Moving on Up! New tank Advice?

[minimasterflash]

I'm planning on upgrading to a custom built/sized ~35 gallon tank (from 7 gal). This, i believe, is a managable size in case I need to move residences, but also gives me room to have more stuff!

My question... Should I go with 16" height and 23"x23" internal?
Or go with 18" and 21.5"x21.5"

I am going to be lighting this with 250W MH + a PC actnic.

I am planning to emulate a japenese style tank with less rock work and more open area with fish. Probally go for a small island, and a larger island/wall.

Advice?

[witecap4u]

I'd go with the 23x23 to get the extra swimming room, and have more light intensity at the bottom of the tank, although, you could probably stretch that light out over a 3ft tank, and have alot more swimming room, and dare I say, maybe keep a small tang. Reddragon has a 37gal and stand he wants to sell pretty cheap, that would be nice, and its drilled on the back too.

[MikeP]

Ditto - I'd go with the shallower tank will be easier to light and more front to back depth so you can do some nice aquascaping.

[minimasterflash]

Thanks for the advice, I was leaning towards the 16" depth myself. It is soooo hard to force myself to plan and not be impulsive.

Another Question: I am planning on using a Mag 7 or 9.5 from my sump and plumb it through a SCWD and from the SCWD into 4 Loc-Lines (2 for each SCWD outlet) so I can fine tune the flow in my tank. Sound like a good plan?

[R.Allard]

Do you have a sump yet??
if not im selling an acrylic sump rated for a 60-75 gallon tank with the overflow and hose for 80.00.
thanks
R.

[MikeP]

Yancey the return sounds good - I would just test it thoroughly before you glue it together so you can make sure you're getting enough flow.

You might also consider an over the tank closed loop - there is a guy up in Dallas who has pics of how he made his online I'll try to dig it up.

[TexasState]

Thanks for the suggestion, but last time I ordered a custom 65 gallons tank without the center brace, I was charged almost double after it's been delivered and I have already put down a deposit (well, I paid the full amount in front b4 the tank was even made.) So, no more custom aquarium for me. I wants to see the tank b4 I pay for it. I'm very picky, and kind of a perfectionist, I hate to get stuck with flaw in stuff that I own. No matter now minor it's.