Tank size opinion

[izpowell]

i currently a 45 gallon tank up and running, but i want to upgrade so i have a bigger variety of fish to choose from. i am looking around on craigslist to get one used,

i found a 180 gallon drilled tank (not sure what brand) but it is practically brand new. no scratches or anything and it comes with a 40 gallon sump and a stand the guy built (stand isn't finished though, no doors on it) all for $650

then i found this.

a 125 gallon drilled oceanic tank. really good shape and a really nice looking stand. it comes with 72" coralife metal halides (needs bulbs replaced), a UV sterilizer, 55 gallon sump underneath by oceanic, and an artica chiller. asking $850 for it

i would really like to have a 180 gallon tank but it seems like the 125 gallon is the better deal considering the equipment it comes with.

HELP ME DECIDE! give me your guys' opinions. i am new to the hobby so im not really sure what to do. any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[schprock]

Get the biggest tank possible/affordable. You will always want to upgrade later. And a bigger tank more stable so easier to take care of.

 

[Downbeach]

If it were me, I'd go with the 180. With the 125 you'll be spending around $350 to replace the lamps/tubes on the Coralife MH fixture, the UV would be best used on a QT/HT tank, and the use of a chiller wouldn't be needed if you went with either T-5's or LED's. The cost to operate the MH's and chiller would be significant too, versus using T-5's or LED's and not needing to use the chiller. So, I would take the net $500 difference, and invest it in new/better equipment, i.e. lights.

 

[Kworker]

+1 go with the 180.

 

[gmoney243]

I agree go with 180. If ur at all handy u can diy leds for the price its going to cost u in bulbs for that halide fixture. Tanks are kinda hard to sell most of the time so you may be able to bargain and get a better deal. Offer $500 see what happens. I. Got my 180 tank/stand $300 but it had scratches.

Sent from my Vortex using Tapatalk 2

 

[jdl513]

I also agree.
The extra 6 inches width will be worth it, and does not take up much more space than a 125.
You can put the extra $400 you would be spending (including replacement bulbs) toward equipment.

 

[izpowell]

thanks for the advice! im going to go ahead and try to talk the guy with the 180 gallon down and then just store it away and slowly buy all equipment for it