75 vs 90 gallon- opinions and thoughts

[starypotter]

Hi everyone,
Unfortunately the 75 gallon tank I got used seems to have a leaky seam even after I resealed it. I will be going to LFS tomorrow to ask about what it would cost for me to get a new tank. My current is a reef ready 75, and so I'd ideally like to get another reef ready one so I don't have to drill a tank for an overflow and all of that.

It needs to have the same footprint to fit on my stand which is why these are my two options. I don't know what the price points will be so that might be a deciding factor but I'd like to have more information before I go to see the prices on my options.

So what are your opinions on tank sizes in terms of stocking, maintenance, and anything else you may think is noteworthy. I already have to use a step stool for my 75 to reach the bottom, so that part wouldn't be much of an added concern.

 

[Labridaedicted]

I ran a 90 for years! They're a great size. I will say that a 90 is kind of at that height where they start to become a bit of a hassle to reach the bottom though.

My mantra is always to get the largest tank that will work in your space/budget. More volume is more stability.

Also worth noting: Drilling a tank is pretty easy and would keep you from losing all that space from the megaflow. Maybe ask around and see if anyone local would help you drill it. One of my biggest current regrets is reinstalling the megaflows on my 180 after the reseal. Wish I'd drilled it for a ghost overflow as the boxes take up a hefty chunk of real estate and make it hard to get good flow across the back of the tank.

 

[pshootr]

I ran a 90 for years! They're a great size. I will say that a 90 is kind of at that height where they start to become a bit of a hassle to reach the bottom though.

My mantra is always to get the largest tank that will work in your space/budget. More volume is more stability.

Also worth noting: Drilling a tank is pretty easy and would keep you from losing all that space from the megaflow. Maybe ask around and see if anyone local would help you drill it. One of my biggest current regrets is reinstalling the megaflows on my 180 after the reseal. Wish I'd drilled it for a ghost overflow as the boxes take up a hefty chunk of real estate and make it hard to get good flow across the back of the tank.

I was recently looking at these size tanks. And I came to the same conclusion that working on the bottom of the tank would be quite difficult. I think if I go that big, I will likely sacrifice 15 gallons to make it easier to reach the bottom. I also agree about the ghost overflow being a much better option.

 

[starypotter]

I ran a 90 for years! They're a great size. I will say that a 90 is kind of at that height where they start to become a bit of a hassle to reach the bottom though.

My mantra is always to get the largest tank that will work in your space/budget. More volume is more stability.

Also worth noting: Drilling a tank is pretty easy and would keep you from losing all that space from the megaflow. Maybe ask around and see if anyone local would help you drill it. One of my biggest current regrets is reinstalling the megaflows on my 180 after the reseal. Wish I'd drilled it for a ghost overflow as the boxes take up a hefty chunk of real estate and make it hard to get good flow across the back of the tank.

I'm still not sure of the prices on the proper reef ready tanks, so I could be wrong, but I'm just under the impression that it's going to end up being cheaper to get one of the pre fab ones as opposed to the ghost overflow ones and drilling since an overflow box would run about $110, then I'd need the drill bits too, not to mention drilling holes in the back of my stand since all of my plumbing is internal at this point. But who knows, maybe the reef ready ones already have that $150 extra built in that might make it worth getting the slimmer design.

 

[pshootr]

I'm still not sure of the prices on the proper reef ready tanks, so I could be wrong, but I'm just under the impression that it's going to end up being cheaper to get one of the pre fab ones as opposed to the ghost overflow ones and drilling since an overflow box would run about $110, then I'd need the drill bits too, not to mention drilling holes in the back of my stand since all of my plumbing is internal at this point. But who knows, maybe the reef ready ones already have that $150 extra built in that might make it worth getting the slimmer design.

I have not compared the cost of each set up. But I would imagine it can't be too far off. Remember this tank is going to be set up for a long time hopefully. Even if it were to costs 50 bucks more. with this Hobby, in the big scheme of things fifty bucks is nothing. And once it is set up, there's no looking back.

Of course you have to go with what you're comfortable with. Honestly, what concerns me is cracking the tank while drilling it. However many many people have been successful at this. I have even considered looking into a glass shop to do it for me.

 

[member 99594]

I have a Deep Blue 80G Reef Ready and I love the footprint (48x24x16) and I can get my arms all the way to the bottom no problem. However, I can see myself wanting bigger in the future and this would make a great frag tank after I upgrade.

You can get both reef ready or not reef ready. I do think I could have gone not reef ready and saved the space and had a quieter overflow. Find someone that can drill it, like pshootr said, this is a long-term investment and you could have this tank for a very long time.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

Drilling a tank is super easy. See my build thread for a how to.

 

[pshootr]

I forgot to mention that there is a ghost overflow that comes with bits. But I cannot remember the brand. Maybe someone else can help out with that.

 

[member 99594]

This one is the one they use in the BRS 160 I think.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eclipse-l-overflow-box-1000-gph-eshopps.html

 

[starypotter]

I have not compared the cost of each set up. But I would imagine it can't be too far off. Remember this tank is going to be set up for a long time hopefully. Even if it were to costs 50 bucks more. with this Hobby, in the big scheme of things fifty bucks is nothing. And once it is set up, there's no looking back.

