set up question: min depth

[rickwaines]

I would like to install a sw set up behind the couch. I have a question about tank dimensions. I would like the tank to be 8 feet long. The height can be up to 18 inches or so. The problem dimension is the depth. I can't bring the tank too far into the living room. So, What would be the minimum width of the tank? I would like to keep anemone's and some clown fish.

Thank you in advance. I am a Fresh water guy so please be gentle with me. hahah

Rick

[Coralgurl]

Sounds like a great setup. If the tank will be viewable from 2 sides, I would suggest at least 24" wide. This should give you the ability to have a great aquascape and clean glass.

[rickwaines]

Sounds like a great setup. If the tank will be viewable from 2 sides, I would suggest at least 24" wide. This should give you the ability to have a great aquascape and clean glass.

I don't have 24 unfortunately. What would a workable minimum be do you think?

[gregzz4]

Will this tank be against a wall ?

Just my personal opinions ...

18" or it may get too crowded for swimming room
With a 12" tank you may have LR up against the back glass and be unhappy trying to clean behind it, or some really skinny LR piles :wink:

Regardless, 8' is going to give you piles of room for different aquascapes
Have fun with it

[rickwaines]

Will this tank be against a wall ?

Just my personal opinions ...

18" or it may get too crowded for swimming room
With a 12" tank you may have LR up against the back glass and be unhappy trying to clean behind it, or some really skinny LR piles :wink:

Regardless, 8' is going to give you piles of room for different aquascapes
Have fun with it

It will be against the wall. Totally get the LR against the glass issue. Thanks!

[gregzz4]

Something else to think about ...

I didn't quite leave myself enough room to comfortably run a mag float on the back glass - I have to hold the tank and squish my arm behind it
But maybe with your length you'd be better off with a scraper handle anyway

[Coralgurl]

Don't go with 12", too narrow and hard to get a decent scape. 18" would be ok if the tank is on a wall. My 55 is 18" tall and 12" wide and I hate it, even with the length you would probably feel restricted.

[kien]

Are you planning a sump? That may affect your overall dimensions. To answer your question I would say 6" is the minimum. Any narrower and you might have issues with powerheads, return plumbing and overflows.

[whatcaneyedo]

Another issue with 12" wide is most clownfish hosting anemones can and will easily grow up to or larger than that in diameter. If the underside of the anemone is pressed up against the glass you're not going to be able to appreciate it as much. 16" would be the minimum I'd go with while 18" or more would be ideal.

[rickwaines]

Another issue with 12" wide is most clownfish hosting anemones can and will easily grow up to or larger than that in diameter. If the underside of the anemone is pressed up against the glass you're not going to be able to appreciate it as much. 16" would be the minimum I'd go with while 18" or more would be ideal.
exactly the kind of info I am looking for. THANKS!!!

[rickwaines]

Are you planning a sump? That may affect your overall dimensions. To answer your question I would say 6" is the minimum. Any narrower and you might have issues with powerheads, return plumbing and overflows.

by 6 do you mean 16?

[kien]

by 6 do you mean 16?

No. I mean six inches.

[rickwaines]

No. I mean six inches.
I am planning a sump. 6 inches. very interesting. thank you.

[kien]

I think this is roughly 6".

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af144/muzanji/2B73A158-1AE1-4DD3-8C7F-D42E1D275C5B-13259-00000A5A212DC8D5.jpg

It's totally doable. Whether or not you'll enjoy it is another matter tho :-)

But if you are planning a sump that means you'll probably want a skimmer and possibly reactors and stuff like that. That means your sump will likely be much larger than 6". Probably 12" at a minimum. In that case go as deep as your space will allow.

[windcoast reefs]

I would go 18" at the absolute minimum. If its an 8 foot tank, you should really try and get it up to 20". Getting good flow can be really difficult in thin tanks. Without good flow you can get some nasty nitrate problems later in the tanks life.

[naesco]

Mine it is 7 foot tank .
It is 22 inches wide and probably 16 would be the minimum
My tank is only 20 inches high which give it a long sleek look

[e46er]

8 feet long any less than 18" will look so out of proportation.
My tank is 24" deep and wish it was deeper!

[whatcaneyedo]

No. I mean six inches.

So let me get this straight. He wants to keep a reef aquarium with anemones and clownfish and you believe 6" would be enough? Interesting...

[kien]

So let me get this straight. He wants to keep a reef aquarium with anemones and clownfish and you believe 6" would be enough? Interesting...

I have seen lots of nano and pico tanks with clown fish and anemones that were about 6". So ya it's doable. The fluval spec is about 6" and there are some interesting things done with them.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=Lzr3EyyXs10

Edit: clown fish&anemone in 6" tank:
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=related&v=gM4Gvb716_U

[whatcaneyedo]

Don't you feel that with 3800+ posts that you should be promoting slightly more ethical and sustainable practices? Placing fish that grow to 4-6" in a 6" wide tank sounds a little ridiculous to me. Even a bubble tip anemone could occupy over half of the cross sectional area of a 6"x18" tank.

From your video:
"2Gallon is way too small for nemo!" ~viewer
"I thought so, but it maintained for more than 8months. and now it's gone. thanks for your comment." ~owner

Great 8 months, really impressive.

[kien]

Don't you feel that with 3800+ posts that you should be promoting slightly more ethical and sustainable practices?

OH SNAP!

http://static.tvtome.com/images/genie_images/story/2012_usa/o/OpenCaption/WhiteCollar_storyWIN.jpg