Nit-picky tank placement.

[fdevans]

New to Reef2reef and doing all the research to get into my first tank over the next few months.

Current tank plan: Red Sea 300XL

I know for sure I want it in this corner but what I’m not so sure about is should I put it on an angle off the corner to provide better access and viewing around the sides or should I keep it flush against the wall? The only reason I think I would keep it flush would be for easier access to the back. (Do I even need easy access to the back on a regular basis?)

Below are some pictures with a cardboard cut out representing the tank footprint.

Any other thoughts on the placement welcome!

[Not sure if this officially qualifies as my build thread but I did cut out some cardboard in order to demonstrate my question! ]

 

[JumboShrimp]

I think if you put it an an angle you will find after it’s filled with sand, rock, and water—i.e., too late— that you HATE it. Having it at an angle and not flush to the wall will always nag at you... like seeing one of your shoes untied. Best wishes going forward!

 

[Isopod80]

What about getting a larger bowfront corner tank?

 

[JumboShrimp]

For one, you have to remember that most every preferred glass cleaning tool (Flipper, Magna Float, etc.,) will pose a hassle at best— glass scratching problems at worst— on a curved tank. I personally would never consider a bow front for that reason. Once algae gets a tight grip on it, it will be a pain dealing with it.

 

[Isopod80]

For one, you have to remember that most every preferred glass cleaning tool (Flipper, Magna Float, etc.,) will pose a hassle at best— glass scratching problems at worst— on a curved tank. I personally would never consider a bow front for that reason. Once algae gets a tight grip on it, it will be a pain dealing with it.

Not if you scrape with an old credit card. It's more work but doable.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I agree; if you really want to devote yourself to doing the work the old fashion way, up to your elbow in water. But remember that you’ll have to keep it up long after the initial thrill of having a bow front wears off. Lol!

 

[Isopod80]

I agree, I've owned several. I eventually rigged the card to a stick.

 

[chaostactics]

I have had three tanks angled across a corner and would absolutely do it again.

 

[Isopod80]

I agree, I've owned several. I eventually rigged the card to a stick.

I was kidding about the stick but I have heard of people placing a thin layer of Mr.Clean original magic eraser material between the magfloat magnets to make it around the curve. It adds a little flexibility. Then you just hold the scraper horizontally to reduce its footprint.

 

[workhz]

Vote for against the wall. Will take up too much room and look kinda amateur hour angled.

 

[Isopod80]

The problem with angled would be cleaning behind it and retrieving dropped things. Especially if you have kids.

 

[workhz]

The problem with angled would be cleaning behind it and retrieving dropped things. Especially if you have kids.

Could just drop the kids behind it to clean.

 

[Gedxin]

I vote against the wall. Angled seems like it's going to be out in the room a bit.