how much Clearance above aquarium?

[12 Volt Man]

hi everyone. I am very close to getting a new 150 gallon tank, 72x18x29. getting the stand next week.

I was curious, the tank/stand combo will sit with the top of the tank at about 58" high. my ceiling is a bit low in the only place that it can go in my basement (ceiling is 78" high). that leaves 20" of clearance above the tank to work with for cleaning etc.

do you think this will work? how much clearance do I need (I will be using a step ladder/chair etc) for maintainence on such a tall tank of course..

I really do not want to get anything smaller...

thoughts?

 

[Sploke]

20" should be plenty of room. I have a few tanks with only 6" of clearance over them. I need a stool to get into them and reaching the bottom is tough, but regular maintenance is fine.

 

[12 Volt Man]

okay cool thanks.

 

[msjinkzd]

i think i have about 12" of clearance on my racks and don't have any issue. Can't wait to see this all set up!!!

 

[Charlie Greiner]

All that said, another concern is your ability to reach all around the interior of the tank. Otherwise maintenance will be a pain. Using step stools can be dangerous in those circumstances.

Charlie

 

[12 Volt Man]

I agree that maintainence will be a pain. but I think the benefits of such a big tank will be worth the extra effort in maintainence each week.

the way I look at it, is that we spend a lot of time watching our fish, but only a relatively small amount of time each week doing the cleaning..

 

[Charlie Greiner]

Glad to hear you feel that way. If only so many more agreed.A large tank can be great. The fish, if smaller (not monster size) will exhibit more natural behaviors.

Charlie

 

[msjinkzd]

i already have to use a stepstool to work in my tanks, LOL! Set up my 120 today, had to use a stepstool to do anything with it as its just a little bit shorter than myself.

 

[12 Volt Man]

Glad to hear you feel that way. If only so many more agreed.A large tank can be great. The fish, if smaller (not monster size) will exhibit more natural behaviors.

Charlie

too bad mine's going to have monsters!:dance:

 

[jm1212]

i dont see any problem, unless your lights are 21" tall.