What is the best "medium"size tank?

[Flynsqwirl]

I know everyone says as big as you can and what not but when is a tank just to big to do easy maintaince ? Ive heard of people going from say a 200g to a 400g and actually have a harder time. Looking to up size from my 70g (36x24x18) in the near future and want to actually be able to get bigger cool fish and not spend tons of money since my ex gets most of that. Seems like something in the 160g range seems decent but will that just end up being to small?

 

[redfishbluefish]

180 is the ideal tank.....six feet long and two feet wide, great for rock work. And the depth (I think around 25 inches) is almost reachable with a long arm.

 

[lacrosseboss18]

I’m never happy. I always want to go bigger.
I like the 120g tank because of lighting options.
If you went with a 160 you would have to go custom. Not sure of any standard 160s.
You can go 180 or a 220. I have a 225 and would love a 500 next. I’m already wanting bigger cooler fish or more fish and schooling options...

 

[Daltrey]

I've owned 55, 155, 160 and 240. Currently have a red sea reefer 750xxl that is 160 display and it is the perfect size to me. If they made a 180 I would have went with that. The 240 cost alot more to run since mine was an 8 foot tank. I don't miss it and will never get another 8 foot tank.

 

[madweazl]

I went with a 150g (60x24x24); I wanted bigger than my 75g but I didn't want a major step up in maintenance either. While the volume is a considerable step up, the footprint really is all that much bigger. I didn't want it taller than 24" (really wanted 20" but it was cost prohibitive) so that I could still reach in there without being on a step stool. 30" width would have been great but again, cost prohibitive. In the end, SCAquariums 150g offered fantastic value and a decent compromise in regard to wishes vs reality.

 

[Flynsqwirl]

I love my tank as far as 24" deep and dont think I'll ever go less than 24". It just sucks cause I really just want a small tang and don't want to be that guy and my fish options are pretty small . I know lighting is a big one as far as going bigger and just want to find a happy medium. I feel like I'm already maxed out on corals as I've been on a stick rampage and know when they grow out I'll be regretting my 4"away placements. I kinda like 5ft tanks as a medium from 4ft to 6ft

 

[Flynsqwirl]

I went with a 150g (60x24x24); I wanted bigger than my 75g but I didn't want a major step up in maintenance either. While the volume is a considerable step up, the footprint really is all that much bigger. I didn't want it taller than 24" (really wanted 20" but it was cost prohibitive) so that I could still reach in there without being on a step stool. 30" width would have been great but again, cost prohibitive. In the end, SCAquariums 150g offered fantastic value and a decent compromise in regard to wishes vs reality.

I think that is a perfect size tank for growth and fish stocking. My gf already complains how humid and stuffy the living room is when she comes home,lol. I prabably loose 3/4 a gallon a day which isn't bad.

 

[saltyhog]

I'm probably in the minority but I don't think a shallow tank limits you with your fish choices. Fish very seldom swim vertically unless they are scared/mating.

My current tank is 72x24x21, 155 gallons (3"more shallow than a 180). It's easy to light, I can reach the bottom almost anywhere in the tank without a step stool. Not sure if anyone still makes this tank as a standard size (mine is from Deep Sea Aquatics which is no longer in business).

I like the length for greater fish choices, I also am able to put a lot of equipment in the stand (42" sump, dosing pumps/reservoirs, carbon reactor, GFO reactor and a 16 gallon ATO reservoir).

 

[Flynsqwirl]

I'm probably in the minority but I don't think a shallow tank limits you with your fish choices. Fish very seldom swim vertically unless they are scared/mating.

My current tank is 72x24x21, 155 gallons (3"more shallow than a 180). It's easy to light, I can reach the bottom almost anywhere in the tank without a step stool. Not sure if anyone still makes this tank as a standard size (mine is from Deep Sea Aquatics which is no longer in business).

I like the length for greater fish choices, I also am able to put a lot of equipment in the stand (42" sump, dosing pumps/reservoirs, carbon reactor, GFO reactor and a 16 gallon ATO reservoir).

I like around 20" tall tanks, as you said can light it up good and yeah more room for stuff in the sump. I built my stand and I think it's 42" tall with the tank being 20" tall and I reach pretty good but I'm 6'2". I built a shelf the wraps around all my plumbing in the back and made a lol rail so stuff can't fall down with 24" depth I can fit all my reef junk.lol.

