75 gallon or 90 gallon

[lastlight]

There's no denying you'll get more light to the bottom with 400 vs 250 w but that depends on a few things (some 250w bulbs destroy some 400 in terms of PAR). I'm running 20k 250w bulbs (much less PAR than your average 10 -14k) in a 27" deep tank and have sps growing (colorfully) on the bottom.

Brad's point is still true tho. I'd go with the 75 as well. It's a nicely proportioned tank. Before I went any taller in that tank size class I'd definitely go longer or wider.

[daniella3d]

really? what type of SPS?

I would not put any SPS at the bottom in mine and I have a Pheonix 14k in 23" deep.

I put them there at the begining for acclimatation but to get them in good color they need more light or they will brown out of be dull.

So I am wondering what type of SPS you grow "colorfully" at the bottom of a 27" deep tank running low par 20k 250 watt light?

Originally Posted by lastlight

There's no denying you'll get more light to the bottom with 400 vs 250 w but that depends on a few things (some 250w bulbs destroy some 400 in terms of PAR). I'm running 20k 250w bulbs (much less PAR than your average 10 -14k) in a 27" deep tank and have sps growing (colorfully) on the bottom.

Brad's point is still true tho. I'd go with the 75 as well. It's a nicely proportioned tank. Before I went any taller in that tank size class I'd definitely go longer or wider.

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by daniella3d

really? what type of SPS?

Since this is relevant to choosing between the tanks... here is one of several. Tank's 36" wide to boot with halides only down the center:

[ColinD]

My next tank will be a 75(+/-) 36X24wX20h. For me its more about footprint and depth.

Colin

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by ColinD

My next tank will be a 75(+/-) 36X24wX20h. For me its more about footprint and depth.

Colin

I agree. Given the choice between a standard 75 (48x18) or the one above, I'd go with the one above. More rockscaping room, and more visual depth. Ideally, my last tank was both. A breeder 90 with a 48x24 footprint, 18 high.

[lastlight]

Guess the buyer needs to factor in his or her own arm length. I can reach and touch the bottom of mine 18" away from the front glass on a 96L x 36W x 27H but only at the very front can I work at the bottom and avoid dosing the tank with armpit aluminum.

Ease of maintenance is massive. A tank you don't want to work on won't get worked on.

[intarsiabox]

Originally Posted by ColinD

My next tank will be a 75(+/-) 36X24wX20h. For me its more about footprint and depth.

Colin

This is the exact dimensions of my tank with an external overflow. The 24" width is much nicer to aquascape with than 18". If you want 48" in length a 120g tank has a 4'x2' foot print. I had a 90g and really did not like the width or the extra height.

Wow lots of feed back. Yes I am looking a standard 75 gallon so the dimensions are normal size. I think when the time comes I will go with a perfecto reef ready as they come with a lifetime warranty on them. If you by the non reef ready and have it drilled you void the warranty. Thanks for all the info but I think I have decided on a standard 75 gallon. Thanks to all

[Aquattro]

I think you'll be happy with that.