Better tank size?

[Aqua fire/medic]

Here is an interesting question....... In your opinion, which is a better reef tank size...... 36x20x20 or 48x18x20? I know these are different gallonage, but take into account inhabitants that would be possible to keep(ie tangs, wrasses, etc) as well as flow dynamics and aquascaping. This will be a mixed reef lit by T5's in either case. Thanks for the help :)

 

[jdl513]

I would prefer the 4-foot long over the 3-foot that only gains an extra 2-inches of width.
The size of fish I could keep be the same and would rather have the extra foot for viewing.

Edit: I am assuming the 4-foot tank will have a single corner flow, not one in the center that will disrupt circulation.

 

[sredzins]

Will be more expensive but bigger is better

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[Liquid360]

48x18x20 all day and twice on Sunday

 

[Reefing Madness]

48x18x20 all day and twice on Sunday

]
I agree. Fish swim back and forth, not normally up and down.

 

[mike007]

+1 on the 48"

 

[Aqua fire/medic]

Ok.... Let me throw one more size at you guys. 48x24x16?

 

[Liquid360]

Just to make sure... you're talking
48L x24w x 16h? If so I'd go with this one.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Just to make sure... you're talking
48L x24w x 16h? If so I'd go with this one.

Same here.
Aquascaping would be great on that one.

 

[Aqua fire/medic]

Just to make sure... you're talking
48L x24w x 16h? If so I'd go with this one.

Yes that's it

 

[jdl513]

I like the last option the best if it is set up as a look down system.
That has the highest square footage of the three and the shallower depth would be easier to light.

If you are wanting to primarily view from the side I would go with the 48x18x20 as 16" is pretty narrow for a side viewing display.

 

[Aqua fire/medic]

I like the last option the best if it is set up as a look down system.
That has the highest square footage of the three and the shallower depth would be easier to light.

If you are wanting to primarily view from the side I would go with the 48x18x20 as 16" is pretty narrow for a side viewing display.

Yeah see that's what I'm worried about, the shallow tank on say a 36" stand. Would it look weird?

 

[Liquid360]

Looks awesome to me!

http://youtu.be/Z11WjAH6FvE

 

[Aqua fire/medic]

Ha.... Awesome!!!!!

 

[Liquid360]

That tank is of the exact same dimensions of the tank you mentioned and I suggested.

Ha.... Awesome!!!!!

 

[Pappy]

Why not at standard 120 48x24x20? Are you going custom?

 

[Liquid360]

What a good obvious question! Lol dunno why I didn't ask. Based on the dimensions he's listing I assumed he was looking at the site for GlassCages.

Why not at standard 120 48x24x20? Are you going custom?

 

[Feivel]

48x18x21(75g), 48x18x24(90g),48x24x20(100g) 48x24x24(120) Are all great sizes. The best part is you can interchange the lights from one tank to the next and re-use MOST of your equipment for the upgrade if you decide for a smaller size foot print and opt for a bigger tank later down the road. you can even think ahead and build your stand and design your sump according to your eventual upgrade.

I have a 75g pininsula style tank (3 side viewable) And i would have prefered the extra width the 120 would have had to offer. the 18" width makes for a steep rockscape not leaving very much room for coral emplacements. having a 24" width i could have streched out the rock work a bit more and had more room to place corals.

As for the 3 foot tank, well if you were thinking on getting a blue tang (Dory) i would not recomend it as they are very happy and open swimmers that needs lots of swimming space. usually a 90g minimum is recomended. most of the fish you will want you will need a bigger tank for.

Hope this helps
Cheers

 

[Aqua fire/medic]

What a good obvious question! Lol dunno why I didn't ask. Based on the dimensions he's listing I assumed he was looking at the site for GlassCages.

Glass cages?!?!? Nah!I was debating keeping a tank that I already have (DB 80 rimless) or possible selling to go with something else. The shallow depth got me nervous for a bit :)

 

[Liquid360]

so after polling R2R whatcha gonna do?