best reeftank size >90 gallons

tommyp · 01-09-2004, 10:19 PM

Here's a poll for everyone, Dreaming of the day that I can leave my 65 behind and go big. What's your favorite size large tank?

Witfull · 01-09-2004, 10:33 PM

forgot one,,,,,265g - 84X24X30...thats my next tank!

ReefLady · 01-09-2004, 10:34 PM

Well, you know I voted for 180g.

Though, depending on what you have for space, I have always considered the 120g (48 x 24 x 24) the "ultimate" size tank. 2' front to back depth with only the need for 2 x MH's.

Once you have a 2' front --> back depth, you'll never want anything less. Makes all the difference in the world. I'd take a 120g over a 125g any day.

Maxx · 01-09-2004, 10:38 PM

I think my next tank will either be the 120 as Teri mentioned, or (hopefully) a custom cube tank. I REALLY want a cube tank for the width considerations on aquascaping like Teri mentioned. I'd go w/ 48Lx48Wx18H so I would have to run more powerful lights.
Nick

ReefLady · 01-09-2004, 10:43 PM

96 x 36 x 36 ... but I can dream. I do have to say though, my darn acros are bumping into each-other .... hmmm.... tank will be 2 yrs old in May .... hmmm .... LOL

sharks · 01-09-2004, 10:45 PM

I went for the 120 and love it

As Teri said factor in the that I only have to replace 2 250W MH bulbs a year and I have less of a heat issue then those with 3 or more bulbs.
That being said I wish I just converted the 220.

But the lighting costs would have killed me. Imagine having to replace 3 400W MH’s a year plus the actinics!
Never mind running them all year
JMO
S

BoomerD · 01-09-2004, 10:47 PM

I voted for the 180, but almost voted for the 120. Both are great tanks for a reef. The 24x24 gives an excellent viewing area, not too tall for lighting, and dep enough to give the tank a "feel" of depth. If I get my way, I'll be getting rid of my 90, and replaceing it with a 120. (sure I will!

)
FAT CHANCE!!

SunnyX · 01-09-2004, 10:49 PM

Yea 120gl(4x2x2) rocks. I have one and I have tons of room to work with. next tank will probebly be 220gl or more. But that wont be for a while.

tommyp · 01-09-2004, 10:57 PM

RL/sharks- I love the 120 as well. It would probably be my choice on my budget, I got my 65 thinking I could get away with one halide but now coming to the realization is not the best setup.

Sharks- did you get a RR tank or did you drill it?

RL-but sure do love that 180 of yours.

wit- sorry I didn't put in the 265, man that would be sweet.

sharks · 01-09-2004, 11:09 PM

I got an AGA RR (old style) overflow.
I am happy with it for now.
When I own my own home I will go large and plumb everything like Teri to a filtration room (basement)
Probably just convert the 220 in the end.
If you have the room for the 6’ footprint and the cash of course go for it. Just keep in mind all the costs involved. Running cost, Chiller included, Bulb replacement, calcium reactor and or kalk reactor, and so on, and so on…

I only had 4” to play with so the biggest glass RR tank I could find was the 120.
Small enough to manage with limited time and money. And yet large enough to handle many corals and fish.

tommyp · 01-09-2004, 11:27 PM

sharks- I don't like the looks of the mega flow 120 I would much prefer the oldstyle overflows. Because of that I might have to get the tank drilled dunno, just dreaming for now but serious dreaming

tom

fidojoe · 01-10-2004, 12:13 AM

I like the 240s, (8x2x2) for the same reasons stated on the 180s and 120's, but has more volume. The other one I like is the 150 (4x2dx2.5h) its a little taller, so stronger lights are needed, but 2- 400watt mhs otta do it. Right now, tho, I'm happy with my 50, cause I don't have the space really, or the money to buy/maintain the tank that is over 3x what I have now...maybe later this year tho, cause I might be getting a big promotion at work meaning triple the pay from part time (what I'm doing now)

sharks · 01-10-2004, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fidojoe
I might be getting a big promotion at work meaning triple the pay from part time (what I'm doing now)

