Tank Size/Shape Opinion needed

[ScubaSteve]

So it looks like I'm moving to a new place in a month and this has me thinking I might create a new tank rather than sticking with the ol' 20G. Now, the amount for room I actually have to work with still needs to be worked out but I want to get everyone's opinion on some tank sizes and shapes that can work with equipment I have.

I because I am a poor grad student I have to rent apartments and so I'm usually limited to a maximum size of about 30 gallons; the tank I am looking to change is 20G and it's just... too small.

I have always been a fan of the shallow square tanks (not a cube). I think they're cool because you have some depth (width-wise) to work with and do some nice 'scaping and you can look down into them from above. I am curious though if my light will work with this shape of a tank. Right now I have a 24" aqualight pro 150W with 2-65W actinics. Do you think the light will be alright over a square shape or is the light distribution going to suck?

Also, is there anyone out there using shallow square tanks as a DT? How do you feel about them?

[Bloodasp]

mine's 30X30X18 and I'm liking it. if you want a 30ish gal tank you can go 24X24X12. Lighting doesn't seem to be an issue to me.

[bauder1986]

hmmm cube is totally for you, i have a shallow cube and i LOVE it. you can go with 24x 24 x 12 and you light will do the trick. Oh thats a 29 gallon tank....
you know what here is a cool formula you can play with for figuring out tank size and dimensions

L x W x H / 231.0087 = volume in gallons.

[Bloodasp]

29.92

[bvlester]

you could go with a complete cube and end up with about a 59.8g tank 24x24x24 your light would work. That is a 150w MH with 2-65W actinics yuor would be prity much max for light if you kept some of the sps and a few other things. It would be cool looking tank easy to make your self have glass cut, drilled and you put it together. 1/4" min 3/8" perferd for a tank this size unless tempered but that would cost more.

Bill

[Glennrf38]

Mine is 27 X 24 X 18 with that exact same light and I have had no problems with the light quantity/quality

[e46er]

you could get the standard 33 G tank 36x12x18 LWH

i like the size of the 40G breeder tank 36x16x18 LWH

[Albertan22]

+1 on the 40g breeder. I'm using one as a sump, but I think it would make a pretty sweet small/mid-size tank. It probably wouldn't work with your existing lighting though so may not be in the books if you're really serious about the budget.

[ScubaSteve]

Thanks for the input! Ya, I've be thinking about doing a 24"x18"x16" or a 24"x24"x12" and making a nice stand to go with (likely with a refugium/sump underneath) with a built in hanger for the light so I don't have to use thse stupid legs all the time. I like the extra depth and having a side as big as the front viewing panel. I'm going to have to see what kind of room I have to work with before I can say for certain what I'll be doing.

I'm going to do some Solidworks drawings to get a feel for the look and I'll show everyone for a vote.

Yes, unfortunately I have to work with a budget. As a grad student you don't get much to live on and having expensive hobbies such as this is tough to manage (I'll gladly take parts donations!:mrgreen:). So, this might be the worlds greatest awesome-tank-on-a-budget build.

[earliris]

I'm getting a tank built as we speak.. and should be done next week. Dimensions are 36 x 22 x 16 with internal overflow. Should be sweet!

[ScubaSteve]

Alright, I got tired of work today after I lit my samples on fire (don't ask...) so I decided to do a quick render of a 24"x18"x16" tank with stand and my aqualight hanging above it just to get an idea. Take a look, make suggestions. And yes, I know there are no cables holding up the magic floating light... couldn't be arsed to draw them.

I'll do one for a 24"x24"x12" when I get some free time soon.

[bvlester]

I still think a perfect cube would look cool.

Bill

[Fishward]

i think you should go with the 33 gal hex tank i have for sale... extra good deal for a grad student... lol

[ScubaSteve]

So my plans got canceled for tonight and I had time to do a couple more renders. I did a 24"x24"x12", a 24"x24"x14" and a 24"x24"x24" cube. I've posted the first two, I'll post the cube later when the render finishes.

Personally I think I like the shallow style better than a full cube. I want to be able to look down into the tank and have something that I can reach into easily.

[ReefJunkie]

Ha, It seems I have that exact tank.
This is my 24x18x16 frag tank with a coralife pro 150mh
I have only just got it running maybe 2 months ago, light is definately enough for what I need and coverage is good
Couple quick pics
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m35/Seascaper/016-1.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m35/Seascaper/028.jpg
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m35/Seascaper/030.jpg

[ScubaSteve]

Ha, It seems I have that exact tank.
This is my 24x18x16 frag tank with a coralife pro 150mh
I have only just got it running maybe 2 months ago, light is definately enough for what I need and coverage is good
Couple quick pics


Where did you find your tank or did you have it made?