Cool tank and a ton of potential regardless of which height you go with. If you go to a 30 inch tall you could put a plenum/DSB in there if you want even though bare bottom is the trend these days. Like Jason says, 4 400 watters perhaps 3 but what's a bit more coin on a tank that size.

Doug

The more I read, the more I am leaning towards 96l x 30w x 28h or 26h. It still gives me 325-350 gal. I wanted to go big as possible as this may be my only opportunity to get a large tank.

I will definately start a new thread with pictures as things start to progress. I have to order the industrial racking first. That's going to take 4-6weeks. Well, of course, that's after I pay off my MasterCard (promised my wife!) - :lol:

Thanks for all your feedback!!

Ok, new thought. :idea:

96l x 34w x 28h - 400 gal.

Rather than going higher, I would be going wider.

Any drawbacks anybody?

Some of the best tanks out there have the high front to back measurement. The perspective gives a realism of a reef that you just can't get with a narrow tank.

There's some fantastic deep tanks (front to back) here on Canreef but I often go back to this one http://www.oregonreef.com/sub_aquascaping.htm as an ideal.

I think that the going wider idea is not only valid, but pretty damn good if you can afford the space. You will need some space though because then you could place the tank so you could have room (at least a metre) on either side of the tank to do work. I have about 2 metres of empty space behind my own tank where i can keep a salt, saltwater, and freshwater (the bulky stuff that won't fit in my cabinet). It really simplifies maintenance and I find it quite convenient. I don't need tongs because I can reach anywhere I want to without a stepstool. You'll want those shoulder length gloves though.

The tank is going to be up against 2 walls, and surrounded by shelves on the right side. In essence, it will only be viewed from the from

Check out my tank build for ideas...you are headed in that direction. It looks like I will beat 1 year construction time by just a month or so.

We have an 8' x 30" x 30" tank ourselves, and love the visual appearance with the extra depth, plus it's on a 45" stand making the main action at eye level. It's a FOWLR, which is why we went to 30" (more room for vertical swimming zones for the various fish species).

It's all personal preference, but if it was a reef, we'd probably have gone with a bit less depth, primarily based on lighting requirements.

Enjoy ... sounds like it will be a beauty.