Questions Regarding A Second Tank

[Deleau]

Hello.

I've been reading/lurking around RF for the 2.5 years that I've had my 40 gallon reef tank up and running. The time (and opportunity) has come to add a second tank to my house. The 40 is doing well in a corner of our family room and is quite a joy to the whole family; I would like to place the next tank in the office in our home.

I've got a perfect space for a 48" x 24.5" tank that will be viewable from three sides. Right now I am planning on buying an Oceanic Reef Ultimate tank. I have two options; a 120 gallon option that fits those L & W dimensions and is 25" deep. Oceanic also has a 140 gallon option that is the same L & W but is 29" deep. I am tall (6'5") and have tested my reach in a 29" tank at my LFS, so I think I can reach the bottom of the deeper tank without taking a swim, but I would still like to hear the thoughts, pros & cons of tanks of both depths.

Also, my main concern is going to be the ambient temp. in my office. Does anyone have any experience/comments on what issues (if any) can be expected from putting a tank of this size in a room like this? The office is roughly 12' x 12'.

I am trying to do all the due dilligence on this project; I jumped in pretty much blind (although I grew up with freshwater tanks) on the 40 gallon, and it went okay, but I want to over research this project (if that is possible).

Thanks for any and all replies.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Welcome to posting.
Much depends on what your intended livestock is to be. If sps, the deeper tank would require greater halide lighting and thus more heat buildup.
If LPS or softies, the deeper tank could add greater flexibility and grow-out room. If mostly fish, means better swimming room and more fish activity.

As a coral fan, I prefer tanks that are deeper front to back and not so tall but do enjoy looking at others with them.

 

[saltybell]

I agree with Mike, however I am a firm believer in going with the largest tank you can fit in your space. You can never have enough space no matter which type of livestock you decide to have in the end. They also make tongs and grabbers for deeper tanks that work well.

 

[Velamondry]

Another thought also is substrate? I usually put in a 4 inch deep sand bed in my tanks.. so that takes up some room, and that 29" dimension im sure is the outside, so its probably closer to 28 on the inside, Id personally go with the deeper tank, 24 to 29 depth isnt much difference with lighting also imo.. its still a 250 w metal halide if you went with halides.

 

[Deleau]

Thank you for the replies. I didn't think about the substrate; that is a great point. I think now I am going to proceed with the 140 gallon (48"x24.5"x29") tank.

Next question. Is there an approximate break over point where making your own DI is worth it over buying DI from a LFS? (and similar between mixing saltwater or buying that from the LFS) Right now, it is obviously more cost effective to buy with my 40 gallon tank, but the 140 gallon is 3.5 times bigger.

 

[Velamondry]

I buy my salt from petsolutions at 32 bucks a bucket so thats... 20 cents a gallon for my salt and the RO/Di unit I use has lasted me for almost a year now and it still doesnt really show signs of needing replaced, keep in mind I do a 35 gallon water change weekly. And the new filters for the RODI (5 stage, 100 gallons per day) are roughly 80 bucks for all new ones.... so its only really costing me roughly 25 cents a gallon to make my own saltwater..