180 vs 220

[Mini Coop]

I JUST did the same thing! I have a 120. I decided to go to a 180 rather than the 220 due to many of the reasons that you listed. Also, I was able to use my powerhead that I have and my skimmer so that I didn't have to upgrade everything. This time we are plumbing everything to the basement, so it is a significant upgrade to the sump. With new lights and all, it was a no-brainer for me.

 

[demonspeedn]

I just uprgaded to a 220 and glad I did. I have a mixed reef and the extra height allows the SPS up high, and LPS and Softies in the middle/bottom. Get a Tunze care magnet and you won't have to get wet to clean the glass.

 

[Forsaken77]

I need your help!

I am currently planning a tank upgrade sometime next year and am debating against a 180 or a 220. I am leaning towards the 180 due to its a little shallower (24in vs 30in) which is easier to get lighting (thinking AI hydra 26s) and easier to clean.

I currently have a 7 month old 120 that everything is going to be transferred from. Would upgrade pump and sump as well.

Suggestion, comments or concerns please post and help me decide

I went through this as well and went with the 180 because: A) 24" is plenty high for fish to swim. They swim side-to-side, not up & down. B) Much easier maintenance. You'll probably have to get on a ladder to reach the bottom of a 220. Also the water changes are less. And fir me, because I bought the Marineland 180 RR tank, I also bought their high end Monterey stand, and it holds both the 220 & 180. I wanted a stand that was capable of more weight than I had. Also that 6 extra inches on the 220 can make or break your lighting for corals.

If you looking into the Marineland tanks, I would definitely suggest looking at the Monterey stands. Much better built, nicer, and has removable side panels. Also has a hardwood top with cutouts for the corner overflows and the tank sits down in it so you don't see the bottom plastic around the tank at all. There are 3 doors on the cabinet. 2 open and I can easily fit a Trigger Systems 39 sump straight in without angling it first. The 3rd door is only 11 inches wide. I didn't want to go with their standard stand with that much weight, condensation, evaporation, ect...

 

[Steven91]

I went through this as well and went with the 180 because: A) 24" is plenty high for fish to swim. They swim side-to-side, not up & down. B) Much easier maintenance. You'll probably have to get on a ladder to reach the bottom of a 220. Also the water changes are less. And fir me, because I bought the Marineland 180 RR tank, I also bought their high end Monterey stand, and it holds both the 220 & 180. I wanted a stand that was capable of more weight than I had. Also that 6 extra inches on the 220 can make or break your lighting for corals.

If you looking into the Marineland tanks, I would definitely suggest looking at the Monterey stands. Much better built, nicer, and has removable side panels. Also has a hardwood top with cutouts for the corner overflows and the tank sits down in it so you don't see the bottom plastic around the tank at all. There are 3 doors on the cabinet. 2 open and I can easily fit a Trigger Systems 39 sump straight in without angling it first. The 3rd door is only 11 inches wide. I didn't want to go with their standard stand with that much weight, condensation, evaporation, ect...

I think we are looking at a marineland tank though the stand we are looking at is a custom built stand, which they my lfs has on display with their 220 on it, I know it will take the weight and then some. I think I'm probably gonna go the 180

 

[Radman73]

I had the same concerns and ended up with a 220 because a used one came up at a great price. Unless your plan was to keep SPS on the sand bed then the lighting shouldn't be much of a concern. Yes, my arm pit has gotten wet a couple of times when moving rocks around, just remember to clean off any deodorant first lol! I like the added height and, as someone else mentioned, hope that it gives my corals room to grow and the fish room to swim.

Can't go wrong with either though.

Someone else mentioned an external overflow. I'll second that. I ripped out the internal overflow boxes, plugged the 4 bottom holes, and then drilled the holes in the back for the external overflow. Saved a large amount of real estate inside the tank. I run the returns up and over and have a slim canopy to hide everything.

 

[Forsaken77]

I think we are looking at a marineland tank though the stand we are looking at is a custom built stand, which they my lfs has on display with their 220 on it, I know it will take the weight and then some. I think I'm probably gonna go the 180

Just so you're aware, Marineland warranties the tank for life if on their stand. If it's on a custom stand, they warranty 1 year. Just an fyi

 

[Radman73]

Just so you're aware, Marineland warranties the tank for life if on their stand. If it's on a custom stand, they warranty 1 year. Just an fyi

And another FYI, if you follow some advice and rip out the overflows and drill the tank, they void the warranty. I did it, but it was a used tank anyway. Sometimes that's a tougher pill to swallow on a brand new tank. Then again, the tank usually ends up as one of the least expensive items in a build.

