Which is better.......55tall or 55 standard?

I would personally go with a 40 breeder if you must go with a smaller tank, its better suited for a reef tank than a 55! BUT if you can go larger now

 

I was thinking it would be better to go a little smaller and have the wider space for scaping, but since you plan to upgrade, I must agree with this:

To be honest, I'm in that boat right now... I hastily threw my 29 together (because I had the tank and stand) with the sincere intention of upgrading to a 40B or 42BF. Now my money is invested in equipment that I can't use on a larger tank, and the 29 sits in the only place I have for one. :-/

 

Well, I will toss in my thoughts about the actual question, not just say go bigger (duh... we all would like a bigger tank!).

One thing I noticed when I went from my 55 reef tank to my 90 (same footprint as a 75, but taller) is the dreaded "soggy armpit syndrome". As much as I love having the extra volume and space that the 90 provides over a 75, anytime I do anything in my tank, my shirtsleeves get soaked. I am now resorted to working in my tank without my shirt on (prolly not the prettiest site for the neighbors or the fish really). So with this being said and you are truly wanting advice on a 55 tall vs 55 standard, I would go with the standard for this reason plus a few of the other ones listed above (lighting strength to reach bottom of deeper tank for one).

Paul
new old guy