would rather choose something a bit deficient so that the remorse eventually drives me to get another tank and start the process all over.

I have decided to go new and custom with the tank because it is the foundation for everything else. I fully intend on hunting for deals with everything else I buy but I figure a brand new tank will set me off on the right foot.

[three-spot]

Go for the cube... IMO niether are really big enough for the tang anyway.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Woot! Cube's in the lead!

"Cube...cube...cube...."

[Tron87]

Ok F-it. Cube all the way

[Im14abeer]

I'm with three spot, get the cube, skip the tang.