Square or long?

[SaltWaterNewb]

I was looking at tanks and was wondering if one had an advantage over the other. I was considering either a 20 long (30x12.5x13) or a 20 square (24x24x13). I like the idea of more front to back space and I don't think that the extra depth will affect my lighting plans. Any thoughts? There is also a 40 square that is 24x24x17 but then that takes me out of the realm of nano tank.

 

[reefman23]

After having a 20L, I would go with the 20 square (although a 20g square is 20"x20"x12", not 24"). Out of all of the tanks you listed though, the 40g square would be my pick.

I would go with the 40g and a 250 watt Sunlight Supply Lumen Max 3 pendant with a center-drilled overflow box. I LOVE cube-shaped tanks.

Anyways, hope that helps,

Jesse

 

[SaltWaterNewb]

I thought the dimensions were off. That is what they listed the 20 sq.on glasscages.com.
I'll have to find out whether the measurements are wrong or the capacity listed is wrong, but either way I think you are correct that the 40 sq. would be a better tank. I guess it would be borderline nano but I suppose the title "Nano Tank" isn't really important. It is still a smallish tank so the information here is still very applicable.

As far as a center overflow, most likely the tank even though square would be treated like a traditional tank and in fact I am thinking of going filterless anyways. I need much more research before making that decision though.

 

[reefman23]

Have you looked into the Current USA Solana? It is a 34g glass cube tank with a stand and you can get it with a 150 watt MH pendant or a Sunpod MH fixture ( I LOVE the Sunpods). Plus it has the "all-in-one" style fitlration with a skimmer. Check it out... http://current-usa.com/solana.html

I have seen them for sale at a couple local fish stores for anywhere from $600-$675 with the disco ball-looking MH pendant... not bad considering that is for the tank, stand AND lighting.

Jesse

 

[doubletail]

After having a 20L, I would go with the 20 square (although a 20g square is 20"x20"x12", not 24"). Out of all of the tanks you listed though, the 40g square would be my pick.

Jesse

Reefman23 why would the 20 cube be better in your opinion? because of flow? lighting? I'm stuck between the two also...

 

[Ritsuko N]

If you got the room for the 24 x 24 40 gallon tank I would go with this as reefman23 mentioned.

As far as the 20x20 20 gallon tank vs the 20 gallon long...each has some advatages. The 20L gives you a lot more room to work with when it comes to fish and corals giving you the room to spread things out a little bit and for the few fish you have to swim and stake out a territory. The 20 gallon square though will give a few more options for different aquascapes. Depends on which quality is most important to you and how much room you have to work with.

Im not sure that "going filterless" is all that good an idea...might want to seriously reseach that idea before you take a leap of faith.

 

[SaltWaterNewb]

Im not sure that "going filterless" is all that good an idea...might want to seriously reseach that idea before you take a leap of faith.

Yeah, I still need to decide if I can be dedicated to strict weekly or even more than one per week water changes. But I think that if that is something I can commit to and with a good biofiltration system (quality sand and extra LR) along with effective cleaners that it is very doable. I think that the deciding factor is whether I am willing to put in the work.

I was thinking very seriously about doing a filterless FW planted tank at one time but the fish I ended up getting would not go so well with such a planted tank so that one has yet to happen, but maybe someday.

 

[reefman23]

I think that the cube tanks allow for a more natural aquascape and are just more pleasing visually. I always wanted the 20L but once I got it and set it up I was not satisfied. I just personally love the shallow cube tanks, at least 24" square and no more than about 18" tal with a pendant-style light fixture so you can look in from above. Very cool look to me. It is ALL a matter of preference though. I just think that depth front to back is the most important part of a reef tank. I wouldnt buy another tank that isnt at least 15"-18" front to back and IMO the tank shouldnt be taller than it is deep (front to back that is). For example, my fav tank sizes are the 120g (48"v24"x24") and the 40g square (24"x24"x16"). I must say that one of the worst sized tank for a reef setup is the 55g because the 48" length and 21" height but only 12" front to back... REALLY tough to properly aquascape that tank.

Jesse

BTW, SaltWaterNewb, doubletail, and Ritsuko, :welcome to nanotank.com!

 

[reefman23]

I love "zero edge" style tanks...

Jesse

 

[SaltWaterNewb]

I must say that one of the worst sized tank for a reef setup is the 55g because the 48" length and 21" height but only 12" front to back... REALLY tough to properly aquascape that tank.

Jesse

BTW, SaltWaterNewb, doubletail, and Ritsuko, :welcome to nanotank.com!

I think 55's should be taken off the market. I hate them. Way too narrow. I personally love my 75. It is a perfect mix. If anything I wouldn't mind seeing another 4-6" added to the depth (not height). Still lots to consider but I have nothing but time.

And thanks for the welcome. Seems like a great site.

 

[doubletail]

Thanks for the welcome :mrgreen: . I'll think of something probably a custom 20L with more depth. But first I wanna do a 2.5 gal pico hehe

 

[Ritsuko N]

Bump on the 55 gal

That has to be the worst train wreck of a sized tank for a reef tank! They are only good for frag tanks and snake enclosures in my opinion. Bad thing is this is a pretty common tank size for a SW aquarist tank until Nanos got popular.

With the narrower tanks (front to back) its as though you have to build a rock wall on the back where as with the more cube style tanks you can arrange the rock into a more natrual looking rock reef slope. A narrow 12-13 inch tank just doesnt really give you a lot in the way of options other than a steep rock wall for an aquascape.

JMO..