Framing a slice of the reef: Does the shape of the aquarium matter?

[danimal1211]

There also a functionality side to it over and above what’s already been said. More surface area = more gas exchange potential.

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

When I had a 90 gallon, I hated the 18” front to back, which was actually just under 17” When I got the Live Rock in place, didn’t seem like there was much place for the fish to swim. My present 120 gallon, fish swim around and through the rocks.

 

[Bakedpwn]

horiztonal space is better imo

 

[Flame2hawk]

Maximum water surface for optimum gas and oxygen exchange very much matters.

 

[flatlander93]

I have always loved shallow tanks. Had a 16” tall and switched to 20. Much nicer setup. Also depth is critical if u wanna create a piece of art in your living room. New tank is 3’ front to back and is pretty awesome. Fish swim away from you or toward and it creates a much nicer looking display imo.

 

[TinnysReef]

I think deep tanks are nicer because it allows better aquascaping and creating depth. Narrow tall tanks are hard to deal with if you're putting any corals. I love the dimension of the (no longer made) Marineland 300 gallon - 72 x 36 x 27. I was one of the unfortunate souls to have mine break. Thank GOD I was home. It was a nightmare but luckily I had another tank to put the fish and corals, then set up a frag tank. Now I've gone custom with similar dimensions.

 

[AstroMelly]

The size and shape of the tank we decided on was critical - it's a 6ft peninsula room divider. View from my armchair attached. The main challenge has been getting enough flow to the 'clean' end of the tank.