Is This Too Shallow?

[NYReefMan]

I have a 29g (30x12x18) and a 40g breeder (36x18x16). I am going to set up one of them as my reef tank with a 3"- 4" DSB.

Basically - Is the 40 too shallow?

Which one would you choose?

TIA

[Mildewy]

I would go with the 40 if you want...
1) More water volume
2) More lighting options on a 36" tank
3) Less depth=more light getting to the bottom
4) Deeper tank (front to back)=more aquascaping options



On the other hand I personally like the look of a 29, but the limited lighting options bother me.

[Nagel]

I second that. You have no idea how handy that extrta 6" frfont to back will help! A 4" DSB would be ok, and that means 12" of water depth, which means you don't have to go as buff on the lighting. And this is coming from someone with a 29g tank as my SPS reef. When I got my 75, I LOVED the 18" depth for aquascaping, I felt so crammed in the 29 with only 12" depth.

Plus the 40 has more volume, thats ALWAYS a plus. And its 36" which is easier to find lighting for then a 30" long tank.

[NYReefMan]

thanks for the opinions Mildewy and Nagel...

was thinking 4 x 55 PC for lighting - 2 actinic and 2 10K