Tank size - Suggestions

[howdy20012002]

Welcome to the board.
IMO, the lighting issue all depends on what kind of tank you are wanting.
Are u going to have corals? if so, what kind? some types require alot more than others...if you want SPS and Clams you will probably want 400 Watt MH with a 30 inch tank.
if you are going fish only, the lighting isn't as big of an issue.
BTW...huge tank..good luck with that and keep us in the know how it is going.
Neal

[Tangman]

what howdy said, plus - unless you have very long arms , it is a real pain reaching the bottom to rearrange or work in the tank. I know , I have a 30" tall tank. BTW, I would LOVE a 8 footer , I'm jealous

[untamed]

At 8' long, the tank can look pretty long & narrow if you go with 24"H. I increased my depth to 26", and I'm glad that I did. (...but my tank is only 6' long).

At 26", I wouldn't want to go too much deeper because I can't then reach the botom.

My only advice would be to spend 99% of your time planning how to make maintenance easy. Tank depth might be part of that.

[mark]

I've got long arms and with the euro-bracing and canopy even reaching places in the bottom of my 24" can be a pain.