Tired of 90 Gallon Bowfront -- looking for suggestions on replacement tank size

nanorfj · 01/28/2007, 11:05 AM

I have had a 90 gallon Oceanic bowfront for a little over a year, ever since I moved to my new house.

This was an 'upgrade' from a 75 gallon of standard dimensions.

The reason why I'm tired of the 90 gallon is because of the height. It's 29" tall from the top trim to the bottom trim. This is just too deep...it's impossible to aquascape. Because of the tank depth and the height of the stand, I have to get on a chair to move the live rock, which means I'm looking straight down into the tank...I can't see what the tank looks like from the front.

And, of course, when the water level is at my armpit, I'm still several inches away from reaching the bottom...

Further, the width of the tank on each end is only 12.5 inches including the thickness of the glass (it's wider in the middle of the tank at the bow of course.)

Compounding the problem is some of my rock is really big. I have a single rock that is 68 pounds, and another that is about 40. I'm hesitant to pile that much rock vertically...

I'm looking for suggestions on a different tank size. I think I want something long, like 6 feet, for more swimming room for the fish. But I want it wider and shallower than the 'standard' dimensions. A 125 gallon 'standard' is 72x18x22...I was thinking perhaps 72x22x18, or even 72x24x16...this would make for much easier tank access, lighting would be lower wattage due to MUCH less depth....easier to aquascape both from an access standpoint as well as because the tank is a lot wider.

I'm thinking starphire front glass...

Would love to get any suggestions from fellow reefers who have faced a similar situation. Also, suggestions on a good supplier of custom tanks...

Thanks everyone.

Dubbin1 · 01/28/2007, 11:20 AM

Have you considered a 180g?

nanorfj · 01/28/2007, 11:44 AM

What dimensions?

01/28/2007, 11:05 AM	#1
nanorfj Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Austin Posts: 286	Tired of 90 Gallon Bowfront -- looking for suggestions on replacement tank size I have had a 90 gallon Oceanic bowfront for a little over a year, ever since I moved to my new house. This was an 'upgrade' from a 75 gallon of standard dimensions. The reason why I'm tired of the 90 gallon is because of the height. It's 29" tall from the top trim to the bottom trim. This is just too deep...it's impossible to aquascape. Because of the tank depth and the height of the stand, I have to get on a chair to move the live rock, which means I'm looking straight down into the tank...I can't see what the tank looks like from the front. And, of course, when the water level is at my armpit, I'm still several inches away from reaching the bottom... Further, the width of the tank on each end is only 12.5 inches including the thickness of the glass (it's wider in the middle of the tank at the bow of course.) Compounding the problem is some of my rock is really big. I have a single rock that is 68 pounds, and another that is about 40. I'm hesitant to pile that much rock vertically... I'm looking for suggestions on a different tank size. I think I want something long, like 6 feet, for more swimming room for the fish. But I want it wider and shallower than the 'standard' dimensions. A 125 gallon 'standard' is 72x18x22...I was thinking perhaps 72x22x18, or even 72x24x16...this would make for much easier tank access, lighting would be lower wattage due to MUCH less depth....easier to aquascape both from an access standpoint as well as because the tank is a lot wider. I'm thinking starphire front glass... Would love to get any suggestions from fellow reefers who have faced a similar situation. Also, suggestions on a good supplier of custom tanks... Thanks everyone.

01/28/2007, 11:20 AM	#2
Dubbin1 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Findlay, Ohio Posts: 11,540	Have you considered a 180g?

01/28/2007, 11:44 AM	#3
nanorfj Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Austin Posts: 286	What dimensions?