Help me select the right size tank

[Jeremiah G]

Hi all,

I had a 75 gallon reef for a couple years in college- about 6 years ago. (Pictured below).
I am ready to set it back up now that I am more settled ( just bought a cottage on the lake).
I've got all the equipment but the 75 gallon got scratched pretty bad in transit.

Now that Im looking at all my options, Im considering buying a new 75 gallon BUT a 90 gallon or 110 gallon would fit on my 48" stand. A 6' or larger tank is out because it would over power the space.

What Im looking for is peoples experiences with these tanks and any pro's/con's for them.
I really like the look of taller tanks so Im leaning towards the 110 gallon.

The lighting fixture I have is a T5 Tek 4 bulb- would it be sufficient for the 30" depth of the 110 gallon?

Cheers,

-Jeremiah
Camden, Me

 

[Reef2zach]

110 is a good size. Gives you that depth that we reefers love for rockwork and swim space. Depending on what kind of coral your trying to grow a 4 bulb might not be powerfully enough. 6 would be better imo. I have a buddy that's growing pretty much everything in a 110 except clams though with a 4 bulb.

 

[Jeremiah G]

Im planning on mainly softies but maybe some LPS.
I was thinking I might supplement it with some LEDs.

 

[wattson]

120 gal...24"x 48"x 24",,perfect for a deep reef setup...any tank is good that is 24" deep...no matter what tank you get it will end up being too small,,
Think bigger than you want in the beginning,,LOLOL

 

[Roy 9121]

You really have to decide what you want to put in it, a lot of fish need at least 100 or 120 gallons. I would go as big as you can fit, IMO.

 

[wkscott]

The 90g will fit your stand and more importantly probably your sump and protein skimmer and almost everything else designed for a 75 gallon including your lighting. Don't know for sure but I read somewhere that stands designed for 75 gallons may not safely hold 110 gallons.

 

[Jeremiah G]

I am also worried about the Aqueon stand not being able to hold the weight of the 110 gallon but I could reinforce it. Im worried about getting my arm down the 30" depth of the 110 gallon as well as Im not very tall.

I think I am gonna go with the 90 gallon and use the 75 gallon in the basement as my sump/refugium.

Thank you all for your input!

 

[Fish Werx]

If you are deff trying to keep/use your equipment on hand I would say a 90 would be your best bet. If you are open to upgrades along the way a 120 system is really awesome and is still 48" wide.... A little deeper from the wall, but nominally not that much more actual floor space. Not sure about your area, but craigslist and forum posts have them used around here all the time, usually for a steal....

 

[Jeremiah G]

I had that idea too but it wouldn't fit right in the living room.
My lakeside cottage is only 750 sq ft total- small house living lol!

 

[Current107]

I had a 75G and a 90. I like the depth of the 90. Its a very typical standard size and easy to find equipment for it.