100-125 gallon, Tall or wide?

[dvflyer]

Hi all,
Lots to learn.......
I'm contemplating a 100-125 gallon SW FOWLR tank. Most of the tanks in that range I've seen seem like tall 55 gallon tanks. i.e. approx same footprint, just taller.
For those who have 100-125 tanks, do you prefer a wider, but shorter tank, or the taller one. And is one design better for certain fish than the other. i.e. wider tank would allow for more swimming room?
Thanks for any input.

 

[mbrands]

Generally speaking, wider is better as it creates more swimming room and more surface area for oxygen exchange.

 

[dvflyer]

Thanks for the reply. I've heard that also, which is why I'm staying away from those Hex tanks, etc.
I'm going back and forth between the more standard size and a lower profile wider tank.
Mike

 

[evilss]

it also depends alot on the fish that you are wanting to keep. some fish need the full length size 125 (6' Long) for swiming. such as alot of tangs. so decide what you gonna be keeping then go from there. i think the tall and deep tanks make better reefs. easier to aquascape and just look better. but for fish only usally the longer tanks do best.

 

[smbuddy46]

ya i have a 125 6 feet long and it gives my fish alot of room but i'm going for a fowlr. i've just had it about 3 months it's already looking smaller so get one as big a you can afford because big is better.

 

[maeistero]

Originally posted by smbuddy46
ya i have a 125 6 feet long and it gives my fish alot of room but i'm going for a fowlr. i've just had it about 3 months it's already looking smaller so get one as big a you can afford because big is better.
i have a 125 6ftr also. before buying consider can you reach the bottom of the tank? i have long arms and if it was another 8"s i wouldn't be able to stir sand to look for undersand creatures when they disappear and such. i would never buy a tank that i couldn't reach the bottom of, except that one tank that requires scuba gear. also, this is a very common size and easy to get replacement lights, lids, and stands for upgrades. i love it. TONS of room underneath to hide all of your equipment and a hidden bed for your cat, lol.

 

[dvflyer]

maeistero,
Good point. I hadn't thought about that. I appreciate the input.
Mike

 

[cowfishrule]

wide
always wide
fish swim sideways, not up and down

 

[blemmy_guy]

Yep i have a 6 footer too, and i have a 70 tall, the 125 long is easier to take care of than the 70 tall, and i think the long looks a little better too.plus you can put more more stuff in them!!!! :happy:

 

[erikisbro]

i would go with wide, due to the increase cost of lighting and wattage for a tall tank... that would req more deep penetrating light. Hope this helps....

 

[darthmatt]

I have a 110 tall. 4'Wx30" tall. It's a pain to clean. Hard to reach down to the bottom. Also, like everyone says, not as much swimming room.