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Old 07-19-2007, 09:34 PM
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Question Ideal depth for reef tank?

My current reef tank is 48" deep and almost 6' to the back corner. I find it too deep for a reef tank as the bottom is only accessible by using long tongs (very frustrating). I was considering converting it to a fish only system and starting a new reef tank in the basement once we start renovations (not again). I was thinking of a 100-200 gal system. How deep should I make the rectangular tank? Should I go for 24" or 30" deep? Does anyone with a 30" tank find it too deep? For once I want to be able to reach the bottom of the tank with my hands.
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300 gal starphire custom built in pentagon reef (+90 gal sump on Blue Line 100 HD return pump, 210lb LR, Euro-Reef RC250 skimmer, 2x400W MH, 2x28W compacts, 2xTurbelle classic 4002 pumps & Turbelle Stream 6100 on 7095 Multicontroller, running ZEOvit)

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Old 07-19-2007, 09:50 PM
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My 230g was 32" and it was way too deep for me. It kind of depends on your arm length I believe. For me about 26" works best, but who knows, your arms are probably much loner then mine.
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Old 07-19-2007, 09:57 PM
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When I got me current tank, the deepest I wanted it was 24" so I could reach the bottom. Any longer and it just turns into a nightmare if you drop anything.
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Old 07-19-2007, 10:03 PM
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Default Tank Depth

My old tank was a 150/48"deep, I got tired of using tongs and it seems every time your working in the tank your at the bottom
New tank 120/24" deep and I love it...
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Old 07-19-2007, 11:08 PM
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Don't forget about whether you're running a sandbed or not. My 24" deep (90gal) tank was fine before I removed the sandbed. Now I struggle for that last couple of inches and usually have to get out the forceps. Next time I'd do 20-22".
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Old 07-20-2007, 01:10 AM
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Mine is 25" and it can be a PTA sometimes.
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Old 07-20-2007, 01:12 AM
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By the way, do you have any pics of your tank I would like to see them.
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Old 07-20-2007, 01:51 AM
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Manny
Here is a link to pictures of my tank
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=27057

It sounds like approx 24" is the height to build.
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300 gal starphire custom built in pentagon reef (+90 gal sump on Blue Line 100 HD return pump, 210lb LR, Euro-Reef RC250 skimmer, 2x400W MH, 2x28W compacts, 2xTurbelle classic 4002 pumps & Turbelle Stream 6100 on 7095 Multicontroller, running ZEOvit)

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Fish: damsels; sailfin, yellow, regal & naso tangs; ocellaris & tomato clowns; lyretail anthias; foxface lo; flame angelfish
corals: a few
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Old 07-20-2007, 02:15 AM
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My tank is 30in deep and it's a bit of a pain. I would say 24 to even... 28 would be nicer to work in. I guess it depends on how long your arms are
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Old 07-20-2007, 02:21 AM
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i like 30. I used to think that 24 was the max i would ever go but since I got my 30 deep, its been OK. Tough at time but not impossible. I suggest getting these surgical forceps:
http://www.excelinnovative.com/servl...s--dsh-/Detail


they come in different lengths and are very effective for reaching down to get things from under rocks etc. They are also very strong and durable.
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