Ideal reef tank depth?

twhdoc · 03/08/2015, 07:37 AM

I'm planning a new tank build and would welcome opinions regarding the sweat spot for depth of a rimless reef tank that will be 72 inches long, 24 wide. Is 24 too deep?
Thanks

drew2007 · 03/08/2015, 07:46 AM

24 wide is a perfect depth for aquascaping.

gone fishin · 03/08/2015, 07:47 AM

I like the 24" depth on mine. I can still get to the bottom of the tank and I still get decent lighting to the bottom. Much more than 24" I would have a harder time reaching to the bottom and I suspect lighting would become more of an issue. just my 2 cents.

ca1ore · 03/08/2015, 07:50 AM

Assuming by 'depth' you mean 'height', then it's really a function of what you want to keep and how long your arms are

. I always felt 24" tall was perfect, though my current tank is 30" and I have grown to really like the extra height (cannot do that in a rimless though). If you meant front to back depth (width) then more is better. I'd view 24" as minimum for anything 48" and longer, though a really wide tank is awesome.

rogersb · 03/08/2015, 08:37 AM

I was unaware that you could get a 24" tall rimless tank.

whiteshark · 03/08/2015, 08:52 AM

For me ideally 20in high, and at least 24 in both other directions. My dream tank would be 40 x 40 x 20.

Mark426 · 03/08/2015, 09:20 AM

I agree with whiteshark... I like 20" in height. To my eye, slightly lower tanks look best unless its an in-wall tank. Not to mention the ease of maintenance! Long and low with minimal rockwork seems to be the trend lately.

mpderksen · 03/08/2015, 09:22 AM

I don't mind a deep reach. (I have long arms). With regard to lighting, my thought is that it depends what you want to keep. Lower light Ricordia sit in the bottom of mine but I can have higher PAR up top for SPS. However, if you wants all SPS and some clams or LPS in the sandbed, then I think you could struggle getting them enough light without blasting the stuff up top.
I also like height so that I can have levels of fish. Wrasses, chromis etc up in the column, bleenies and gobies down low.

PhaneSoul · 03/08/2015, 09:23 AM

I like 24 deep and 18 high for reefs. Enough to stac rock but wide enough to have more of an island then a wall of rock

twhdoc · 03/08/2015, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rogersb

I was unaware that you could get a 24" tall rimless tank.

Yes, you can get a rimless built with that height, but it requires thicker glass. I'm getting ready to sink some serious money into my dream tank, so I want to do it right.

Wazzel · 03/08/2015, 07:39 PM

The one you like the best. I like the height and the depth to be the same or the depth to be wider. My current tank is 24x24. I have done 26x26. If I do another tank it will not be over 24 tall, wing span issues. I would like a wider tank may be 27ish wide x 20 or 24 tall, just depends.

twhdoc · 03/08/2015, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ca1ore

Assuming by 'depth' you mean 'height', then it's really a function of what you want to keep and how long your arms are

. I always felt 24" tall was perfect, though my current tank is 30" and I have grown to really like the extra height (cannot do that in a rimless though). If you meant front to back depth (width) then more is better. I'd view 24" as minimum for anything 48" and longer, though a really wide tank is awesome.

My bad, I meant height... My current tank is 30 inches in height, and I getting tired of crawling into the tank up to my neck to reach the sand bed. 20 seems to be popular, though.

pyithar · 03/08/2015, 07:50 PM

my current tank is 24" depth(front to back) and i like it but i feel like it's tall (30" height). so my next tank will also be 24" depth, 24" height, and 84" width.

Stevenliu9 · 03/08/2015, 08:47 PM

Any taller than 24" not only my hand would have difficulty reaching down but also harder for light to penetrate. I think 22-24 is the best.

hogfanreefer · 03/08/2015, 09:49 PM

Mine is 72x24x21. I really like the 21" height. I'm 6'1" but I still get my T shirt sleeve wet sometimes if I'm not paying attention when reaching to the bottom.

guserto4 · 03/08/2015, 09:52 PM

I'd say 18-20" tall with your other dimensions, but I'd say that anyway bc I love the stance of a shallower tank!

twhdoc · 03/09/2015, 06:44 AM

hmmm.... while aesthetically I'm drawn to the taller tank (24"), it seems that practical matters like lighting and maintenance favor the 20".

Next question: Are there any negatives to going wider (front to back), maybe, 30 inches?

CHSUB · 03/09/2015, 06:49 AM

mine is 30" tall and 36" deep, i like it!!!

kmbyrnes · 03/09/2015, 06:59 AM

I had 30" tall tank - light and cleaning issues even though I am 6'3".
I have a 27" tank - good height and with good lights I can still have a range of corals.
I have a 24" 125 - I think this would actually be the best height, but would like the extra depth too so I think there is a 180 in my future.

FraggledRock · 03/09/2015, 08:05 AM

max 24"

18" is best for reaching the substrate without needing a ladder IMHO

ca1ore · 03/09/2015, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twhdoc

hmmm.... while aesthetically I'm drawn to the taller tank (24"), it seems that practical matters like lighting and maintenance favor the 20".

