Tank dimensions and oxygenation

Traill · 12/07/2021, 12:18 PM

Hi, all. I’m seeking some advice. I’m considering a new tank build that would take advantage of available vertical space but have a smaller footprint and therefore more limited square footage for O2 exchange at the surface of the water. Something along the lines of 30x20x42” tall or perhaps slightly less. This tank would consist primarily of corals and very few fish/inverts.
Could this work? If I used power heads to keep the surface water moving vigorously and circulating well throughout the tank? I’m aware taller tanks create maintenance challenges. I’m interested in hearing thoughts about keeping that sort of tank size sufficiently oxygenated.

Timfish · 12/08/2021, 07:48 AM

A sump /refugium would significantly increase your surface area for gas exchange and as you've already know good surface movement would help. It's certainly a doable setup. Have fun doing the aquascaping and maintenance in something that tall and narrow though.

I'd suggest drilling holes and using PVC pipe or fiberglass rods to hold it together.

https://youtu.be/nRjHGhs-aaY

Traill · 12/10/2021, 01:09 PM

Ah, yes. Thanks. I neglected to factor in sump/refugium. This can be in a different room, not under the DT, so surface area can be improved there.
As far as the aquascaping and maintenance go, I can imagine it is a regular PITA but maybe I’m not being sufficiently realistic about just how bad it is. Maybe some tall tank folks will chime in with specifics?

Vinny Kreyling · 12/11/2021, 09:35 AM

Never going to get to the bottom to do anything.

12/07/2021, 12:18 PM	#1
Traill Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: massachusetts Posts: 79	Tank dimensions and oxygenation Hi, all. I’m seeking some advice. I’m considering a new tank build that would take advantage of available vertical space but have a smaller footprint and therefore more limited square footage for O2 exchange at the surface of the water. Something along the lines of 30x20x42” tall or perhaps slightly less. This tank would consist primarily of corals and very few fish/inverts. Could this work? If I used power heads to keep the surface water moving vigorously and circulating well throughout the tank? I’m aware taller tanks create maintenance challenges. I’m interested in hearing thoughts about keeping that sort of tank size sufficiently oxygenated. __________________ if it floats, it's a witch

12/08/2021, 07:48 AM	#2
Timfish Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 1,985	A sump /refugium would significantly increase your surface area for gas exchange and as you've already know good surface movement would help. It's certainly a doable setup. Have fun doing the aquascaping and maintenance in something that tall and narrow though. I'd suggest drilling holes and using PVC pipe or fiberglass rods to hold it together. https://youtu.be/nRjHGhs-aaY __________________ "Our crystal clear aquaria come nowhere close to the nutrient loads that swirl around natural reefs" Charles Delbeek

12/11/2021, 09:35 AM	#4
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Never going to get to the bottom to do anything. __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

12/10/2021, 01:09 PM	#3
Traill Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: massachusetts Posts: 79	Ah, yes. Thanks. I neglected to factor in sump/refugium. This can be in a different room, not under the DT, so surface area can be improved there. As far as the aquascaping and maintenance go, I can imagine it is a regular PITA but maybe I’m not being sufficiently realistic about just how bad it is. Maybe some tall tank folks will chime in with specifics?