What's a good tank size

[Mcardle2012]

Hey guys right now I have a 65 rr in my living room. I am thinking about putting a much bigger tank in my basement as a "main" display. Was just curious on what dimensions/ size is an all around great tank. I am aware that one size doesn't fit all and bigger isn't always better . Something that won't break the bank, but will also give a great view .

 

[John Carroll]

What are you planning to stock it with? Do you want a long tank? Do you want it wide so you can do more things with the aquascape?

 

[BlueCursor]

The formula is simple: Can you afford the tank? IF the answer is no, it is too big. IF the answer is yes, it isn't big enough. There is never an in between. You either need something bigger or you can't afford what you need.

The question you need to ask is "how big is my bank account" and go from there.

 

[Jisko]

For me a 30g with a 20g sump was perfect for me as im a college student so it's something small to leave home and have my dad help feed and then I do maintenence on the weekends. I'm also working on propagating corals in my dorm next year so im working with the college to try and arrange that. But this is prolly a completely different case for you. Personally id say plan the build and when it gets to a point where the check book begins to break step back and size it down. Last thing you want is to blow it all and not have enough wiggle room case something goes wrong. I'd rather have a smaller tank with fancy gadgets that could be used in a bigger tank down the road them a big tank that was built on a budget.

 

[redfishbluefish]

You specifically stated you wanted to go big.....I've always thought the 180 was the perfect "big" tank.....it has the six foot length and the 24 inch width for great rock-scaping.....and a depth where you can (almost) reach the bottom (ca 25").

 

[Cocugreek5]

I agree with the 180! Tall tanks are hard to maintain especially with short arms like mine. I have a 125 and a 150 with the only difference being the height. Those few inches in height for me means I need to get a step stool! Also like redfishbluefish mentioned width for aquascaping. My dream tank is a 4'x4' tank that is not taller than a 125. I think it comes out to 290 gallons. I saw it on the glasscages website. Besides money consider maintenance because the easier something is to do the more likely you will do it!

 

[lion king]

6' tanks are my fav, I have 2. But lighting a 6' tank can be rather expensive, easier to find lighting sources for a shorter tank. Lighting should be the main consideration, all the other equipment won't vary that much.

 

[aquamn1999]

It depends if you want a standard built tank or custom. How are you going to get it to where it's going to be in the house can limit the size. Door width, hallway, stairs, etc. can limit the size of tank. You also need to consider acrylic or glass. As for the weight you will be moving or paying someone to move. I agree with the 24" height but I prefer 36" width with external overflow. My tank is 8'L x 3'W x 2'H peninsula style which I think is the perfect size.