Looking for input on long shallow frag type tanks

[Lavey29]

I'm planning an upgrade and want to do like 150g tank 6 feet long but only 18 inches deep. Basically a long shallow frag type tank as opposed to more traditional rectangle tanks. Water box has their infinia model I'm interested in but looking at others. It would probably SPS dominant tank set up.

I'd love to see some members set ups of this style tank. What are the pros and cons? The only real negative I see is that it is more difficult to run a mixed reef because the limited depth doesn't give much room for different par levels like my current tank which is 22 inches deep.

Do most fish do ok in shallow reef tanks? Any input is appreciated...thanks guys

 

[Peace River]

In my experience with shallow tanks, fish are more prone to jumping. Additionally depending on how wide, it can be difficult to see the health and status of the coral that is further across the tank. As you mentioned about the narrow band of PAR, that is also a concern. That said, I think it sounds like a fantastic idea and it sounds like a great adventure! This sounds like the shape of the grow out tanks in many commercial facilities.

 

[KrisReef]

Based upon folks recent posts I would look at the lights available and shape the tank to fit the illumination footprint. Also, if the tank is going against a wall or is accessible on both lengths will impact how wide you want it to be.

 

[Lavey29]

In my experience with shallow tanks, fish are more prone to jumping. Additionally depending on how wide, it can be difficult to see the health and status of the coral that is further across the tank. As you mentioned about the narrow band of PAR, that is also a concern. That said, I think it sounds like a fantastic idea and it sounds like a great adventure! This sounds like the shape of the grow out tanks in many commercial facilities.

Great points, yes a mesh top would be mandatory. Yes, interesting to think about coral care if they are more front to back versus top to bottom.

 

[Lavey29]

Based upon folks recent posts I would look at the lights available and shape the tank to fit the illumination footprint. Also, if the tank is going against a wall or is accessible on both lengths will impact how wide you want it to be.

It will have placement space but I cant do hanging lights. So I'm focused on a full length bar that attaches on the back or sides and most likely LED lights.

 

[Peace River]

When I had a few similar systems in the past, I used supports for the lighting that vaguely resembled a simplified gantry crane. It let me use hanging lights without having to mount the lights from the ceiling.

 

[DD Corals]

After you get your aquascape in. Just make sure you don’t have any dead spots you can’t easily access. Otherwise detritus would build up. I find it harder to get the correct flow in a frag tank.

 

[Lavey29]

After you get your aquascape in. Just make sure you don’t have any dead spots you can’t easily access. Otherwise detritus would build up. I find it harder to get the correct flow in a frag tank.

Interesting, I was thinking of switching to a gyre set up with a rolling wave back and forth instead of the MP40s I have now on reef crest.

 

[Lavey29]

https://waterboxaquariums.com/collections/infinia/products/infinia-frag-155-5
Something like this is my vision