Great news Joe

congrats

Hope all goes well and you get the promotion

fidojoe · 01-10-2004, 12:26 AM

keyword...MIGHT, I'm thinking it will happen tho, cause they are really happy with me, my sales manager even hinted to me that I am a candidate for employee of the quarter! The only thing that stinks is that IF I get promoted, I will not be able to start working full time right away, I'll get the pay raise, but not the full time hours until april, when I turn 18, the child labor laws in AZ stink!, you are not allowed to work more than an average of I think 25 hrs a week. BTW, I work at Best Buy, thats why I'm usually broke.

Playa · 01-10-2004, 12:28 AM

I had a lot of trouble deciding between a 120 and a 180. Thank God I chose the 180, since it is almost full now(in less than 2 months). Without a question, of the choices given, a 180 is my favorite. Once I started stocking it it became little very fast but nevertheless. A 120 is an AWESOME size for a reef as well. I agree about a tank having a minimum of 2 feet deep(works best for aquascaping, water flow etc...
I really dont think there is no major difference in spending when setting up a 120 or a 180. If your budget allows for a little more of a sacrifice, splurge with the 180, you will never regret it.

As far as a best reef tank size? well...Asking that to most of the reef fricks here is pretty dangerous, I would say in my case the larger the better. So BIG is never big enough. I am sure I will never stop dreaming of having a larger tank.

I hope my next reef will be in the shape of a cube with a minimum 500 gallons capacity.

View Poll Results: Best reeftank size >90g
92 corner bowfront	1	2.86%
110 gal high 48x18x30	0	0%
120 gal high 48x24x24	8	22.86%
120 long _60x18x26	0	0%
125 gal 72x18x22	1	2.86%
150 gal_ 72x18x28	0	0%
50 gal tall 48x24x30	1	2.86%
155 gal bowfront 72x24x24	2	5.71%
180 gal 72x24x24	8	22.86%
175 Bowfront 72.5x24x23	1	2.86%
220 gal_ 72x24x30	13	37.14%
Voters: 35. You may not vote on this poll

01-09-2004, 10:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
tommyp Neon dottyback Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: VT Posts: 659 View Gallery Karma Komment	best reeftank size >90 gallons Here's a poll for everyone, Dreaming of the day that I can leave my 65 behind and go big. What's your favorite size large tank? __________________ "I think that you can start the bombs of oceanrunner. They are good bombs for a rollback." 190g (60x30x25) upgrade in progress, 90g basement sump Check it out here! Last edited by tommyp : 01-09-2004 at 10:26 PM.

01-09-2004, 10:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
ReefLady Golden Moray Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 2,031 View Gallery Karma Komment	Well, you know I voted for 180g. Though, depending on what you have for space, I have always considered the 120g (48 x 24 x 24) the "ultimate" size tank. 2' front to back depth with only the need for 2 x MH's. Once you have a 2' front --> back depth, you'll never want anything less. Makes all the difference in the world. I'd take a 120g over a 125g any day. __________________ ~ Teri -------- "You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice."

01-09-2004, 10:38 PM	#4 (permalink)
Maxx Manta Ray Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: St Louis Mo Posts: 3,079 View Gallery Karma Komment	I think my next tank will either be the 120 as Teri mentioned, or (hopefully) a custom cube tank. I REALLY want a cube tank for the width considerations on aquascaping like Teri mentioned. I'd go w/ 48Lx48Wx18H so I would have to run more powerful lights. Nick __________________ "Chaos, confusion, despair...my work is done here." ...Some guy named Murphy.... A good friend will come and bail you out of jail...but, a true friend will be sitting next to you saying, "Damn...that was fun!" Reef Sanctuary Knowledgebase (Answers to all your questions and then some!)

