help me pick a size

[T_reef_kid]

i just cant pick a size for my next tank (which i am in the process of planning)...i want something between 120-180 gallons...120(48x24x24), 150(60x24x24), or 180(71x24x24)...i have room for any of the tanks listed...which is the most FUN to work with?
-thanks

 

[Mauisreef]

Bigger is always better!
The bigger the better!
I'm sure someone can think of more.
I vote 180.

Maui

 

[bradreef]

120 is two halide bulbs and the 180 is three. I would either do the 180 or decide to keep it smaller with the 120. The 180 will be better for big fish like tangs so they can cruise back and forth.

 

[bc_slc]

I love the look of the 60" tank. The 48" tank doesn't feel that much bigger than a 55/75/90 gal tank, and the 72" 180gal feels too big. Personally, I went with a custom tank from IAP. Mine is 60"Lx22"Dx30"tall. I thought the standard 150's which are 60x24x24 felt too squaty, and liked a tank a bit taller than deep. I absolutely love it. It still feels quite big, has tons of water and space, the depth is excellent and you could get away with 2 metal halides, though i have 3. Let me know if you want to see some pics...

Mat

 

[T_reef_kid]

around how much is a glass 180? 150? and 120?

 

[johnehr]

It depends on the shape. If you make a cube shape, it will be less glass...

Go with the 180 so you wont be mad later that you didnt go big. I know that I want my next tank to be 200+ so I can have plenty of space for expanding my coral and fish collection. My 60 is absolutely packed now...

 

[LakeEd]

"Size doesn't matter".

See how DUMB that actually sounds??? *grinz*

The larger, the more built-in Stability. Things happen slower in a 180 than they do in a 75... or at least, the BAD things do. That "solution to polution" saying (which I don't much like) actually does help with larger water volumns... and as Johnehr mentioned "go as big as you can, so you aren't upset with yourself later"!!!

 

[Ed Hahn]

The larger the tank the more evaporation, and more lighting needed to run for corals, Heating, or possibly cooling, cost for running pumps, more live rock. A larger tank does consume more energy.
But the good side is...more room for corals, animals, larger tanks make excellent show pieces, especially when your fish can grow above 6 inches in a short time and your corals are not touching each other growing to enormus lengths. It makes the TV obsolete in my oppinion.

 

[T_reef_kid]

hm...makes the tv obsolete...my moms gonna like that, LOL

 

[T_reef_kid]

sorry for the double post, got one quick question...what return pump(s) to use on a 180?

 

[Ed Hahn]

T reef Kid,
Do you have a overflow already? Do you have a Sump? Your sump will be designed to handle so much flow. Your Overflow will be designed to handle so much flow also. You can weigh in those two things to your formula for a pump for your return. I hope this helps,
Ed

 

[T_reef_kid]

no, im still planning...this thing wont be set up till some time next year or ten years later(LOL)...whats a good company to get glass tanks from (besides AGA)...i was thinking about using a 100 gal. tank for a sump...as for the overflow - two 3/4" drains and 18 inches of "linear" overflow....sounds good?

 

[wanareef]

Here's a link that will help: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=371622 3/4' overflows is IMO too small for flow. The link should help

 

[AquariumObsesse]

IMO I would go at least 30-36" front to back. Go for a 239 gallon- 48x48x24 or 224 gallon 60x36x24

 

[T_reef_kid]

whoa cool! thanx for the link!