Tank size opinions...

[StevieD]

Im posting this here because I didn't want to get flamed in the large tank forum for not meeting certain tank size requirements so here it goes....I currently have a 40B up and running for over a year now, no issues, everythings going great...So what comes next, Im looking into a bigger tank...or course the addiction always grows. My question is, and Im also looking for opinions from anyone who has something close, if you had a choice would you pick A: 72 1/8 x 24 1/8 x 22 165 wide, or B:48 1/4 x 30 1/8 x 22 1/4 135 wide? Price difference in tanks is $35. Im also looking into new lights as well and this is making things difficult. Opinions, Thoughts???? Thanks for reading.

[ayionna06]

If it was up to me I would do the larger tank. They are much easier to keep running and maintain your levels. Room for error. In the same breath the bigger the tank the bigger the price on certain things will be. For example lights to spread out over your tank, a larger skimmer depending on bio-load, reactors and etc. On the positive side you can have more fish/corals in the bigger tank. On the negative side a bigger electric bill. I have a custom 240 gallon with a 125 gallon sump and a 75 gallon fuge. I also have a 265 gallon with a 40 gallon sump. Guess which one cost me more for the original set up and maintenance?

[Reefmedic79]

Between the 2 you listed, I personally would prefer the 48. I like more deeper dimension.

If there are other options, I would get a tank that was at least 24in front to back.

[StevieD]

Ill be building my own stand (as I have for all my tanks), I already have an overkill skimmer, 55 gallon for my sump, dual reactors, etc...I have all the stuff, just need to decide on tank size so I can get my lights, ugh why does it have to be so difficult lol...but I understand what you mean about the electric bill, I bet going bigger may have a significant impact. Im not sure what I would even do with a tank over 200 gallons, let alone 2 over 200 gallons lol, that's awesome

[StevieD]

Originally Posted by Reefmedic79

Between the 2 you listed, I personally would prefer the 48. I like more deeper dimension.

If there are other options, I would get a tank that was at least 24in front to back.

It will be at least 24" deep...ive always had 18" deep tanks and Im kind of tired of them, I want deeper and kind of like that 30" depth but I also like the 72" length, kind of why Im torn between the two.

[jonesdeini]

The 72" tank allows you more choices for fish like tangs http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1946079

[StevieD]

Originally Posted by jonesdeini

The 72" tank allows you more choices for fish like tangs http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1946079

I agree, I do like tangs, but Im not sure about them being prone to Ich. I see the longer tank being beneficial though, then again im a fan of deeper tanks...I think I may just flip a quarter lol

[DolphinzFan]

I'm new to the hobby and made the mistake of getting a 93 gal cube vs 90 gal long. And as stated before I'm somewhat restrained to fish I can add. So with that said I would go for the longer tank.

[Gagonzalez]

I would go with the longer tank as long as it is more than 18" wide. Based on your dimensions, it would be a 24" deep tank which would be great!

[StevieD]

I think im going to leave it up to the quarter flip and light choices...Seems reasonable right lol

[Hodge1995]

I would not want over 24 deep I like to be able to reach the bottom also the added length you will like in the long run.

[rfgonzo]

If you like 72L and 30W you could also go with a 205gal 72x30x22 or a 245gal 72x30x26 just sayin. LOL

[Politiceaux]

Originally Posted by StevieD

Im posting this here because I didn't want to get flamed in the large tank forum for not meeting certain tank size requirements so here it goes....I currently have a 40B up and running for over a year now, no issues, everythings going great...So what comes next, Im looking into a bigger tank...or course the addiction always grows. My question is, and Im also looking for opinions from anyone who has something close, if you had a choice would you pick A: 72 1/8 x 24 1/8 x 22 165 wide, or B:48 1/4 x 30 1/8 x 22 1/4 135 wide? Price difference in tanks is $35. Im also looking into new lights as well and this is making things difficult. Opinions, Thoughts???? Thanks for reading.

72", without question. Way more fish options and better looking, IMO.

[StevieD]

Originally Posted by rfgonzo

If you like 72L and 30W you could also go with a 205gal 72x30x22 or a 245gal 72x30x26 just sayin. LOL

Just out of curiosity, where would I find a 205 or 245 with those dimensions??? My interest is peaked lol

[Hodge1995]

You start getting that big you have to start thinking about large maintenance cost!

[living_waters]

i just ugraded twice in one month for not going "plus 1" just take the leap of faith with a 75,90,120

[kikoreefer]

I have a tall tank... Get a long tank. Unless your Kevin durant or something but it's very uncomfortable to work on...

[StevieD]

Well after careful consideration, measuring, and some flips of a quarter I decided to go with the 165 wide after the first of the year (unless I can find a 200 gallon lol)...I know I cant be cool enough to hang out in the big tank threads but I use to have a 150 gallon and I loved it...Had a couple baby rays and the length was nice...So now I can start shopping for lights, man that was difficult lol...

[Vinny Kreyling]

http://www.deepseaaquatics.net/index...model-225.html

[kikoreefer]

Sweet man I wish I didnt have my tank given to me. And then I wish I didnt build it into my house. Lol ill upgrade eventually just dont tell my wife

[dkeller_nc]

Originally Posted by StevieD

Well after careful consideration, measuring, and some flips of a quarter I decided to go with the 165 wide after the first of the year (unless I can find a 200 gallon lol)...I know I cant be cool enough to hang out in the big tank threads but I use to have a 150 gallon and I loved it...Had a couple baby rays and the length was nice...So now I can start shopping for lights, man that was difficult lol...

You can easily find a much bigger tank in that length (72"); the marineland deep-dimension 300 gallon, for example, is 72" long by 36" front-to-back by 27" deep. What you may want to consider, however, is how far the tank intrudes on the room you're going to put it in. In general, one wants to leave at least 12" between the wall and the back glass of the aquarium so that you clean, adjust lights (if they're back-mounted like the AI EXT rail system), etc...

In my case, I'd love to have 36" front-to-back, but I can't accommodate the 48" intrusion into the room, so I'm going to have to have a custom 24" front-to-back, 96" long tank built. At least that's the current plan.

[StevieD]

I can do a 36" front to back but it would have to go in the back room and I want it in the front (living) room so I can watch it...The other half likes to hang out in the back room more than I do and shes not entirely into the fish thing, shes more about horses...So, I get my big tank and she gets another horse in the spring, that's out trade off lol