01-09-2004, 10:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
ReefLady Golden Moray Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: New Hampshire, USA Posts: 2,031 View Gallery Karma Komment	96 x 36 x 36 ... but I can dream. I do have to say though, my darn acros are bumping into each-other .... hmmm.... tank will be 2 yrs old in May .... hmmm .... LOL __________________ ~ Teri -------- "You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice."

01-09-2004, 10:45 PM	#6 (permalink)
sharks Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 843 View Gallery Karma Komment	I went for the 120 and love it As Teri said factor in the that I only have to replace 2 250W MH bulbs a year and I have less of a heat issue then those with 3 or more bulbs. That being said I wish I just converted the 220. But the lighting costs would have killed me. Imagine having to replace 3 400W MH’s a year plus the actinics! Never mind running them all year JMO S __________________ The sea monkey has my money 220G fish only tank ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 120G Reef 2 250W 65K MH’s. 2 VHO Actinics LifeReef filter/skimmer/20G REF 200LB Kaelini Rock . 2-3” DSB. Various, LPS, SPS, clams, leathers, and others Numerous fish ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> View my Photo Gallery><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>

01-09-2004, 10:47 PM	#7 (permalink)
BoomerD Reef Shark Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Northern California Posts: 5,637 View Gallery Karma Komment	I voted for the 180, but almost voted for the 120. Both are great tanks for a reef. The 24x24 gives an excellent viewing area, not too tall for lighting, and dep enough to give the tank a "feel" of depth. If I get my way, I'll be getting rid of my 90, and replaceing it with a 120. (sure I will! ) FAT CHANCE!!

01-09-2004, 10:49 PM	#8 (permalink)
SunnyX Scopas Tang Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Dearborn,MI Posts: 429 View Gallery Karma Komment	Yea 120gl(4x2x2) rocks. I have one and I have tons of room to work with. next tank will probebly be 220gl or more. But that wont be for a while. __________________ 225gl Starphire(60Lx36Wx24H) Reef Deltec AP851 GEO Calcium Reactor Sequence DART TUNZE 6100 Stream SEIO 1500 2xAquaclear 270 Powerheads 3x250w MH ROIII+ Pheonix 14K DE HQI *2x110w VHO URi Super Actinic

01-09-2004, 10:57 PM	#9 (permalink)
tommyp Neon dottyback Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: VT Posts: 659 View Gallery Karma Komment	RL/sharks- I love the 120 as well. It would probably be my choice on my budget, I got my 65 thinking I could get away with one halide but now coming to the realization is not the best setup. Sharks- did you get a RR tank or did you drill it? RL-but sure do love that 180 of yours. wit- sorry I didn't put in the 265, man that would be sweet. __________________ "I think that you can start the bombs of oceanrunner. They are good bombs for a rollback." 190g (60x30x25) upgrade in progress, 90g basement sump Check it out here!

01-09-2004, 11:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
sharks Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NJ Posts: 843 View Gallery Karma Komment	I got an AGA RR (old style) overflow. I am happy with it for now. When I own my own home I will go large and plumb everything like Teri to a filtration room (basement) Probably just convert the 220 in the end. If you have the room for the 6’ footprint and the cash of course go for it. Just keep in mind all the costs involved. Running cost, Chiller included, Bulb replacement, calcium reactor and or kalk reactor, and so on, and so on… I only had 4” to play with so the biggest glass RR tank I could find was the 120. Small enough to manage with limited time and money. And yet large enough to handle many corals and fish. __________________ The sea monkey has my money 220G fish only tank ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 120G Reef 2 250W 65K MH’s. 2 VHO Actinics LifeReef filter/skimmer/20G REF 200LB Kaelini Rock . 2-3” DSB. Various, LPS, SPS, clams, leathers, and others Numerous fish ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> View my Photo Gallery><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>

01-09-2004, 11:27 PM	#11 (permalink)
tommyp Neon dottyback Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: VT Posts: 659 View Gallery Karma Komment	sharks- I don't like the looks of the mega flow 120 I would much prefer the oldstyle overflows. Because of that I might have to get the tank drilled dunno, just dreaming for now but serious dreaming tom __________________ "I think that you can start the bombs of oceanrunner. They are good bombs for a rollback." 190g (60x30x25) upgrade in progress, 90g basement sump Check it out here!

