Opinions on best tank size

[jdellman]

I'm in the preliminary stages of setting up a reef tank, and I was wondering what everyone thought the best size tank is. Sure, the bigger the better, but money is a consideration, and I thought there might be some recommended sizes, say a 125 over a 100, b/c height vs. width, or, there is no added benefit to a 90 over 75, etc.

I am not sure how big I can/want to go. I currently have a 75 fresh that can be used, but I want to go RR.

I do not know where the tank will go, as we are moving, and but I want it in the family room, and if not, probably in the office. So, assuming it will fit, what do you think?

Thanks for the input.

Jim

[Clayman]

I got a 100 gallon, but wish I had went with aleast a 140 or a 5' long tank. But when I upgrade a will get something huge 300+.

[Randall_James]

Most 90 to 75 differences are in the depth of the water. 24 vs 18.

The deeper tank is nice but requires more lighting expense.

In staying with the 4' foot print, I like the 4X2X2 tanks. They hold 120 Gallons but I like the look better than the 72 inch 125's.

I like the 4 foot tanks because they are easier to locate but being smaller have some limits to fish, and aquascaping. That is where the 24 inch width and depth helps make up for it.

I had a 24 wide and an 18 wide and sold the 24 because I did not have a canopy done yet. that was dumb.....


EDIT: another plus to the 48 is lights, 2 MH will cover the thing. I personally have not seen these 5' tanks but seen a lot of 6' foot tanks, they require an additional MH light *2 by 2 lighting area each

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

180g are great tanks-IMO(6'x2'x2')
-if you can find a 5'x2'x2' that would also be nice
JMO

[kau_cinta_ku]

you can also drill your 75 to make it RR. i did and it was easy.

[yodawagon]

i like my 125, its 72x18x23. im puting it in my living room, so a tank that is 18 inches front to back is nice, it doesnt stand too far out from the wall. and i like the look of a longer tank.

[Randall_James]

Drilling is certainly the cheapest route out

[Fmellish]

Best shape and size in the world 48" x 24" x 24" (120 Gallon), just like the one I just got :)

http://members.cox.net/jgunder/aquarium/

[Clayman]

My 100 is 48"x 20"x 24" which is nice.

[GL]

If you have the room then go with a 2' tank (front to back). It makes it much easier to landscape.

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

fmellish....who made the tank?
I love it!

[Fmellish]

Originally posted by E-A-G-L-E-S
fmellish....who made the tank?
I love it!

I don't know, I just bought it used off of some guy last night.
He didn't get real specific about the tank's origins.

I need to contact him and get more detail from him.

[jdellman]

Thank you for all the replies. I think I will shoot for the 2' wide, probably a 120. Who knows, if room permits, maybe a 180. I don't want to set it up and then wish I went with a bigger size.

Thanks,

Jim

[old salty]

For it's location, my 125 is perfect. As for aquascaping, the 18 inches front to back makes is a bit difficult, but like the post above, it's not sticking out too far away from the wall.

A 6 ft. wide tank is an awesome viewing piece.

[Randall_James]

Now see you made me really sorry I sold my 24 wide again...... where the heck is the "wayback" machine when you need it....