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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

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

[rickwaines]

Originally Posted by 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

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

exactly the kind of info I am looking for. THANKS!!!