Picking the right tank

[jimfish98]

Looking at three waterbox tanks and. It sure which to go for. 105 frag is a good length, good storage, and manageable volume for me but at 16 inches deep it seems shallow. The 100 Reef is a good height, good volume, but not as wide and the stand lacks the space of a 4ft. Both are pretty similar in costs. I could jump to the 130 Reef and get the height, length, and storage but then pay a lot more in tank costs and matching slimmer and pump. Maintenance is also a bit less manageable.
Which would you chose and why?

 

[Idoc]

Well it sounds like the 130 isn't an iron due to costs and maintenance. The 100 gives you the ability to have areef tank with some depth... therefore nice to view from the side of the tank for enjoyment. The 105 is a frag tank by your description... not so pretty to view a tank from above all the time! If go with the 100.

 

[Dbichler]

What are you planning on for this tank? Each have advantages

 

[jimfish98]

What are you planning on for this tank? Each have advantages

About all I have planned for the contents for now is to focus mainly on soft corals, bit of a flowing tank. Hammers, frogspawn, zoa, polyp, pipe organ, etc.

Fish wise I am not much beyond cleaning crew, pair of nice clowns, and some cardinals to start. Going to take this slow.

 

[Pistondog]

I'd get the 130 if you have room and $$$.
Dont we always want more room for stuff?

 

[jimfish98]

I'd get the 130 if you have room and $$$.
Dont we always want more room for stuff?

Have both but also have MS so keeping a larger tank running without room for a lot of water storage/mixing hits a bit with time/energy. If it was like my koi pond where I just feed and top it off while the filter cleans itself then I would go big without a doubt. Just different realms.

 

[Pistondog]

Have both but also have MS so keeping a larger tank running without room for a lot of water storage/mixing hits a bit with time/energy. If it was like my koi pond where I just feed and top it off while the filter cleans itself then I would go big without a doubt. Just different realms.

I keep a 75g +25 running triton, no water changes unless required.
In that case I have a cooler I use for 15g change.
So in my case, minimal room (none) for salt mixing.
I do have a 16g rodi tank nearby for ato.

 

[Dbichler]

The large storage and mixing stations are not necessary. They can make life easier but not needed. If you start off right with 0tds and stay that way. Go slow and don’t add stuff too fast you wouldn’t have an emergency that requires a large water change. Also qt everything and you would be fine.

 

[I’ma tempermental coral]

I’m always the bad influence to go big so that will always be my recommendation if the costs don’t put it in a position to be under cared for. Also! Welcome to R2R!!!