55 Gallon Dimensions

[defenestrator]

All,

I am researching my first saltwater setup and want to know how you feel about the dimension of a 55 gallon.

I have seen 55 gallons come in the following dimensions. Which do you prefer and why?

48 X 13 X 20

or

36 X 18 X 20

Thank you,

defenestrator

[reefrunner69]

36 X 18 X 20

I prefer the tank that gives the greates surface area. Creating a reef in an 18" wide tank gives lots more freedom in aquascaping which makes for a more interesting reef. One draw back would be if you were planning a tang, they need a minimum of four feet of tank lengt, preferrably with a minimum of 18" in width.

[Centurion]

never seen a 36x18x20 55g but i do know all-glass makes a 36x18x18 50g. i think 13" is too narrow for lr and ample swimming room. if you can get a 48x18 footprint 75g or 90g youd most likely be happier with it.

[defenestrator]

reefrunner69 and Centurion,

Thank you for your input. I will certainly lean towards an 18" deep footprint!

never seen a 36x18x20 55g but i do know all-glass makes a 36x18x18 50g

Centurion, the 36X18X20 55g I saw was at http://www.tenecor.com/rectangular.php

defenestrator

[Wally]

I have a 48x13x20 and wish I had a deeper one the 13" front to back is too narrow for a good live rock aquascape. I do like the 48" length though and would have gotten a much larger tank from the start if I knew like a 75 or 90 gallon.

Next tank will be a 180 gallon 72x24x24 coulda shoulda woulda.....oh well there is always next time lol.