Can't decide between 130.4 and 180.5 (Waterbox)

[Trunalimunumapruzre]

Both sizes fit and both are in my budget... But it's my first tank. And I'm worried about how much of a hassle water changes will be if I go too big (on the 2nd floor of my house and yes the beams will support the weight).

Anyone got some insight or suggestions to help me decide?

130 vs 180

47.2"×23.6"×21.7"

60.5"×25.3"×21.7"

364 L/96.3 gals

494 L/130.5 gals

 

[Old Fritz]

I'd do a 180 It opens you up to more fish. If you only do a 10% water change a week it will only be a 13 gallon water change which isn't bad. It's if you wait longer and do a 20percent change that will make it feel like a chore

 

[BlennyTime]

96 gallons is probably at the upper end of what you want to put on an upper floor without reinforcing or consulting a structural engineer. Whether it can hold greater than that, will depend on how old your house is, how well it’s built, etc.

Besides that, and in general, I’d go as big as you can. Water changes and other maintenance are a little more expensive but not really harder. And the larger the tank, the more live rock and other things you can have in there, which helps with system stability.