Tank Decision: What Would You Do?

rayn · Nov 24, 2016

Go as big as you can. When I say can, remember you also have all the costs of running and maintaining it as well. Bigger tanks cost more just to run.

If you have a 90 stand, did you already have a 90? Was it tore down just cause of the move? Did you ever want a larger tank or were you happy with the size? What is your future stock plans? What is the end goal of the tank, more corals or more fish swimming?

Jay_M · Nov 24, 2016

rayn said:
Go as big as you can. When I say can, remember you also have all the costs of running and maintaining it as well. Bigger tanks cost more just to run.

If you have a 90 stand, did you already have a 90? Was it tore down just cause of the move? Did you ever want a larger tank or were you happy with the size? What is your future stock plans? What is the end goal of the tank, more corals or more fish swimming?

The cost of running has not been forgotten.. this is a good point but I have been also kept this in mind in every scenario..

the wife and daughter will like the fish, but coral will be my game. I'll be fragging and dealing with a LFS.

This isn't to say I don't care about fish.. I'll do the typical centerpiece tang and group of schooling fish.

rayn · Nov 24, 2016

In that case, a 90 is a bit small for most tangs. I would go bigger here.

dbl · Nov 24, 2016

Obviously a personal choice for you so figure out what your long-term goals are for the tank and base your decision on that.

To add a personal note to it, I started with a standard 120 (4'×2'×2') and really think it's a great sized tank. However, if I had to do it again, I would have gone with the 180g (6'×2'×2') for the extra two feet. It opens things up just enough to allow a few more fish options and to spread out the aquascaping a little more. Because it's a "standard" sized tank, it won't break the bank either.

My $.02 on the topic.

bklynreef · Nov 24, 2016

Do it once, Do it right and never need to upgrade again. 300 Gallon Deep dimension and use your 90 gallon as a sump with installed baffles. Oh and dont forget to raise the tank off the floor a few inches so when your standing you dont have to bend down to see the tank, it should best seen clearly standing first imho

Jay_M · Nov 24, 2016

dbl said:
Obviously a personal choice for you so figure out what your long-term goals are for the tank and base your decision on that.

To add a personal note to it, I started with a standard 120 (4'×2'×2') and really think it's a great sized tank. However, if I had to do it again, I would have gone with the 180g (6'×2'×2') for the extra two feet. It opens things up just enough to allow a few more fish options and to spread out the aquascaping a little more. Because it's a "standard" sized tank, it won't break the bank either.

My $.02 on the topic.

What lighting?

dbl · Nov 24, 2016

Jay_M said:
What lighting?

I personally have four AI Vegas over the 120g. Started with two but added two more for better coverage.

bklynreef · Nov 25, 2016

Lighting if your going SPS I would say go with Metal Halides 20K Radiums supplemented with ecotech radions. If you buy all this used it won't break the bank and you'll have the best if both worlds. If just lps and softies then leds are fine.

Devaji · Nov 25, 2016

Lots of good feedback here.
I was gonna say ( but thought my rant was to long as it was)
That you do need to think about your end goals as said above. Sounds line you know where your at on that one so that's good.

If it where me I would do a 300 to 700 tang butterfly and angle tank and have a small reef to the side....the reef could be yours and the fish only be "hers" lol

All that said I totally agree get what you want and do it right from the get go.
If you have the room I would go 5 to 8 foot tank give you a lot of scaping options and fish choices.
The 180 is a nice size take too.

Do you plan on running a canopy? If so rimless might not be the best choice. Not that you can't run them on a rimless...

Good luck and remember to have fun with it. I do know the struggle on deciding. The good news is you own your home so your gonna be there for a while
That why we say get what you want now so in 2 years your not getting another.
Cheers

JOKER · Nov 25, 2016

First thing, I would even consider where the tank will be. Then I would get the biggest tank that will fit in position and look good.

Jay_M · Nov 29, 2016

Devaji said:
I agree patience is key here. no rush unless your trying to get the black Friday/cyber Monday deal... also agree on a 6 or 8 foot tank.
the thing is you really need to be 100% into your tank choice or it will haunt you for ever...lol ok maybe not ever but you get the idea.

here are some more options to confuse you more.
5' starfire 12mm SC tank. $777.77 then get a 40br for a sump and DIY a stand. or ask about a wood stand prob. 300 or so..
http://www.scaquariums.com/dealoftheday.asp.

they also do PNP setup too like this one:
http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/ryan.htm

I have there 36" 90 and love the tank. build quality is amazing do a search for ScAquariums and will find lots of happy customers.
only thing I wish was I went with external overflow to give more aquascaping...in the bigger tanks not sure if that is needed or not just an FYI that option is there. they also will build you a complete custom tank to fit your new house.

all that said I would go with a least a 5' tank. that 150 then do the DIY stand or have them build one. a 40br sump form petco 1per gallon sale. you could have the tank stand and sump for a lil over 1K.

just my 2cents...good luck!