01-10-2004, 12:13 AM	#12 (permalink)
fidojoe Fish Addict Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 1,581 View Gallery Karma Komment	I like the 240s, (8x2x2) for the same reasons stated on the 180s and 120's, but has more volume. The other one I like is the 150 (4x2dx2.5h) its a little taller, so stronger lights are needed, but 2- 400watt mhs otta do it. Right now, tho, I'm happy with my 50, cause I don't have the space really, or the money to buy/maintain the tank that is over 3x what I have now...maybe later this year tho, cause I might be getting a big promotion at work meaning triple the pay from part time (what I'm doing now) __________________ *Member "Crabs Are Evil" Society* My Tank: 90g AGA, 18g tall sump, CSS 220 w/ meshmod impeller, 4x54w Tek T5 retro w/ IC reflectors, Kalk reactor w/ aquamedic niveaumat system, a few SPS, LPS, zoos, and a few softies, 2 Ocellaris Clowns (hosted by both a RBTA and GBTA), Yellow Watchman, Potter's angel, Yellow Tang, Foxface, Midas Blenny, Purple Pseudo, huge brittle star, 2 tigertail cukes, fire shrimp, snails, and unfortunately two emerald crabs (the bubble algae got out of control).

01-10-2004, 12:26 AM	#14 (permalink)
fidojoe Fish Addict Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 1,581 View Gallery Karma Komment	keyword...MIGHT, I'm thinking it will happen tho, cause they are really happy with me, my sales manager even hinted to me that I am a candidate for employee of the quarter! The only thing that stinks is that IF I get promoted, I will not be able to start working full time right away, I'll get the pay raise, but not the full time hours until april, when I turn 18, the child labor laws in AZ stink!, you are not allowed to work more than an average of I think 25 hrs a week. BTW, I work at Best Buy, thats why I'm usually broke. __________________ *Member "Crabs Are Evil" Society* My Tank: 90g AGA, 18g tall sump, CSS 220 w/ meshmod impeller, 4x54w Tek T5 retro w/ IC reflectors, Kalk reactor w/ aquamedic niveaumat system, a few SPS, LPS, zoos, and a few softies, 2 Ocellaris Clowns (hosted by both a RBTA and GBTA), Yellow Watchman, Potter's angel, Yellow Tang, Foxface, Midas Blenny, Purple Pseudo, huge brittle star, 2 tigertail cukes, fire shrimp, snails, and unfortunately two emerald crabs (the bubble algae got out of control).

01-10-2004, 12:28 AM	#15 (permalink)
Playa Reef Lobster Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Palm Beach Gardens, FL Posts: 1,451 View Gallery Karma Komment	I had a lot of trouble deciding between a 120 and a 180. Thank God I chose the 180, since it is almost full now(in less than 2 months). Without a question, of the choices given, a 180 is my favorite. Once I started stocking it it became little very fast but nevertheless. A 120 is an AWESOME size for a reef as well. I agree about a tank having a minimum of 2 feet deep(works best for aquascaping, water flow etc... I really dont think there is no major difference in spending when setting up a 120 or a 180. If your budget allows for a little more of a sacrifice, splurge with the 180, you will never regret it. As far as a best reef tank size? well...Asking that to most of the reef fricks here is pretty dangerous, I would say in my case the larger the better. So BIG is never big enough. I am sure I will never stop dreaming of having a larger tank. I hope my next reef will be in the shape of a cube with a minimum 500 gallons capacity.

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