 

[Forsaken77]

I think we are looking at a marineland tank though the stand we are looking at is a custom built stand, which they my lfs has on display with their 220 on it, I know it will take the weight and then some. I think I'm probably gonna go the 180

Forgot to mention this and it's very important. If you buy a Marineland tank, make sure it is a 2017 model. I bought one brand new and it was a 16 model and the silicone was so sloppy and they mixed black and clear.

When I spoke with the head woman that deals with warranties, she told me they had problems in early 2016 because they used a new builder. That's why all those deep dimension tanks were leaking. They brought back the old company and the difference is night and day.

My LFS requested that it's a 2017 tank only when he ordered it for me (made in May 2017). Marineland refunded me for the total cost of the 2016 tank without much of a fight because they knew there were issues. They also told me I was responsible for getting rid of the 2016 tank, and a 180 is not easily moved, lol.

There is a sticker on the inside of the tank below the plastic at the top. It could be on the front pain or rear pain and says the manufacture date. Check that out before buying the tank.

 

[Steven91]

Forgot to mention this and it's very important. If you buy a Marineland tank, make sure it is a 2017 model. I bought one brand new and it was a 16 model and the silicone was so sloppy and they mixed black and clear.

When I spoke with the head woman that deals with warranties, she told me they had problems in early 2016 because they used a new builder. That's why all those deep dimension tanks were leaking. They brought back the old company and the difference is night and day.

My LFS requested that it's a 2017 tank only when he ordered it for me (made in May 2017). Marineland refunded me for the total cost of the 2016 tank without much of a fight because they knew there were issues. They also told me I was responsible for getting rid of the 2016 tank, and a 180 is not easily moved, lol.

There is a sticker on the inside of the tank below the plastic at the top. It could be on the front pain or rear pain and says the manufacture date. Check that out before buying the tank.

Thank you for that information, when I go to get my tank and everything I will check first if its a Marineland and second when it was made

 

[Steven91]

It's official I did put money down on a 180 tank, I thought long and hard about all valid points that everyone brought up but I got a better price deal on a 180. Thank you all for the help

 

[Radman73]

It's official I did put money down on a 180 tank, I thought long and hard about all valid points that everyone brought up but I got a better price deal on a 180. Thank you all for the help

Congrats!

 

[spiraling]

It's official I did put money down on a 180 tank, I thought long and hard about all valid points that everyone brought up but I got a better price deal on a 180. Thank you all for the help

Congrats!
I just read through the thread and I would have chosen the 180 because of the depth as well. If you have long arms, then great. But on a 30" tank I would have to put my face in the water to touch the bottom!

...now start your new build thread ;Watching

 

[Radman73]

Congrats!
I just read through the thread and I would have chosen the 180 because of the depth as well. If you have long arms, then great. But on a 30" tank I would have to put my face in the water to touch the bottom!

...now start your new build thread ;Watching

Ironically enough I face planted the water a couple of times today redoing my rock work lol! Getting to the back and bottom can be tough. I do like the extra height though it certainly has drawbacks!

 

[Steven91]

Congrats!
I just read through the thread and I would have chosen the 180 because of the depth as well. If you have long arms, then great. But on a 30" tank I would have to put my face in the water to touch the bottom!

...now start your new build thread ;Watching

Probably will start it once I get a little closer to actually getting the tank and stand, though im gonna keep going my coral and fish that I have and do some prep work

 

[enveetie]

whichever is wider!

 

[Steven91]

whichever is wider!

they are the size width

 

[Itsander]

I need your help!

I am currently planning a tank upgrade sometime next year and am debating against a 180 or a 220. I am leaning towards the 180 due to its a little shallower (24in vs 30in) which is easier to get lighting (thinking AI hydra 26s) and easier to clean.

I currently have a 7 month old 120 that everything is going to be transferred from. Would upgrade pump and sump as well.

Suggestion, comments or concerns please post and help me decide

The biggest the better

 

[Steven91]

The biggest the better

Truth, I'm going with the 180 just due i like the look better and regardless I am going to have a great aquascape

 

[Steven91]

welp, I did change my mind, getting a 220 instead of the 180

 

[Radman73]

welp, I did change my mind, getting a 220 instead of the 180

Welcome to the club! The extra height is a PITA when trying to reach things but it does look a little better IMO. I've gotten myself into the habit of not reaching into the tank unless I've just recently taken a shower lol! That way there's no sweat, deodorant, cologne, or anything else on me that might get into the tank. Make sure you either make this your build thread or post a link to it so we can follow it!