120 vs 150 vs 180

biokeeper · May 28, 2022

I’m currently looking to upgrade to what I am hoping to consider my “dream build” and one that will last a long time.

I’m torn between 120g, 150, and 180. (4x2x2, 5x2x2, or 6x2x2)

Are the gear requirements for these 3 systems pretty similar (In terms of flow and other equipment)? I’d like to run a mixed reef with a decent amount of sps near the top level of the system.

Any insight is appreciated!

blaxsun · May 28, 2022

Go for the 180-gallon, mainly because there's not a huge difference in requirements (other than maybe another light or slightly larger return pump) for most of those setups. When I upgraded I had a similar dilemma and decided to opt for the biggest tank I could reasonably expect to fit down the stairs (6x2x2).

You'll find that in terms of equipment (skimmer, reactors, UV, etc.) there's not a huge difference between a 150-gallon system and a 180-gallon system, and often if you need to go with a larger model skimmer (etc.) the price difference isn't astronomical.

Feel free to check out my build setup where I detail everything I run on my 200-gallon Red Sea 750.

adittam · May 28, 2022

You'll have a lot more fish options if you go with the 6 foot tank.

Dburr1014 · May 28, 2022

You could run 4 foot lights on the 5 foot tank. But not the 6 foot tank.
Myself, I want a 6 foot but I need a house first and the market sucks. I can fit a 5 foot in my current space. I'm trying so hard to wait and it's been a couple years now. I have been upgrading gear to handle a 6 foot tank. Anyway...
I would do as big as you can handle and have the space for.

exnisstech · May 28, 2022

Bigger is better, at least that's what Ive heard lol. If you have room definatly go bigger. The extra length will allow you to add fish that may need more swim room if that is an interest. May need an additional light but other than that other equipment will be about the same. I'm from the camp that too much is just enough.

sfin52 · May 28, 2022

I would go thr 180. The height and depth is great at shaping. It will also get you into bigger tangs more fish and just more scaping options.

rtparty · May 28, 2022

180 for sure. I did not love my 120 like I thought I would. 4 foot limits fish choices pretty severely IMO.

Get the 6 footer and 1 extra light. Upkeep will cost slightly more but not terrible

Spare time · May 28, 2022

biokeeper said:
I’m currently looking to upgrade to what I am hoping to consider my “dream build” and one that will last a long time.

I’m torn between 120g, 150, and 180. (4x2x2, 5x2x2, or 6x2x2)

Are the gear requirements for these 3 systems pretty similar (In terms of flow and other equipment)? I’d like to run a mixed reef with a decent amount of sps near the top level of the system.

Any insight is appreciated!

Obviously the lighting would be different, but the size of equipment else wise won't be dramatically different. I think a 6ft tank is very nice

albano · May 28, 2022

The biggest you can get!
I’m very happy with my 500g (6’x5’) tank, but had the steel support columns been placed differently. I’d have been closer to 700g+

Lbrdsoxfan · May 28, 2022

Go 180, as said above it opens you up to a few more of the larger fish (mainly tangs & some angels).

I went 120 and had room for the 180... Kinda wish I went 180 and still might, lol.

hart24601 · May 28, 2022

Personally 120, but I am a bad American as I don’t think bigger is better automatically!

really it’s a question for you and the how you think the space will look. I simply didn’t like a 6’ tank and wouldn’t take one for free over a 4’ tank.

rezaktp · May 30, 2022

Go big or go home….. you will always wish you had a larger tank in a few years as the corals grow out. This is not a cheap hobby but there are good deals out there on the used equipment. Start shopping and get some good deals for your dream tank

Jon's Reef · May 30, 2022

If possible go with more width (6x2.5x2) Gives more room for swimming and flow.

HudsonReefer2.0 · May 30, 2022

180 way to go, best outta the 3. Good luck w
Build

X-37B · May 30, 2022

My 120 filled up pretty fast but so will a 180. If I did it again it would I would chose a 180 over a 120 and it would be peninsula style.

Hairyteeth · May 30, 2022

I would recommend getting the shape that you want first peninsula vs standard, then the bracing or rimless based on preference… and then go as big as possible