1st reef tank size suggestions

db117703 · 04/19/2012, 07:08 AM

I have a 125 fowlr that has been up and running for two years now. I want to get another tank and have a reef tank as well. I am just looking for a few opinions on a tank size, keeping in mind the place it will go limits me to a four ft. Long tank only, thank.

thegrun · 04/19/2012, 07:19 AM

For reef tanks I like as much depth (not heigth) as possible, so I would go with a 120 gallon tank (48" x 24" x 24") or even a 150 (48" x 30" x 24"high). If you don't want such a big tank I would try to keep at least 24' in depth and shorten the width (like a 36" wide, 24" deep, 24" high 90 gallon tank).

db117703 · 04/19/2012, 07:42 AM

Yeah I was leaning towards a 90, and also considering a 75.. Thanks for the input, I want to try and keep it smaller if I can, for maintenance purposes.

thegrun · 04/19/2012, 07:50 AM

If you go with a 90, I would not use the standard 90 (48" x 18" x 24"high) for a reef tank. A 24" minimum depth (front to back) will give you a lot more area to display corals.

miggs76 · 04/19/2012, 09:49 AM

bigger the better...I regret buying a first reef tank as small as I did....i'm upgrading as we speak.

bamf25 · 04/19/2012, 11:06 AM

The 120g is a 4 foot tank.

jerpa · 04/19/2012, 11:16 AM

I will agree that depth is more important than height. It gives you a lot more versatility. Also working in a tank that is more than 24" tall can be difficult and requires more intense lighting. Just some things to keep in mind. Finding a tank in the 75-90 range with more than 18" of depth may be difficult but will be well worth it IMO.

aleonn · 04/19/2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miggs76

bigger the better...I regret buying a first reef tank as small as I did....i'm upgrading as we speak.

+1. This will save you in the long run from the inevitable tank upgrade. Plus it'll be easier to maintain water parameters which a larger volume, while also allowing you more fish selection (for example, tangs need more tank length).

Fizz71 · 04/19/2012, 01:12 PM

+1 on the 24" max high unless you really want to go big on lighting. It's also tough to deal with corals in the sand if you go too tall.

Beyond that you really already have your limitations...48 x Whatever You Can Find x 24.

04/19/2012, 07:08 AM	#1
db117703 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Highland, New York Posts: 11	1st reef tank size suggestions I have a 125 fowlr that has been up and running for two years now. I want to get another tank and have a reef tank as well. I am just looking for a few opinions on a tank size, keeping in mind the place it will go limits me to a four ft. Long tank only, thank.

04/19/2012, 07:19 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	For reef tanks I like as much depth (not heigth) as possible, so I would go with a 120 gallon tank (48" x 24" x 24") or even a 150 (48" x 30" x 24"high). If you don't want such a big tank I would try to keep at least 24' in depth and shorten the width (like a 36" wide, 24" deep, 24" high 90 gallon tank).

04/19/2012, 07:42 AM	#3
db117703 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Highland, New York Posts: 11	Yeah I was leaning towards a 90, and also considering a 75.. Thanks for the input, I want to try and keep it smaller if I can, for maintenance purposes.

04/19/2012, 07:50 AM	#4
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	If you go with a 90, I would not use the standard 90 (48" x 18" x 24"high) for a reef tank. A 24" minimum depth (front to back) will give you a lot more area to display corals.

04/19/2012, 09:49 AM	#5
miggs76 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 165	bigger the better...I regret buying a first reef tank as small as I did....i'm upgrading as we speak.

04/19/2012, 11:06 AM	#6
bamf25 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,419	The 120g is a 4 foot tank.

04/19/2012, 11:16 AM	#7
jerpa Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 2,174	I will agree that depth is more important than height. It gives you a lot more versatility. Also working in a tank that is more than 24" tall can be difficult and requires more intense lighting. Just some things to keep in mind. Finding a tank in the 75-90 range with more than 18" of depth may be difficult but will be well worth it IMO.

04/19/2012, 01:12 PM	#9
Fizz71 FragSwapper Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Lawn, PA Posts: 5,800	+1 on the 24" max high unless you really want to go big on lighting. It's also tough to deal with corals in the sand if you go too tall. Beyond that you really already have your limitations...48 x Whatever You Can Find x 24.