Time to upgrade: Is bigger always better?!

[rickybrooks05]

I currently have a 60g cube, stocked with SPS. I'm looking to upgrade and leaning towards a 120g...But... How long will that last... What is the best tank size you've had?

 

[ZJedi945]

I had a 65gallon for 5 years. I was happy with it but just wanted more. Currently I have a 120 and I love it. Now I bet that changes when I am out of room in it but I hope that doesn't happen too quickly. The good thing is everything I now have is rated for well above a 220 so if I ever upgrade again I won't have to go spending crazy.

 

[maroun.c]

I've had the following tanks
44x24x24
70x24x24 150 g
88x34x30 400g part of an 800+ gallons and growing setup

In terms of initial cost, running expense and ease of follow up the 150 G wins it. With good planing and equipment choices can allow for an amazing setup with a relatively acceptable running cost and also a good fish list with few limitations. The 400 is of course more impressive and allows some more fish selections and much more scaping options and stock list... yet the initial and running cost skyrockets and correcting for issues becomes way more difficult even if issues take longer to develop in a larger volume...
Usually the bigger the better is a generally accepted system but I still enjoy my nano cube as much as I always did !

 

[rickybrooks05]

Thanks! I'm afraid if I go to a 120g I'll run out of room. But I'm not wanting to spend a small fortune on operating costs, I would rather spend that on sticks. I do have a nano for my zoas and love it!

 

[ZJedi945]

Thanks! I'm afraid if I go to a 120g I'll run out of room. But I'm not wanting to spend a small fortune on operating costs, I would rather spend that on sticks. I do have a nano for my zoas and love it!

CraigsList.... I have found a few used tanks on there every once in a while. Plus I sold a 220 for 600 bucks on it. SO deals can be found.

 

[maroun.c]

It's important to look at the dimensions and see if the added dimensions of the 120 and if the added length or width justifies the upgrade hassle and costs...

 

[RMS18]

I am in the same boat, I have a 30 gallon. Tank is maxed out, I think 160-180 is the sweet spot. I think 200 and over the costs are to much for equipment.

 

[ZJedi945]

Check out the skimz line at BRS for some cost savings. I just bought a skimmer for my 120 first off the price was great and MAN is it quiet. It has pulled some of the nastiest stuff I have seen in a skimmer cup.

 

[PatW]

A 120 is a good size. It can accommodate some of the smaller tangs. If you want tangs though, you need to go at least 6' which is commonly 180 ( 72x24x24) or better yet 8'. An 8' aquarium is a big tank by anyone's standards. Both the 120 and the 180 can often be found used.

 

[becks]

I saw a 4ft square tank 2ft deep and loved it, the Aquascape and swimming space was brilliant, I would love a tank like that.

 

[lion king]

My 90g is my favorite, I like my 210 but don't love it. I also have 3 species tanks; 29, 30, and 40 and love those also. I'd never do another large tank. I would much rather trade my 210 into a 125, but I'm not interested in losing money.

 

[nate w]

BIGGER IS BETTER ! always get bigger its less work lol and more fish

 

[Kungpaoshizi]

I've had a few tanks of different sizes, in reflection, I now consider 'bigger is better' not only to mean bigger tanks which are always nice, but automation and redundancy.

The more dosers to automate things and a serious battery backup were probably my biggest regrets. If I would have purchased them to begin with, I would have excelled much more in the ways of stability and being able to progress faster than a bigger tank.

Being able to leave the house or go on vacation and not having to worry about things, that's a great feeling.