New tank Help. 120 vs. 125 Any help please

[ReefRex]

Hello All
Well I have been a long time looker, but now have a question and need some advice. I also want to apologize in advance for the lengthy post. First let me tell some things about my tank. It is a 55 gal. (48x12x20) reef that has been running for about 5 years, with 2 years of neglect. I have recently resurrected it since I now have the money and time to do so and keep better care of it. I am now looking to upgrade to a larger tank since there is a lot more stuff I would like to keep and instead of stocking the current tank all the way up, I figure wait and do the upgrade now. My lighting is 2 x 250 watt 1000K MH Mogul with 4 x 48inch 110 watt VHO, 2 Actinic blue and 2 Actinic white. I also have 2 x 65 watt 1000K PC that I could use if needed. Skimmer is an ETSS, not sure of the model, I know it is an older one. It’s about 20inch tall and the base is 7inch across (round) and runs about 450-550 gph. No sump or fuge, but will be adding one with the bigger tank. I have about 70-100 pounds of live rock, witch I will use along with another 40-80 pounds that I will be getting soon to give time to cure in a rubber made tank. I have a 1inch sand bed now, still now sure what I will use in the new tank (I know for sure not the old stuff in there now lol), I like the idea of sand “glued” to starboard. What I would to keep is all kinds of corals and such, SPS, LPS, Softies, and, Clams. Fish will be mostly smaller ones, but I would like a tang or two and give a bigger home to my foxface. Now my complex is, should I get a 120 (48x24x24) or a 125 (72x18x20). I like both, the 120 for the depth, the 125 for the length and hens better for tangs. If I go with the 125, I know the lighting may not reach the ends so I would place lower light liking corals and such there. Please give me your ideas, any ideas, and your thoughts on if my equipment will support the tank and it inhabitants. Once again, sorry about the looonnnnggggg post. :lol:

 

[Anonymous]

If you want to focus on the corals go with the 120. It takes a lot of peices to fill up a six foot long tank.

If you are more focused on the fish go with the 125.

 

[ReefRex]

If you want to focus on the corals go with the 120. It takes a lot of peices to fill up a six foot long tank.

If you are more focused on the fish go with the 125.

Hey,
Thanks for the reply. I guess with the length of the 125 it would be hard to fill it up with corals. Do you think a tang or two would be cool in the 4 foot 120, being that it's a lot deeper (I know it is a touchy subject). Also do you think my equipment will be sufficient for the larger tank and do you think I would have enough live rock?
Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

I personally like the extra 6" of depth that the 120 offers. I wish I got the 120. It would cost less on bulb replacement. You can do more creative things with the LR in a 120 gallon. A tang would be fine in a 120 IMO. On a 120 your lighting is above adequate. On a 125 you may want another halide. The skimmer you have would be okay on either tank as long as you are not stocking too many more fish than mentioned already. However, I would go bigger.

I have the ASM G3 skimmer on my 125 and it skims great. Some more LR would help with aquascaping.

 

[ReefRex]

I personally like the extra 6" of depth that the 120 offers. I wish I got the 120. It would cost less on bulb replacement. You can do more creative things with the LR in a 120 gallon. A tang would be fine in a 120 IMO. On a 120 your lighting is above adequate. On a 125 you may want another halide. The skimmer you have would be okay on either tank as long as you are not stocking too many more fish than mentioned already. However, I would go bigger.

I have the ASM G3 skimmer on my 125 and it skims great. Some more LR would help with aquascaping.

Hey,
Very good points, I will really have to think about this. So you think the 120 is a good median for both fish and corals/inverts. Because my thought was comparing it to my 55 gal, the 2 feet side to side would be a bigger difference than the 1 foot front to back. Thanks for the advice on the equipment too.

Any one else’s ideas will help as well as past experience with either tanks.

 

[ChrisRD]

...or you could go for a 180 - then you can have the length and the width... :wink:

 

[ReefRex]

...or you could go for a 180 - then you can have the length and the width... :wink:

Hey,
O boy, don't get that in my head. LOL. I have looked into that size tank and it is the best of both worlds, but I just don't have the $$$$ for it. Thanks for the idea though.

 

[ChrisRD]

Sorry - just making some trouble...

Based on your goals and the lighting you have on-hand already, I vote for the 120.

 

[ReefRex]

Sorry - just making some trouble...

Based on your goals and the lighting you have on-hand already, I vote for the 120.

LOL, yeah, thanks a lot

Maybe Santa will be cool send some money my way, mmmmmm 180. LOL

So far I'm leaning towards the 120, but I still not sure. Could really use more input.

 

[Anonymous]

A 180 would be optimal. But cost is always an issue.

I was actually thinking of going custom made next.

36"x36"x24" drilled.

2x250 watt DE 10K with moon lights.

 

[ReefRex]

A 180 would be optimal. But cost is always an issue.

I was actually thinking of going custom made next.

36"x36"x24" drilled.

2x250 watt DE 10K with moon lights.

Yes, a 180 would be sweet, but money is normally the biggest issue. That size tank would very nice, about how many gallons would it be?

 

[npaden]

For a reef tank the 24" depth is the way to go IMO.

I would vote for the 120.

 

[ReefRex]

For a reef tank the 24" depth is the way to go IMO.

I would vote for the 120.

Hi,
Thanks for the vote and advice.

Seems the 120 is the way to go, hard decision still. Any one else have luck with either tank?

 

[Anonymous]

Around 135 gallons.

 

[ReefRex]

Any other input would be great.

 

[LA-Lawman]

I would say 120 or 180.

I have the 180g and love it... i upgraded from a 90g. I found myself wanting a deeper tank with the 90g. i later resaerched or $110 more I could have had a 120g with an additional overflow.... much better choice than a 90g...

ice thing about a 4foot tank is that you will not need another halide.... your lighting will work fine.... if yu get board you get add your PC's depending on how you construct your hood.


i have some pics on my website. click on the www jobber below...

 

[ReefTiger]

I have one question that could be a key for you: how many viewing angles will you have?

If it is only one (the front) I'd get the longer tank.

I have a 110- 5'x2'highx1.5deep and I really wish I had more depth. You would especially appreciate it after owning a 55 gallon, which I also once owned. Those things are too narrow.

Plus you have the advantage of already having appropriate lighting which means lower start up cost.

My next tank will be at least 24" in depth at a minimum.

Besides, it is neat to watch your fish swimming towards and away from you instead of just back and forth along th length.

Hope that helps, and show us pictures.

 

[ReefTiger]

oops

 

[ReefRex]

Very good points. The main view is from the front, but the sides can be seen as well and I like the idea of how the fish would swim. I can't wait until I get it and I will be sure get some pics. Thanks again.

Any one else got some ideas or advise?

 

[Anonymous]

I have the 120 and I just love it. Too bad my camera went nuts and I can't get any current pics, it is really looking good!

http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=67731

I love the two veiwing angles with it being so deep. I like the 120 size much better than then the 125. We had to go 4 foot because our old house has very small rooms and there is just no where to put a 6 foot tank. The 120 is the perfect size for our house.