90 Size Upgrade - Need Advice

[VSVP bet]

Hello all,

Im planning on upgrading my 90 to something in the 120 - 180 gallon range. I really dont want to spend a lot of money on a new tank, so I plan on finding a used tank and repairing it (if at all) as needed. First line of questions, to anyone who has bought a used tank, what advice can you provide? What should I look for on the tank (center brace, seals, glass, etc.)?

Second. I am running a 90 mixed reef with mostly SPS. The reason I need to upgrade is that I am running out of sand space. My lobos, elegance, and other sand dwelling corals have limited space. I was thinking a 125 because I would be able to utilize the length, but I am open to opinions. What is the best size in the 120-180 range? Please share your opinions.

 

[Hitman]

Ask them to fill it with water and look closely at the seems and all the glass. Pay extra attention to the bottom and ends. Then check out the frame work of the tank. I bought my 240 used cheap and the guy was willing to fill it with the garden hose which I was fine with as I was washing it out any way.

 

[richiero]

Imo when it come to reef the deeper the tank the better I would look for something 30” deep

My custom tank dems are 48L x 30D x 22H

Look for that 30 deep it makes a world of difference.

 

[VSVP bet]

Imo when it come to reef the deeper the tank the better I would look for something 30” deep

My custom tank dems are 48L x 30D x 22H

Look for that 30 deep it makes a world of difference.

how many gallons roughly is your system?

 

[richiero]

Volume wise on dimensions it’s 146g, but filled with Rock and sand probably about 115g plus a 40g sump

 

[andrewkw]

My advice to you is to get a 180 gallon new on sale. Perhaps drill it yourself to save money. I bought a 180 used and it was covered in coraline, under the coraline there was a ton of fine scratches and perhaps some was just the coraline etching. Additionally the tank broke when I moved - I had no issues with it holding water, but it had been moved at least 2 probably 3 times prior to me moving it. Most of your equipment will probably upsize to the 180 maybe not the skimmer depending on the model, you can add things when money allows. Build the stand out of 2x4 and 2x6 and it will be cheap ect. It's not that I'm against used, I would buy lots of things used but if this is going to be your display for some time, try and get new glass if the budget allows.

The exception I would make would be if you are getting a custom tank used, IE better dimensions then the standard 6x2x2, or better bracing ect. Going from a 90g you should aim for at least 24" wide so it's a true upgrade not just a couple feet longer. More front to back space will help with your sandbed issues. Given the size you are starting from and the sizes you said you're considering, doubling in size is worth the time effort and money you have to put into upgrading vs just adding 20 or 30 gallons and a couple of feet but no width.

BTW you are located in Antarctica? Either that is a joke or you aren't finding any used tanks on your research base...

 

[richiero]

I had mine custom built out of sapphire glass 1500 bucks rimless worth every penny , maybe not every penny if I could redo it I would go w/o the sapphire glass.

I put a super low profile overflow with a herby drain . If you do drill yourself or you see a used tank you like avoid bulky corner over flows imo they take up way to much valuable tank space.

I grew with the at least 24” deep but shoot for 30”

 

[VSVP bet]

All good ideas. I was leaning towards a 150/180. I was hoping to get an undrilled one and drill and plumb it all my self (for the reason of avoiding a bulky overflow). I was hoping to find a used tank on craigslist for a good price, and do all the necessary work to it.

I do see your point about getting increased depth. Only concern about a 180 is that it might be too big. Regardless, I will keep researching. I really appreciate the input.

 

[richiero]

Don’t forget to measure doors and the such esp if building a stand out side.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Hello all,

Im planning on upgrading my 90 to something in the 120 - 180 gallon range. I really dont want to spend a lot of money on a new tank, so I plan on finding a used tank and repairing it (if at all) as needed. First line of questions, to anyone who has bought a used tank, what advice can you provide? What should I look for on the tank (center brace, seals, glass, etc.)?

Second. I am running a 90 mixed reef with mostly SPS. The reason I need to upgrade is that I am running out of sand space. My lobos, elegance, and other sand dwelling corals have limited space. I was thinking a 125 because I would be able to utilize the length, but I am open to opinions. What is the best size in the 120-180 range? Please share your opinions.

the best advice on buying a new tank is not to buy one.

if you have your heart set on a used tank then maybe see if someone you know is selling first, or someone in your local reef club. there’s no way of guaranteeing it won’t blow a seam on you. i have repaired many used tanks that people got suckered into buying.

 

[richiero]

Yes if I were to buy used I would break it apart and clean it up good and re seal with brand new silicone

 

[richiero]

Last thing you need is 180g of SW on your nice rug or hard wood floor

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

Yes if I were to buy used I would break it apart and clean it up good and re seal with brand new silicone

which is a huge task, especially if you do t know what you’re doing. but it is worth it if you do it correctly.

 

[richiero]

Yes not fun to do , I did my 75g once, it’s still holding I passed it onto my friend when I upgraded

 

[VSVP bet]

the best advice on buying a new tank is not to buy one.

if you have your heart set on a used tank then maybe see if someone you know is selling first, or someone in your local reef club. there’s no way of guaranteeing it won’t blow a seam on you. i have repaired many used tanks that people got suckered into buying.

all good advice. i have a lot of diy experience so repairing seams are not foreign. if I bought a used tank i would probably re-do the seams regardless of how they look or how old the tank is, does this make sense? or is there a way to tell if the seam is still reliable?

 

[richiero]

all good advice. i have a lot of diy experience so repairing seams are not foreign. if I bought a used tank i would probably re-do the seams regardless of how they look or how old the tank is, does this make sense? or is there a way to tell if the seam is still reliable?

Yes redo them

 

[richiero]

You married ?

If so I would 100 % without a doubt reseal the seams lol

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

all good advice. i have a lot of diy experience so repairing seams are not foreign. if I bought a used tank i would probably re-do the seams regardless of how they look or how old the tank is, does this make sense? or is there a way to tell if the seam is still reliable?

no sure fire way of telling visually, aside from seeing actual separation. it’s what you can’t see that’s the issue.

 

[VSVP bet]

Again, all solid advice. Thanks again.

 

[Captain Quint]

I agree that there has been some great advice imparted. I bought my 300g from a friend of mine who owned an LFS. He sold it to me and I had viewed it at the LFS for 8 years. It was a G.C.'s and was perfect.

I've built several from glass from G.C.'s and never had issues. Then I got old and just had custom ones built for me from G.C.'s and the owners are cool and if they know you will give some great deals.

The thing is with you having a 90g most 120's are going to be the same footprint so you don't gain much more real estate as you would in a 125g.

I have bought 3 180g tanks from G.C.'s. One for 3 of my 4 children and there is plenty of room over the 90, 120, and 125g tank. IMHO 180's are about perfect for almost anything you want to put in it.

Just my

All in all, I've loved every size tank I've owned. But the 300g was a hassle to clean. Ugh. I'm old and not as capable as I once was and I'm well satisfied with a complete custom G.C. full low iron tank (except the bottom of it)

Whatever you decide I'm sure will be awesome VSVP bet and can't wait to see what you come up with.