Hey all.

Welcome Tim! When considering depth of the tank, you should consider how tall you are. Shorter people may prefer the shorter tank because of the length of their arms. Trying to reach from the front of a 24" tank to the back bottom can be quite challenging, even for a tall person. Not being able to reach areas in your tank can make maintenance difficult. I'm 5' 10" and I have a 24" tank and it's difficult for me to get to things in the back. Also, the depth of the water may necessitate more powerful lights...depending on what types of corals you want to keep toward the bottom of the tank. This can also depend on a number of other factors like surface turbulence quality of reflectors, etc. I hope this helps.

--AJ

 

I have a 30" deep 220 peninsula and I agree with AJ. I hate when things fall to the bottom and I'm 6'3". I can barely reach the bottom with my fingertips.

 

Hi there !
I only have a 90 and it is hard to reach the bottom I would hate to think of something deeper.

 

Stick with the 24" and go deeper!! You want to get as much surface area as you can to help with gas exchange. Plus that will give you more visual depth and room to spread out more corals. I think that the perfect tank size would be 48"W X 36"D X 24"Tall. 
Hope this helps and happy reefing!

 

Welcome Tim, where do you live? Check out the local forums.

And I have to agree with all that's been said on water depth. If I built a custom it would only be 20"

 

Cool be sure to click on the des moines region forum once in a while.

 

Hey reefertim I live in West Des Moines when you get everything set up or need help with anything let me know...