Tank size decision

[DTz]

Hey guys. I’m currently running a 6x2.5x2.5 feet sps dominated tank. Few days ago my wife decided it was a good idea to help clean my light covers with soap and the soap fell in to the tank and killed all my fishes + half my sps corals.

Rather than restock, I’ve decided to take the opportunity to upgrade to a bigger tank.

I’m deciding between upgrading to a 8x3x2.5 and 9x2.5x2.5. The 3 feet width will have a higher water volume. But was told 9 feet will require less thick glass. 12 mm glass for 9 feet and 15 mm glass for 8 feet.

Question is, which one will visually looks better? Need some help on deciding and pls offer as much reason behind. Thx

 

[Jekyl]

@Joe Glass Cages can give some insight on the glass and difference in viewing. My only thought would be to make sure that extra half foot of reach isn't going to be too much of a pain for you.

 

[Reef.]

9 foot for me…you are unlikely to see the benefit of having a wider width but will notice the extra length, plus the thinner glass.

Nice problem to have!

 

[PharmrJohn]

@Joe Glass Cages can give some insight on the glass and difference in viewing. My only thought would be to make sure that extra half foot of reach isn't going to be too much of a pain for you.

Great idea. Just what I was thinking. I'm actually going through these guys for my next tank. A tad pricey, but you get what you pay for.

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

Joe is world class. He is building my 96x36x25 peninsula as we speak. Joe is a saint, I drove him batty and he always had a smile. Him and David are great people.

 

[Serpentman2024]

In my opinion, go with the 9'. Visually, the length will be more appealing. 2.5" width gives you plenty of space to aquascape and should be relatively easy to light. IMO, 36" front to back and you start to have to rethink your lighting and flow.

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

Whatever you do, make sure you think about future proofing your tank. A tank that large, I would consider a closed loop (or multiple). Now is the time if you are creating new from scratch to think through everything. For example my goal is to have NO power heads in a 8 foot peninsula. I’ll start off with an A400 powering the closed loop you see. However, I have multiple back up plans if I need to generate more flow without utilizing powerheads. 3 to be exact. I’ve added an extra 1.5 inch drain and 1 inch return bulkhead holders in the overflow box as well. Starting from scratch really lets you set some fun goals.

Think everything through - for example, will you need wider euro racing if you want return bulls heads in the four corners coming down from above? I chose not to add any additional width to the bracing and will likely use sea swirls on the viewing panel side (if/when I deploy the use of this area).

 

[LosGatosMax]

Will it be viewable from both sides? I have a 30” wide peninsula and I think the depth is great, also 31” tall and that is way tall enough. 36” wide and you will be using tongs in the middle area.