Next question: Are there any negatives to going wider (front to back), maybe, 30 inches?

Height and depth (width) are both a function of reach. I'm tall, have long arms and built my stand so that the top rim of my tank is at armpit height, so I can reach the sand in the front of my 30" tall tank. But anything towards the back requires forceps. An absolutely acceptable trade off to me, but perhaps not for every person. Unless you're using fluorescent, don't see why 30" tall is problematic. I have no issue maintaining high light animals on my sand bed with LEDS (or with MH before that). Ideal tank size to me would be 96" long, 30" tall and as wide as I could fit (36" or so in my current room). What's that, 450 gallons (too lazy to do the math)?

ThRoewer · 03/09/2015, 01:21 PM

I would agree that a height of 24" (~60 cm) is the limit. Beyond that it becomes a pain to reach things and maintain the tank (unless you go so big that you can dive inside the tank).

cleverbs · 03/09/2015, 01:28 PM

I have a 220g and its 30" deep I love it because of viewing. If I had a 20" tank I think that would be cool but I would want a really tall stand because I dont want to squat to see my tank.

I do however had to get on a step ladder to get to the bottom of the tank but I dont mind I think the only time this is required is when I rescape the tank. I am 6ft

A handy grabby tool is used a lot in my tank

I dont like to be wet all the time.

hart24601 · 03/09/2015, 02:22 PM

Another vote for 24" tall. I really don't want a tank any deeper as it gets hard to reach. But that is personal, it's not like I dislike deeper tanks, but when I had a custom tank built I picked 24 and am happy.

I also have a rimless 24" tall, but it wasn't cheap as miracles went to 3/4" starfire for that height despite the tank only being 48x24x24.

twhdoc · 03/10/2015, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hart24601

Another vote for 24" tall. I really don't want a tank any deeper as it gets hard to reach. But that is personal, it's not like I dislike deeper tanks, but when I had a custom tank built I picked 24 and am happy.

I also have a rimless 24" tall, but it wasn't cheap as miracles went to 3/4" starfire for that height despite the tank only being 48x24x24.

How was your experience with Miracle?
Thanks, Tim

03/08/2015, 07:37 AM	#1
twhdoc Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 12	Ideal reef tank depth? I'm planning a new tank build and would welcome opinions regarding the sweat spot for depth of a rimless reef tank that will be 72 inches long, 24 wide. Is 24 too deep? Thanks

03/08/2015, 07:46 AM	#2
drew2007 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 976	24 wide is a perfect depth for aquascaping. __________________ 110g rimless, Elite Aquatics sump, JNS ConeS Co2, ATI Sunpower, Vortech, Digital Aquatics RKE

03/08/2015, 07:47 AM	#3
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	I like the 24" depth on mine. I can still get to the bottom of the tank and I still get decent lighting to the bottom. Much more than 24" I would have a harder time reaching to the bottom and I suspect lighting would become more of an issue. just my 2 cents. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

03/08/2015, 07:50 AM	#4
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	Assuming by 'depth' you mean 'height', then it's really a function of what you want to keep and how long your arms are . I always felt 24" tall was perfect, though my current tank is 30" and I have grown to really like the extra height (cannot do that in a rimless though). If you meant front to back depth (width) then more is better. I'd view 24" as minimum for anything 48" and longer, though a really wide tank is awesome. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

03/08/2015, 08:52 AM	#6
whiteshark Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Bethlehem, PA Posts: 3,024	For me ideally 20in high, and at least 24 in both other directions. My dream tank would be 40 x 40 x 20. __________________ Deep Blue 60 gallon cube: Setup in progress.

03/08/2015, 08:37 AM	#5
rogersb Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: white haven Posts: 1,135	I was unaware that you could get a 24" tall rimless tank.

03/08/2015, 09:20 AM	#7
Mark426 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,479	I agree with whiteshark... I like 20" in height. To my eye, slightly lower tanks look best unless its an in-wall tank. Not to mention the ease of maintenance! Long and low with minimal rockwork seems to be the trend lately.

03/08/2015, 09:22 AM	#8
mpderksen Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Manteca, CA Posts: 1,853	I don't mind a deep reach. (I have long arms). With regard to lighting, my thought is that it depends what you want to keep. Lower light Ricordia sit in the bottom of mine but I can have higher PAR up top for SPS. However, if you wants all SPS and some clams or LPS in the sandbed, then I think you could struggle getting them enough light without blasting the stuff up top. I also like height so that I can have levels of fish. Wrasses, chromis etc up in the column, bleenies and gobies down low.