 

[ca1ore]

While I personally prefer a taller tank (my fish swim vertically all the time), I certainly appreciate the inconvenience of extra height. I'd suggest 24x24 at whatever length you can manage as probably ideal for most folks.

 

[Flynsqwirl]

While I personally prefer a taller tank (my fish swim vertically all the time), I certainly appreciate the inconvenience of extra height. I'd suggest 24x24 at whatever length you can manage as probably ideal for most folks.

Agree on that but the length is more the question

 

[jasonrusso]

I love my tank as far as 24" deep and dont think I'll ever go less than 24". It just sucks cause I really just want a small tang and don't want to be that guy and my fish options are pretty small . I know lighting is a big one as far as going bigger and just want to find a happy medium. I feel like I'm already maxed out on corals as I've been on a stick rampage and know when they grow out I'll be regretting my 4"away placements. I kinda like 5ft tanks as a medium from 4ft to 6ft

I have a 210. 72lx24dx30h. My porcupine puffer cruises around the top so he appreciates the extra height. If I was going to do coral in that tank, I would have gone with the 180. The only difference in 24" tall. The lights would have 6 less inches to penetrate.

And yes, my tang and angel appreciate the 6' length. I had a yellow tang in a 5' 150 and he started getting aggressive so I had to donate him.

 

[Flynsqwirl]

I have a 210. 72lx24dx30h. My porcupine puffer cruises around the top so he appreciates the extra height. If I was going to do coral in that tank, I would have gone with the 180. The only difference in 24" tall. The lights would have 6 less inches to penetrate.

And yes, my tang and angel appreciate the 6' length. I had a yellow tang in a 5' 150 and he started getting aggressive so I had to donate him.

A yellow tang in a 5ft ? I keep seeing sponcered guys on ig with yellow tangs in 45-70g tanks. I really want a kole in my 70g but don't want to have a stressed fish in a small tank

 

[[Cameron]]

180 (72x24x24) is my favorite. Roughly the same price to light as a 5' tank, plenty of room to scape front to back and SPS won't outgrow the height. If you have the space, these are pretty awesome.

 

[hybridazn]

6x2x2 180 gallon or a 4x2x2 120 are a couple of my favorites.

But my top one is the 6x3x27" 300DD

 

[pelphrey]

I really like my Reefer 250, approx 64 gallons of water with sump. It works for me right now. I’ve put a lot of thought into my next tank since I’ve been running this tank for 14ish month. I’d like a rimless 60”x30”x20” tall tank.

 

[srad750c]

I know everyone says as big as you can and what not but when is a tank just to big to do easy maintaince ? Ive heard of people going from say a 200g to a 400g and actually have a harder time. Looking to up size from my 70g (36x24x18) in the near future and want to actually be able to get bigger cool fish and not spend tons of money since my ex gets most of that. Seems like something in the 160g range seems decent but will that just end up being to small?

Moving up to 120 gal 48x24x24, currently I have a 90 gal 48x18x24. I need more width. Considering 150 gal 60x24x24.

 

[rck329]

I just bought a new 180. My thoughts were (coming from a 90) more depth(front to back) for rockwork and corals, and at 24" deep still can reach the bottom with my hands for maintenance. That said, I was checking out my tank at the LFS this weekend and thought "dang, shoulda gone 220." lol

I also said to the LFS owner "This is it for me. Biggest tank I'll ever have..." and he smiled and said "I'll take that bet."

I will say, if I had bought a 120 instead of a 90 to start with, I might not be upgrading right now. Then again I really like tangs, and your options are pretty limited in a 4 foot tank.

I searched for a long time for a used 180, but they were few and far between. And the ones that did come up were pretty rough.

 

[Flynsqwirl]

I really like my Reefer 250, approx 64 gallons of water with sump. It works for me right now. I’ve put a lot of thought into my next tank since I’ve been running this tank for 14ish month. I’d like a rimless 60”x30”x20” tall tank.

I'm currently at 75g with sump and love my tank, it's rimless starphire but am limited on cool fish imo.

 

[Flynsqwirl]

Moving up to 120 gal 48x24x24, currently I have a 90 gal 48x18x24. I need more width. Considering 150 gal 60x24x24.

Going for a while new tank for only 6 inches seems weird but it is a big difference. I say do the 150. This is my second tank and it seems like I'm happy for a year and then want an upgrade. Thinking of finding a size I can grow into and just keep it for years.( Hopefully)