Thoughts on a New Tank

[demodiki]

We are moving soon (Thanks Gary!) and will be upgrading to a new tank. I am thinking of a 95 gallon tank, 48 X 24 X 17. Does anyone have any thoughts on this size tank? It will come drilled with an overflow.

I have 2 X 250 MH with actinics. I only keep softies and lps...all hardy and easy to keep.

[erick]

I think the lighting will be just fine, is the height 24 or 17? I have a 110 that is 48Lx18wx30h and I run 2x250mh with good success. My corals/shrooms that are less demanding for light are on the bottom, and my more light demanding corals are placed up higher in the tank. Some people dont like the tall tanks, but I love mine, it is a great view!!

[demodiki]

It is 17 inches tall.

[matt]

Sounds like a great shape tank. The 48X24 footprint will be a breeze to aquascape, and the shallow depth will make it very easy to light. To be honest, it seems perfect for clams and SPS. 250W bulbs will be plenty of light; in fact, with that shallow of a depth, you could run fairly low PAR bulbs and still get alot of light. This will give you more flexibility with color temp bulbs.

I don't know if you already have reflectors, but that size tank is perfect for the lumenarcs.

[demodiki]

This may be a dumb question but it looks like on the website (glasscages.com) they have the holes in the bottom of the tank. I am assuming I need holes in the stand as well? I am just used to seeing the bulkheads and plumbing coming out of the back of the tank.

[erick]

Yeah, depending on the configuration of the stand (open top or not). My 110 has a corner overflow, bottom drilled. I mounted my tank on an old credenza, that has an 1-3/4" thick oak top :o Man was that tough to drill :angry In addition, my stand has two braces inside, one of which had to be drilled, and they were 1-1/4" thick :mellow Check it out first, and if you need to drill it, make sure you get the right size hole saw for the plumbing to fit through with ample space for fittings, and dont buy the cheap $15 saw, you'll regret it when it breaks :(

[demodiki]

Thanks I am going to have a professional make the stand. I don't have any handy man skills whatsoever.