24 x 12 x 12 would have been temporary until upgrade. Not for whole life. 12 inches because that's all the guy makes. Someone said it's a pain to clean too. I'm not small either. But I read 12 to 14 for height and anything more is a waste. I really have no choice as the guy makes only 12 inch height for that enclosure. Is cleaning the only con? I can ask him if I can get it custom made. Pretty sure I can.