new tank decision 65 or 40 gal

chwattscaw · 11/04/2008, 10:18 AM

I am getting ready to setup a new reef system, and am looking at either a 40 gal breeder, or a 65 gal. They both have the same footprint 18 x 36....but the 65 gal is 24 inches deep, the 40 is about 18 inches deep. Here are my thoughts

I want to keep both SPS and zoes, mushrooms etc. I am thinking if I run 250 watt halides, and get the deeper tank, run it with bare bottom, then I could put the zoes, mushrooms etc low in the tank...and keep the sps high?

Now I am not sure about the BB style, I have 'always' had DSB tanks...so it is possible in teh end I will change my mind and go with a 5 to 6 inch dsb. And then again, the 65 gal would be the way to go.

So I am leaning toward the 65 gal. Is there any reason to go with the 40 gal?

Thanks,
Chris

luv4paws2 · 11/04/2008, 05:31 PM

The only reason I could think of is the 40 has no center brace, so a single halide could be put in the center.

buccard · 11/04/2008, 05:39 PM

I vote for the 65...2 reasons: More volume for stability and the old saying, "better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it"...depth is the only difference why not go with more volume? 18 and 24 inch depths dont really require a change in strategy or set up between the two especially if you go with a DSB.

Any thoughts from the more experiecnced reefers?
Disclaimer: my opinion is based on reading and not experience...good luck, choices are a good thing and so is this forum!

11/04/2008, 10:18 AM	#1
chwattscaw Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Kentucky Posts: 488	new tank decision 65 or 40 gal I am getting ready to setup a new reef system, and am looking at either a 40 gal breeder, or a 65 gal. They both have the same footprint 18 x 36....but the 65 gal is 24 inches deep, the 40 is about 18 inches deep. Here are my thoughts I want to keep both SPS and zoes, mushrooms etc. I am thinking if I run 250 watt halides, and get the deeper tank, run it with bare bottom, then I could put the zoes, mushrooms etc low in the tank...and keep the sps high? Now I am not sure about the BB style, I have 'always' had DSB tanks...so it is possible in teh end I will change my mind and go with a 5 to 6 inch dsb. And then again, the 65 gal would be the way to go. So I am leaning toward the 65 gal. Is there any reason to go with the 40 gal? Thanks, Chris

11/04/2008, 05:31 PM	#2
luv4paws2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lakeland, FL Posts: 612	The only reason I could think of is the 40 has no center brace, so a single halide could be put in the center. __________________ If people are good only because they fear punishment, and hope for reward, then we are a sorry lot indeed. Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: 110 x-tall, 30 gal sump/fuge

11/04/2008, 05:39 PM	#3
buccard Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lakeland, Florida Posts: 970	I vote for the 65...2 reasons: More volume for stability and the old saying, "better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it"...depth is the only difference why not go with more volume? 18 and 24 inch depths dont really require a change in strategy or set up between the two especially if you go with a DSB. Any thoughts from the more experiecnced reefers? Disclaimer: my opinion is based on reading and not experience...good luck, choices are a good thing and so is this forum! __________________ Roger Save a fish, click on the red house. Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon-mixed reef