What direction to go with new build? 75 or 120 help!

thomas hudson · Jun 29, 2018

I recently broke down my 75 gallon tank because i was moving. I won't be able to setup up a new one for at least a few months, maybe 6 or more. So in the mean time i started thinking of going a different direction than my last tank. First let me list what i currently own.

75 gallon reef ready Marine Land
Simplicity 150SS Deluxe Reef Sump
2x Radion x30 pros
2x MP40wqd
reeflink
Don't remember exactly what return pump i have, but its probably an Eheim
Chemipure Elite and Purigen i think
Skimz skimmer (not sure what size, i got it from my neighbor off a larger tank and i really have never been super impressed with it. I am sure its me lol)
That is the basic of my tank. Toward the end i lost a few fish and started down a path or high nitrates and lots of algae. The break down was just another way for a clean start, so here i am.

I want to run a Triton Method tank, this speaks to me and i miss having a refugium on my tank. With that being said i already have a 20 gallon long sump built but i am not sure the refug would be big enough. Its currently in storage.
I want to do 1 of 2 things, keep the 75, get a different sump and go full Triton Method. Maybe a different skimmer like one of the Reef Octopus ESSENCE S-130 INTERNAL PROTEIN SKIMMER .or the CLASSIC 152-S 6" INTERNAL PROTEIN SKIMMER. OR go bigger and get a 120, build or buy and new sump for Triton method.

I know if i go 120 i will be open to some other fish i cannot keep in the 75, plus my water parameters as a whole will be much more stable and let likely for big swings. Anyway i just wanted some thoughts, suggestions, opinions from you guys. Thanks!

Ron Reefman · Jun 29, 2018

I just downsized from 4 tanks (120g DT, with a 50g cube for anemones and a 65g shallow reef with a 25g frag tank) to just the 50g cube, so I may not be the guy to help you with going bigger. LOL! Do you know which 120g tank you want? I had a CADlight Artisan which I liked. But the sump isn't well designed for what I wanted. Room for a pump and skimmer and the rest as a refugium. If I were doing it again I'd like a tank with more than 24" front to back, but they aren't easy to find.

Any chance you could go with the 120g and use the 75g as the new sump? Especially if you are building your own stand and can make it a bit taller so you still have room above the 75g to work. Or, and it isn't cheap, build our own sump/refugium. I've made 5 aquariums and several sumps out of glass and I've never had a leaker(some are 10 years old and still in use).

thomas hudson · Jun 29, 2018

I might just stay with my 75 and go with doing my own 40 gallon sump baffles in a 40 breeder. I like the idea of DIY and 40 dollars for a petco sale. Although a 120 with the 75 would be amazing, but i want to try to recoup a bit of money if i can. I guess the main decision i have to make is it i can afford and want to spend the money for the 120, the new sump and a kessil light for growing my Chaeto.

Porpoise Hork · Jun 29, 2018

Why not go with a 120 and the 40B sump? That way you have plenty of reale state in the display tank for aquascaping and future growth, as well as a healthy sized sump. This time of the year, depending on where you live finding a used 120 tank and stand in good condition for a cheap price is not too difficult.

thomas hudson · Jun 29, 2018

Porpoise Hork said:
Why not go with a 120 and the 40B sump? That way you have plenty of reale state in the display tank for aquascaping and future growth, as well as a healthy sized sump. This time of the year, depending on where you live finding a used 120 tank and stand in good condition for a cheap price is not too difficult.

The main reason not to go that route is more money spent. I would need to buy a new 120, 40b and stand. I am 50/50 undecided if i want to spend that money or not but having the extra room, water volume and able to keep some fish i could not before does sound nice.

Ron Reefman · Jun 29, 2018

IMHO, if money is really an issue, stay small. The last thing you want is to go bigger, spend more than you want to, have something expensive go wrong and end up in debt to get it fixed. You can always go bigger when finances are less of an issue.

RCS82 · Jun 29, 2018

The 120 is my vote but Ron is right. Keep it within reason and where you're comfortable, like a Kessil fuge light isn't really needed.

thomas hudson · Jul 1, 2018

I mean its not going to break my bank or anything. I am about to sale my house so i will be ok on the moneys. But yeah i think the 120 would be sick. There is a local guy who has a red sea 140 gal he bought, its brand new and he never used it. He wants 4k for it plus lights etc. Nor sure if i want to spend that much but man that tank is beautiful.