40/50/65 gallon tank?

[smit1260]

I am in the processes of setting up a new tank. What I am wondering is which size tank I should go with 40/50/65 gallon? I have a stand that has been built for a previous 40 gallon so the tank has to be 36" X 18". So the question is do you recommend an 40 Gal 16" high, 50 Gal 18" high, or a 65 Gal 24" high. I will be using one 400W metal halide bulb and keeping sps, softies and clams.

I understand both sides, higher tank provide more water and growing room but less light, but can't make a decision.

 

[Anonymous]

Will these be Perfecto tanks? As I recall, the 65g has a brace across the middle, not great for a pendant MH. The 40g does not. I am unsure about the 50g.

The 40g is a great tank, nice and shallow, and you can add a sump for extra water volume. Ditto the 50. Personally, though I would prolly go for the 65g, and add a sump. You don't need to worry too much about lighting, you will have 400 watts of metal halide. I've seen great growth on deeper tanks with less watts than that. Instead, you can spend your energy worrying about heat and evaporation

 

[Rikko]

I voted 50. I have a 65 right now and I find the height is just a bit too irritating to clean. If your stand is 30" tall or shorter (and you can avoid using a ladder) you might feel differently.

 

[smit1260]

These will be all-glass tanks. I don't want the brace because it causes to many problems. Does anyone know if the 50 gallon all-glass 36 X 18 X 18 has a center brace?

My stand is 36" tall already, but I am 6'4". Still 65 gallon is probably out of the question.

 

[Rikko]

The 50 AGA does have the center brace.

 

[Anonymous]

The 40 is almost a perfect tank - imho

 

[ChrisRD]

The Oceanic 58 gallon would be another alternative - no brace.

 

[Anonymous]

What's the height on the 58? Must be tall. So it's down to the 40 for the easy depth, or the 58 for the extra volume. Decisions decisions

If cleaning a deep tank bothers you, go with the 40. Or... buy a nice strong pair of tongs :twisted:

 

[atreis]

I voted 50, mostly because I think my current tank is too deep. A shallower tank would be easier to work in and clean.

 

[Anonymous]

The 40 is almost a perfect tank - imho

For a smaller tank I would agree.

 

[smit1260]

Thanks for all your suggestions,
I am sure that I don't want the 50 or 65 gallon all-glass because of the center brace. It gets in the way when doing things in the tank and my metal halide bulb will be right above it.

The 58 oceanic is an interesting idea. There has been much talk about cleaning difficultlies. I measured it out with a 36" tall stand and a 21" tall 58 oceanic. It is still 6" below the height of my armpit, so I won't need a step stool. My hand will also be able to reach the bottom of the tank. I did aquarium service for 4 years and could get into some pretty tight places. Apparently I haven't beat anorexia, yet.

So the issue of choice is the lower intensity of light on a 58 compared to a 40 gallon. Last tank I had was a 140 gallon 18" high tank with 1700 watts of metal halide, and growth was amazing. But this time I am starting out slower. 5" more water seems like it could block alot more light. On the other hand, if I build up the live rock I could negate the 5" of water. [/i]

 

[ChrisRD]

With a 400 watt lamp above a 58 I don't think light intensity will be an issue. :wink: