Would this aquarium make a good choice for a reef tank?

vetteguy53081

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Greetings all,

I have in my possession a 100 gallon tank. The dimensions are 45.5"L x 17.0"W x 28.5".

Is this too deep for a good reef tank?
I am worried about being able to light it well enough.
Should be fine but pics would help to determine layout, construction and usability. there are various lights you can use and you want to get adequate -not budget light. There are many requirements and you will need to plan and budget accordingly. This is an example of my budget:

costs.jpg
 
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Atrumblood

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Thank you for your reply.
Here is a photo of the tank. Currently being occupied by my turtle, but I am debating on moving him to a new encloser so that I can use his tank for a reef tank.

Pardon the mess, we are in the process of moving. Hence the boxes.

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20210417_174923.jpg

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CMMorgan

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LOVE TURTLES!!
Can it be a reef tank? Sure - anything that holds water can be a reef tank.
Will you need exceptionally good lighting to get par at that level - yes, how much are you willing to invest... see @vetteguy53081 budget above
Will you need Mr. Gadget arms to scrape coralline from the bottom glass of that tank? Yes
Will you get wet up to your armpits everytime a frag falls in the sand - you betcha.
Can you build a wicked cool aquascape in a 28" high place - darn tootin.
Only you know what will work for you. We are only limited by our budget and our creativity.
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Tcook

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I would say if you are going to spend the time, effort, and money to have a nice reef tank for years, get a longer tank that is 24" tall at most. Preferably 5-6 feet long for more swimming room. 17" deep will be tough to aquascape and still have swimming space. However, if the cost of a new tank means no reef for you then you can make this one work.
 

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I have a tank 30" deep and run radium xr30 lights, Like above you are going to get your arm pits wet, corals can be difficult to place, cleaning the sand bed is hard work, but saying all that I love mine
 

vetteguy53081

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Ideally, i would search craigslist, facebook marketplace and R2R Marketplace and similar and see if you can obtain a used reef ready that may furnish the needed equipment including good lighting for an affordable price bearing proper filter/and equipment to get you running successfully.
 
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Atrumblood

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It can work but (Personally) I feel the width is going to be a little tough to cope with rock work and corals when they grow, if you chose to get corals
I already have a 55 going with coral. It is even more narrow at 12 inches.
I have the bug and need at least a 100 gallon tank.

I am honestly thinking that I want to do a cube or a corner tank.
We will see.

Thanks again.
 

A worm with high fashion and practical utility: Have you ever kept feather dusters in your reef aquarium?

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