Tank size

[Jorbar47]

Hi, i used to own a saltwater aquarium back in the days when ugf wer the thing and skimmers didnt exist. It was a 300 gallon fowlr. And i never had many troubles because of the tank size. I gota rid of it some 10 years ago but want to start over.

So, i know larger is better, but since i want to go reef this time, i am worried about costs, especially lighting, chiller if i choose metal halides, and stocking in general. I have plenty of space in my office (wall about 8 feet long),
But really csnt decide on the size and shape

So i have two questions.

1. Is long and shallow, better Than a shorter but deeper aquarium? In terms of lighting, maintenance but also looks and space? And which is better suited for what kind of species (fish, software corals or hard corals)?

2. Which size would you recommend, i am currently thinking of something like 150 gallons but i read 100 g is like a minimum optimum. Is there rally a diffrenece between a 100g to a 150 or even to a 200 g? And is it gonna be a lot moré expensive to equip and harder to maintain (thinking of painful 20 g waterchanges each week)?

Thanks for Your help, i appreciate all yogur input

Jorge
2. I am currently thinking of something like 150 gallons. I was wondering if something like a 100 would suffice, or what would you recommend.

[jeff@zina.com]

1) Longer, wider and shallower is easier to light. You're on your own deciding if you prefer the look.

2) Up to you. A 12 gallon nano tank is fine too. It really depends on what you want to keep and what you want it to look like. If water change costs/trouble are the deciding factor, get a TV to entertain you instead.

Jeff

[Midnightsun]

I also prefer longer, wider and shallower but again this is personal preference. I would also add that this format is much easier to maintain compared to deeper tanks simply because of access from the top to bottom. Only drawback is higher evaporation rate. If its going into a wall than obviously higher and narrower is better.