Question of the week: July 2, 2012
- Thread starter BigAl07
- Start date
ReefApprentice
Well-Known Member
A standered 90 gallon becase of its spacious coral space and fits any where in my house
I actually have 2 "Favorite" tank sizes.... and both for the same reason..
120g (48"L x 24"D x 24"H)
240g (48"L x 48"D x 24"H)
Both have very eye pleasing dimensions and both look very well balanced no matter what angle you view them. Both have PLENTY of space for just about anything you'd want as far as scaping goes and the 120g will fit almost any floor plan that a 4' tank will fit. It's usually fairly straight forward going from say a 55g to a 120g and the 120 really increases that WOW factor when it's all set up and established.
120g (48"L x 24"D x 24"H)
240g (48"L x 48"D x 24"H)
Both have very eye pleasing dimensions and both look very well balanced no matter what angle you view them. Both have PLENTY of space for just about anything you'd want as far as scaping goes and the 120g will fit almost any floor plan that a 4' tank will fit. It's usually fairly straight forward going from say a 55g to a 120g and the 120 really increases that WOW factor when it's all set up and established.
Like some of the other questions of the week, the only really correct answer is "It depends...". What might be right for one person would be totally inappropriate for someone else. Choosing a tank size is a bit of a balancing act in that you need to consider many important factors.
I would consider the most important factor being, what do you want to keep in the tank? For example, if you want to keep dwarf seahorses the tank sizes mentioned previously. of 90 gal, 120 gal, and 240 gal, would be far too large, because of the feeding requirements. On the other hand, if you wanted to keep a small shark species, all of those tanks would be too small.
Also important is you budget. The bigger the tank, them more it's going to cost you to set up. No point in trying to set up a tank that you can't possible afford. While we are on the subject, you must also consider the cost involved with running the tank. Electricity, salt, food, test kits and so on are all ongoing expenses. Your also going to need to replace equipment from time to time. Long term salt water will damage just about anything. Over time, you will likely need to replace lighting, pumps, heaters, filters and filter media.
Then you need to consider your space and lifestyle. If you only have 3 feet of space, there is no way your going to fit a 4 four tank in there. If plan to move in a few years, it's a lot easier to move a 30 gal tank than a 90 gal tank.
Personally I tend to like larger tanks. However, some people have created some real gems in small tanks. It depends...
I would consider the most important factor being, what do you want to keep in the tank? For example, if you want to keep dwarf seahorses the tank sizes mentioned previously. of 90 gal, 120 gal, and 240 gal, would be far too large, because of the feeding requirements. On the other hand, if you wanted to keep a small shark species, all of those tanks would be too small.
Also important is you budget. The bigger the tank, them more it's going to cost you to set up. No point in trying to set up a tank that you can't possible afford. While we are on the subject, you must also consider the cost involved with running the tank. Electricity, salt, food, test kits and so on are all ongoing expenses. Your also going to need to replace equipment from time to time. Long term salt water will damage just about anything. Over time, you will likely need to replace lighting, pumps, heaters, filters and filter media.
Then you need to consider your space and lifestyle. If you only have 3 feet of space, there is no way your going to fit a 4 four tank in there. If plan to move in a few years, it's a lot easier to move a 30 gal tank than a 90 gal tank.
Personally I tend to like larger tanks. However, some people have created some real gems in small tanks. It depends...
dmatt88
Has been struck by the ban stick
Great question. Of course space constraints dictate tank however a 40b is a winner about anywhere. Just a peewee tho. 220 is a winner. 6' long deep enough just a tad tall to reach into but the height is a viewers delight. The 4' 240 is too sweet just doesn't fit anywhere I have. Just saw a 1000 gallon tank. 13' long 24" tall n 4' deep. There's the winner.
.............I'm feeling salty.
.............I'm feeling salty.
Why stop there, at a mere 1000 gal?
Here is a "modest tank" at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta (offsite) - Georgia Aquarium | Explore The Aquarium | Ocean Voyager | Atlanta Sightseeing
Yes, I've been there in person and it really is incredible.
Here is a "modest tank" at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta (offsite) - Georgia Aquarium | Explore The Aquarium | Ocean Voyager | Atlanta Sightseeing
Yes, I've been there in person and it really is incredible.
engineer goby
Has been struck by the ban stick
Personally I like a 180 6'x2'x2' plenty of depth good length perfect height and it's not to big that the cost of salt and lights would sink me.
Doogle
Well-Known Member
It depends on space , budget, and what your into. Pretty awesome nano tanks floating around. Love the look of a tank
( regardless of size ) full of corals. If you like fish you'll need a bigger tank. Either way big or small they are beautiful, the more coral the more I like them. I honestly love fish but I think coral overrides them.
Been liking the minimalist approach alot more lately. Also really dig cubes! A cube in the center of a room,that is tall enough for my 6'4" self to enjoy without bending over to look at.
( regardless of size ) full of corals. If you like fish you'll need a bigger tank. Either way big or small they are beautiful, the more coral the more I like them. I honestly love fish but I think coral overrides them.
Been liking the minimalist approach alot more lately. Also really dig cubes! A cube in the center of a room,that is tall enough for my 6'4" self to enjoy without bending over to look at.
clownfishrule
Member
i got to say 120g
Great answer
Right now that means 34g for me... we're busting at the seams already but in our new house I'm thinking MUCH bigger
engineer goby
Has been struck by the ban stick
Great answer
I'm guessing 245?
Let's just say more than one tank and just the Sump & Fuge will be 2x100g (live stock troughs)
I've gotta get the plans finished for the house but we're working on that one now.
TylerHaworth
Active Member
I think four foot 120's are the perfect small large tank... Also, I've never seen one but I think a 72x36x24 (250'ish gallons) would likely be the perfect six foot tank.