03/08/2015, 09:23 AM	#9
PhaneSoul Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 949	I like 24 deep and 18 high for reefs. Enough to stac rock but wide enough to have more of an island then a wall of rock

03/08/2015, 07:39 PM	#11
Wazzel Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Houma, LA Posts: 4,743	The one you like the best. I like the height and the depth to be the same or the depth to be wider. My current tank is 24x24. I have done 26x26. If I do another tank it will not be over 24 tall, wing span issues. I would like a wider tank may be 27ish wide x 20 or 24 tall, just depends. __________________ Mark Beware the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it's a train. Current Tank Info: 120, LED, Bare Bottom, SPS/LPS

03/08/2015, 07:50 PM	#13
pyithar Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: yangon,burma(myanmar) Posts: 1,786	my current tank is 24" depth(front to back) and i like it but i feel like it's tall (30" height). so my next tank will also be 24" depth, 24" height, and 84" width. __________________ take it easy, pyithar Current Tank Info: 150G display, 50G sump, mixed reef

03/08/2015, 08:47 PM	#14
Stevenliu9 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Madison WI Posts: 795	Any taller than 24" not only my hand would have difficulty reaching down but also harder for light to penetrate. I think 22-24 is the best. __________________ Steven Liu See More at: bluemarineart.com Current Tank Info: 180 Mix Reef + 28G Seahorse Species Tank

03/08/2015, 09:49 PM	#15
hogfanreefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Conway, AR Posts: 2,117	Mine is 72x24x21. I really like the 21" height. I'm 6'1" but I still get my T shirt sleeve wet sometimes if I'm not paying attention when reaching to the bottom. __________________ DSA 155,Custom Trigger 42" sump/refugium, MP40 X2, MP 10 X 2, AI Hydra 52 X3, Apex controller, Tunze ATO Current Tank Info: DSA 155 gallon, mixed reef, SPS and wrasse dominant

03/08/2015, 09:52 PM	#16
guserto4 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Denver Posts: 352	I'd say 18-20" tall with your other dimensions, but I'd say that anyway bc I love the stance of a shallower tank! __________________ Just trying to get it right Current Tank Info: Under construction: 123g 80x24x16 display & 35g 24x24x16 frag

03/09/2015, 06:44 AM	#17
twhdoc Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 12	hmmm.... while aesthetically I'm drawn to the taller tank (24"), it seems that practical matters like lighting and maintenance favor the 20". Next question: Are there any negatives to going wider (front to back), maybe, 30 inches?

03/09/2015, 06:49 AM	#18
CHSUB "Certified Hobby Expert" Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Miami, Fl Posts: 2,038	mine is 30" tall and 36" deep, i like it!!! __________________ Goniopora Police _________________ building a 60"x36"x30" peninsula reef...follow at "NEW TANK BUILD" on reef discussion forum! http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2110638

03/09/2015, 06:59 AM	#19
kmbyrnes Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 2,055	I had 30" tall tank - light and cleaning issues even though I am 6'3". I have a 27" tank - good height and with good lights I can still have a range of corals. I have a 24" 125 - I think this would actually be the best height, but would like the extra depth too so I think there is a 180 in my future. __________________ 125g Mixed Reef 5/26/2015; 350 Butterfly Dominated FOWLR 11/26/2015 - 11/17/20217 & 07/31/18 to ??? ; 100g Mixed Reef 11/16/2013 to 06/16/2017 Current Tank Info: Too small

03/09/2015, 08:05 AM	#20
FraggledRock Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: New York, New York Posts: 2,185	max 24" 18" is best for reaching the substrate without needing a ladder IMHO __________________ “For most of history, man has had to fight nature to survive; in this century he is beginning to realize that, in order to survive, he must protect it.”― Jacques-Yves Cousteau MarineBio.org Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder w/ Bean Animal Overflow 20G Sump, Mixed Reef.

03/09/2015, 01:21 PM	#22
ThRoewer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 9,555	I would agree that a height of 24" (~60 cm) is the limit. Beyond that it becomes a pain to reach things and maintain the tank (unless you go so big that you can dive inside the tank). __________________ Pairs: 4 percula, 3 P. kauderni, 3 D. excisus, 1 ea of P. diacanthus, S. splendidus, C. altivelis O. rosenblatti, D. janssi, S. yasha & a Gramma loreto trio 3 P. diacanthus. 2 C. starcki Current Tank Info: 200 gal 4 tank system (40x28x24 + 40B + 40B sump tank + 20g refugium) + 30x18x18 mixed reef + 20g East Pacific biotop + 20g FW +...

03/09/2015, 01:28 PM	#23
cleverbs Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nebraska Posts: 1,041	I have a 220g and its 30" deep I love it because of viewing. If I had a 20" tank I think that would be cool but I would want a really tall stand because I dont want to squat to see my tank. I do however had to get on a step ladder to get to the bottom of the tank but I dont mind I think the only time this is required is when I rescape the tank. I am 6ft A handy grabby tool is used a lot in my tank I dont like to be wet all the time.

03/09/2015, 02:22 PM	#24
hart24601 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 633	Another vote for 24" tall. I really don't want a tank any deeper as it gets hard to reach. But that is personal, it's not like I dislike deeper tanks, but when I had a custom tank built I picked 24 and am happy. I also have a rimless 24" tall, but it wasn't cheap as miracles went to 3/4" starfire for that height despite the tank only being 48x24x24.