Opinions on 6ft long 125g tank

CRABDADDY · Apr 25, 2023

Hey all,

I have the opportunity to buy a used aqueon 125g tank. It's only $300 with a return pump and it's currently running at my LFS.

I'm looking to run it as a SPS dominant reef. Have others run tanks with this foot print? What are some of the challenges with a tank this long?

I'm a little concerned there's a lack of depth/length on a tank this size. My worry is that I won't have enough room back to front to create a good looking scape.

Dimensions are 23.75 X 73.25 X 19.13.

sadrobotz · Apr 25, 2023

following, because i am going to be setting up a reef in my 125 which are the same dimensions!

Asm481 · Apr 25, 2023

I had that 125 and a 4 foot 120 gallon at the same time several years back. Both had advantages. The six foot was awesome for fish swimming, tangs and trigger. I thought scaping was fine until I added the 120 with 6 more inches footprint. If I could fit it in my house today and only choose one it probably be the 125 even though you might need to spend more on lights.

CRABDADDY · Apr 25, 2023

Thanks for the input. I will admit I'm more of a coral guy tank a fish enthusiast, but I am excited to be able to keep tangs and other larger fish.

vtecintegra · Apr 25, 2023

I prefer a 30" wide tank to be able to build an intricate aqua scape.

CRABDADDY · Apr 25, 2023

Yeah, I think ideally I would like the tank to be a little wider as well, but with how much everything else will cost for a set up like this, I'm thinking buying this tank may be a good option.

I can't really afford a brand new tank and I unless this footprint has serious issues, I am open to a tank this shape. Looking for input from others that have run a tank this shape.

Since budget is a constraint, I've got to give on some areas, and this seems like a good option for a cheap tank.

RedoubtReef · Apr 25, 2023

19.3" is the height or width front to back? If it's front to back, I'd pass personally. My 80 is 20" wide and I wish I had gone to at least 24 when I had the chance. But, if that is what you can afford for a good price, go for it.

jft · Apr 25, 2023

i have had multiple 125 s over the years, if you can go for a 180 wider and same length.

billyocean · Apr 25, 2023

The 18" depth is limiting especially with corner over flows i.e. no gyres horizontonal on side panes. But it's definately doable. I would personally rather have a 120 with the bigger depth IF the 125 has internal corner overflows.

Here's my 125 but upgrading to 30" deep.

CRABDADDY · Apr 25, 2023

RedoubtReef said:
19.3" is the height or width front to back? If it's front to back, I'd pass personally. My 80 is 20" wide and I wish I had gone to at least 24 when I had the chance. But, if that is what you can afford for a good price, go for it.

The 19" is unfortunately front to back. That's good to know. I'm trying to avoid setting this up and regretting it, as it's going to be my long term main tank.

jft said:
i have had multiple 125 s over the years, if you can go for a 180 wider and same length.

Unfortunately, a larger tank really isn't an option for me right now. I wish it was!

CRABDADDY · Apr 25, 2023

billyocean said:
The 18" depth is limiting especially with corner over flows i.e. no gyres horizontonal on side panes. But it's definately doable. I would personally rather have a 120 with the bigger depth IF the 125 has internal corner overflows.

Here's my 125 but upgrading to 30" deep.

Absolutely beautiful tank. Do you know what model of tank this is?

The overflows aren't in the corners on the tank I'm looking at, but they're sort of spread about a third of the way from the side glass on each side. Which further constricts the space I have to work with.

billyocean · Apr 25, 2023

I think it's Marineland. Got it used

Wolf8895 · Apr 25, 2023

I had this same footprint, and as mentioned it's great for fish swimming end to end but limited in coral scaping abilities. If it's what you can get though, they can make for a beautiful tank.

CRABDADDY · Apr 25, 2023

The more I think about this I lean towards getting a 4 or 5 foot tank. The footprint is pretty important to me and I don't want to regret that for the life of my tank to save a few hundred bucks up front.

I always wish I'd gone bigger with my first tank and I think I've learned my lesson. Do it right the first time and I'll be happier in the long run. Thanks for the input, everyone.

Adrian Em · Jun 22, 2023

billyocean said:
The 18" depth is limiting especially with corner over flows i.e. no gyres horizontonal on side panes. But it's definately doable. I would personally rather have a 120 with the bigger depth IF the 125 has internal corner overflows.

Here's my 125 but upgrading to 30" deep.

What are you running for lights? Thinking about getting a 125 since I can’t find an affordable 5 foot tank.

dwest · Jun 22, 2023

I had a 125 for many (10 ish) years. Then I got a 180 when I could afford it. I certainly like the 180 for the increased front to back depth, but I got years of enjoyment from my 125. I’d get it.

zoomonster · Jun 22, 2023

I'll just say I bought a 200g that's just deeper and taller and I kind of regret not getting something like a 230g with more front to rear depth for more space on sand bed with the amount of rock I have. Just my thoughts but hey if it's a good deal go for it and I'm sure you can make it work.