Of course you have to go with what you're comfortable with. Honestly, what concerns me is cracking the tank while drilling it. However many many people have been successful at this. I have even considered looking into a glass shop to do it for me.

You're right. I got so caught up in needing to replace the tank not even 6 months after it's been set up that I didn't put that into perspective. Thank you for that because as much as I'd love to be able to upgrade sooner I'll likely have this one for quite some time.

 

[starypotter]

So another question then. For a 75 or 90 with a ghost overflow, how many returns would you suggest? Seeing as I have a hood I'd prefer no HOB anything on the tank, so I'd be having to drill for a return, would that be one or two? And since my return pump is only 'about right' it would mean I'd need a second return pump. Would I be able to get away with one return line with a dual locline since that's what I have now, or if I'm going big should I go all the way?

 

[pshootr]

This one is the one they use in the BRS 160 I think.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eclipse-l-overflow-box-1000-gph-eshopps.html

I just noticed that one also comes with a bit.

 

[nereefpat]

90 pros:
Taller tank displays a little better
A little more water volume

Con:
It's right on the edge of getting your armpit wet to reach the bottom... depending on your height of course.

 

[Stickboy15]

I have a 90 for my freshwater that’s a rr corner overflow tank and I love it it’s a great size and been a good tank for going on for 9 years and not a single issue

 

[pshootr]

So another question then. For a 75 or 90 with a ghost overflow, how many returns would you suggest? Seeing as I have a hood I'd prefer no HOB anything on the tank, so I'd be having to drill for a return, would that be one or two? And since my return pump is only 'about right' it would mean I'd need a second return pump. Would I be able to get away with one return line with a dual locline since that's what I have now, or if I'm going big should I go all the way?

Typically people will T-off from one pump to feed two returns. The Overflow would be mounted in the center. And then you would have one return from each end.

 

[pshootr]

You should probably look through threads at other peoples setups. That way you can get an idea on what other people are doing. And also you could make a thread specific to your needs. That way you will capture a broad audience, who can respond to your specific needs.

 

[Devaji]

I'll chime in as I had both....
my 1st SW tank was a 90 did not know any better was a good tank. a few month later got a 125 as well love the length and height. fast forward 1o years a few moves and no reef for a few. I found myself in the same situation you are in 75 vs 90 same foot print 36x24 just the 90 was 4" taller.

I went for the 90 for the volume wished I went for the 75 for the look. I have found out cubes or cubish tanks are not my fav.
its a hard choice for sure. I would ask around locally see what ppl have.

a cpl weeks ago I have away a 75RR and now my 90 rimless is for sale as I decided to go big.

my thoughts are take a few moments and really look at your reefing goals, budget, room in the house, and what you can find locally or semi locally. hell 10 years ago I have away a 240...yeah still waiting for the reefing karma to come back there.

while the tank is down really get clear on what you want. bigger is not always better but in my case I wish I would have got a bigger tank this last time I reentered the hobby so I would not be buying again.

there are some very cost effective tanks and stand combo out there now a days Red sea, waterbox, SCA, etc etc might be worth a lookie loo

all the best and happy reefing!

 

[starypotter]

So I stopped in LFS this morning, and they have 75s that are not reef ready for 100. Then they'd be able to get me a 90 that isn't reef ready for 300. Reef ready would be 300 for a 75 and 400 for a 90. So I think I'm just going to go with the non reef ready for 100, stick with the 75, and get a ghost overflow. The slim look will be nice and I will be very glad to not have to give up a 6x10 space of real estate for the big black overflow box.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

So I stopped in LFS this morning, and they have 75s that are not reef ready for 100. Then they'd be able to get me a 90 that isn't reef ready for 300. Reef ready would be 300 for a 75 and 400 for a 90. So I think I'm just going to go with the non reef ready for 100, stick with the 75, and get a ghost overflow. The slim look will be nice and I will be very glad to not have to give up a 6x10 space of real estate for the big black overflow box.

I just completed my first reef build back in March. I chose to go with a standard 75 rather than the reef ready for a couple reasons. One being the amount of real estate used up by the internal overflow and two being the amount of holes drilled.

I chose to go with an eshopps L overflow which comes with the necessary bit and template plumbed for bean animal. Drilling my first tank was nerve racking but quite easy. In hindsight I should have drilled for returns but what I did was plumb my return with 1" and wye into two 3/4 loclines with RFGs. Brought over the rear rim of the tank.

 

[Devaji]

So I stopped in LFS this morning, and they have 75s that are not reef ready for 100. Then they'd be able to get me a 90 that isn't reef ready for 300. Reef ready would be 300 for a 75 and 400 for a 90. So I think I'm just going to go with the non reef ready for 100, stick with the 75, and get a ghost overflow. The slim look will be nice and I will be very glad to not have to give up a 6x10 space of real estate for the big black overflow box.

I would do the same for that price. if you dont want to drill look in to the life reef overflow boxs there the best HOB overflow on the market been around for years and years. you would have to cut your canopy tho...just an option if you dont want to drill.