Tank Size Question

[HB AL]

If $ is not really an issue a custom build to the exact specs you want is the best bet. Although if the demensions you want are pretty close to a non custom build from one of the manufacturers your gonna save a lot of $ and it's not gonna make that much of a difference.

 

[Brew12]

Well, now I have a decision to make.

72"x30"x22" with a frame.

60"x30"x24" eurobraced.

Now I guess I need to decide if I want a canopy. So many options...

 

[eatbreakfast]

I recommend eurobracing, as it makes adding an auto feeder and a screen top simple to add.

I personally prefer the 60:30 length to depth compared to the 72:30. However, you will be able to add more livestock to the 72" tank if that is the primary concern.

 

[Brew12]

I recommend eurobracing, as it makes adding an auto feeder and a screen top simple to add.

I personally prefer the 60:30 length to depth compared to the 72:30. However, you will be able to add more livestock to the 72" tank if that is the primary concern.

I'm very torn on this. The only fish that I have that I worry about tank size is my Hippo Tang. All the others would do fine in a 60" tank. No plans on getting any other large fish with the upgrade. It's really about getting more space front to back for open swimming room and inverts. Right now I don't have enough exposed sand to make me comfortable getting starfish or urchins and I like the idea of getting both.

 

[4FordFamily]

I feel like you're more likely to regret not having the space for livestock long-term.

I bought a large house because I'd rather have too much rather than to little, too little is harder to fix!

 

[saltyhog]

I think the 72x30x22 is a fantastic option. I would love an 8 footer with that depth and width!

I have a friend who had a Hippo in a 6 foot 125 and when the fish and his coral matured it was way too small for the Hippo. He stressed out and had to be rehomed

 

[Brew12]

I think the 72x30x22 is a fantastic option. I would love an 8 footer with that depth and width!

I have a friend who had a Hippo in a 6 foot 125 and when the fish and his coral matured it was way too small for the Hippo. He stressed out and had to be rehomed

That is exactly my situation now. The Hippo still seems to be doing fine (around 6") but I want more space front to back. My single biggest concern with a 6' tank is the maintenance. The tank is going on a wall that is 7' long, with one side being a 45 degree angle. I will be very challenged to properly maintain a tank with that dimensions.

I think I am going to have to take the time to build a cardboard "tank" and see how well I can make it work. Worst case is having to go to a 72"x25"x22" which would have less volume than the 60"x30"x24". I must be making this way too hard. I normally like having options.

 

[Oldreefer44]

Like Houses, boats, and most everything else, whatever size you get you will eventually wish you had a bigger one. My suggestion is to get as large a tank as you can make fit in the space.

 

[Potatohead]

Like Houses, boats, and most everything else, whatever size you get you will eventually wish you had a bigger one. My suggestion is to get as large a tank as you can make fit in the space.

Agree totally.

 

[Brew12]

Well, I formed up some possible tank sizes using cardboard last night. There is absolutely no way I could do a 72"x30" tank. I'm up for a challenge most days, but there is just too much of the tank I wouldn't be able to reach. My reasonable options are a 72"x24"x22" (165g) or the 60"x30"x24" (185g). Dropping the extra foot off gives me room for a small step stool on each side and makes all the difference. Costs will be exactly the same so it isn't a factor between the two.

I really dislike space constraints because a 240g-wide has such amazing dimensions. It just isn't workable in the space I have. :(

 

[eatbreakfast]

My vote is 60x30. 30" of depth really makes a difference when aquascaping a tank.

 

[Brew12]

My vote is 60x30. 30" of depth really makes a difference when aquascaping a tank.

I'm thinking I will go this route. With my current system there is only a 3" path in front of the rocks that stretches the full 72". The back is less than 60" because of the overflows. Worst case is that I have to rehome the Hippo tang if he looks to be stressed. I'm hoping he is happier in the new system since he will end up with a figure 8 racetrack instead of a bowling lane. Not to mention there will be no overflows blocking his path with the Synergy Ghost installed.

 

[eatbreakfast]

Another thing that can be done with euro bracing is that holes can be drilled that plumbing can be put through so that flow can go across the front of the tank with minimal visual impact of equipment, but that depends on how you are planning your flow.

 

[Brew12]

Another thing that can be done with euro bracing is that holes can be drilled that plumbing can be put through so that flow can go across the front of the tank with minimal visual impact of equipment, but that depends on how you are planning your flow.

Giving flow some thought right now. I'm leaning toward going with a pair of Gyre XF250's (one on each side) and putting 2 MP40's on the back wall to run intermittently and provide some flow variety. I am also thinking of having a return line hole drilled on either side of the overflow.