Thinner possible width for a tank

[vincegoh]

I am thinking of making a new marine tank but this time round I want the tank to be against the wall and it need to be flushed with the adjacent cabinet.

I am thinking of a L6'xW1.5'xD2.5' tank. Is it possible to reduce the width from 1.5' to 1'? Note that these are external dimensions.

It will be good if any bro have similar experiences to share.

Thank you.

[Solo77]

Hi, the choice is yr but 1 feet width don't have much depth to play with. Scaping will be a challenge unless going for small fishes and inverts

[poomoon]

you can try searching for Mitlancer's thread here, his 4-ft Atlantis wall mount tank was something like 0.5-ft width ...

[limsc]

Hi, the choice is yr but 1 feet width don't have much depth to play with. Scaping will be a challenge unless going for small fishes and inverts

Not only scaping, and if you are placing equipment below the the tank is another challenge.

Got to look for 1 feet width size equipment (especially skimmer) to support your 6 feet tank (equivalent volume maybe only 3 feet tank).

The effective width minus the door and allowance might be even smaller.

Do take note of this before finalizing your plan.

[cdckjn]

I have a freshwater tank in my office on my desk. It is only 6" width, but as mentioned, aquascaping is a challenge. Even for my freshwater not much space to put anything as even the plants will take up the space - fishe no where to swim.

[tunicate]

With a narrow tank, creating a rock wall might be a good option. Below is a posting on one of this rock wall DIY project. The result is quite impressive. And since you're ordering a new tank, you may even convince the tank maker to have it custom made for you.

http://www.3reef.com/forums/live-rock/live-rock-wall-veneer-67852.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/live-rock/live-rock-wall-veneer-67852-2.html

[allantang]

for your info..

http://www.aquaticstyle.com.sg/home.html

[vincegoh]

Thanks, guys.

My 10" unicorn tang will move to the new tank along with the rest of the smaller fish. I m more worry about the space for it. I do not intend to cover the back of the tank. I do thought of having flat piece of large live rock to be place against the wall. My existing L5'xW2'xD2.5' tank do have some problem in arranging the live rock since it acts as a divider, the rock cannot lean against the glass. Anyway, I m selling this tank, how much it is worth now?

Though u r right that my existing deltec may not fit in a smaller than 1' sump tank.

Hmm... I will have to measure it.

Still thinking of how the whole design should go... Headache

[Solo77]

Bro, how much yr tank is worth depends on yr luck in getting a buyer. There are reefers paying ppl to buy their tank. As for design, get the concept and seek advice or browse thr net for inspiration.

[tunicate]

Yes, you need enough space for your 10"(& growing) unicorn to do U-turn.

[vincegoh]

Bro, how much yr tank is worth depends on yr luck in getting a buyer. There are reefers paying ppl to buy their tank. As for design, get the concept and seek advice or browse thr net for inspiration.

Hmm? In that case, I would rather leave it where it is.

Need to surf around and see any new design concept

[vincegoh]

Yes, you need enough space for your 10"(& growing) unicorn to do U-turn.

Yup, that was 1 of my concern. But I reckon that it can u-turn vertically instead. It has been with me for the past 4 years and continuing growing... Beautiful chap...

[tunicate]

If you intend to lean LR against back wall, then be sure to order thicker glass.

BTW, I noticed my neighbour's tank & cabinet was siliconed to the rear wall. Maybe you should also consider this for a narrow tall tank. We do get earth tremors from our Indonesian neighbour once in a while.

[straydum]

Yup, that was 1 of my concern. But I reckon that it can u-turn vertically instead. It has been with me for the past 4 years and continuing growing... Beautiful chap...

i don't know about this in marine fishes but this vertical u-turn is a big no no when i was still keeping freshwater arowanas. if the fish too long for the width of the tank needs to swim back and froth before turning and over time the gill cover curls back and exposes the gill. This leaves the gill open to injury and disease.

maybe something to take note for your unicorn since it has been with you for so long already

[vincegoh]

Thanks for all your comments, guys.

I think I will stick to 1.5' width.