Tank size recommendation (125-180)

[Whitelight]

I'm new to reef keeping and am getting ready to purchase my first tank. I've been reading about tank sizes on this forum and have decided to go with a 125-180 gallon tank for two reasons: 1) bigger tanks allow for more stable water parameters and 2) if I go smaller, I'll probably want to upgrade in the future, resulting in extra cost.

I've heard a million times, "get the biggest tank you can afford", but I'd like some advice based on my situation. The area I'm putting the tank could certainly fit a 24" deep tank, but it would kinda be too big for that space. And I'd hate for my awesome, expensive tank to look like an eyesore because it's too massive for the area it's in (my den). So, I'm leaning toward an 18" deep tank instead, but not totally committed. All the tanks I'm considering are 72" long tanks, that was an easy decision. The tank will initially be a FOWLR tank, and upgraded to reef tank in a year or so.

Nominal Tank Sizes
125 - 18" W x 21" H
135 - 18" W x 24" H
150 - 18" W x 28" H
180 - 24" W x 24" H

125 Gallon
This one would be good, except I'm concerned about the height not being high enough. At only 21" you could probably only see 17-18" of viewable swimming area after you subtract the sand bed and canopy overhang. I'm worried that my tank will feel too shallow with this one. It also obviously holds the least water.

135 Gallon
This tank seems perfect in every way, except it's not a standard size anymore. So, I would have to either buy a used tank or order one custom made. I'm concerned a custom tank would cost too much to be cost effective and some people caution against used tanks.

150 Gallon
This tank solves the shortcomings of the 125 (too shallow) and 135 (non-standard), but introduces it's own problem: height. I've read in many places that keeping corals in a tank taller than 24" can be difficult without killer lighting. Since I don't want to have to refinance my house to buy super lighting, and I want to eventually have corals, I'm concerned that this tank will be too tall.

180 Gallon
This tank has the ideal height (just like the 135), plus has more depth. A lot of people seem to really like the 180 gallon dimensions and I'd like to get one too, but I think the 24" depth is just too much.

Additional question:
Whichever tank I get will be predrilled in the bottom pane for overflows, so do I need to leave room between the back of the tank and the wall? In other words, is there any reason the tank can't be slid all the way up again the wall behind it? If I could, it would help with the tank depth concerns I've been having.

Thanks in advance for any advice and/or thoughts.

[Reverond]

If it were me, i would get the 180g.

I have a 50g (36w x 18d x 18h) and a 120g (48w x 24d x 24h). And i love the extra 6" in both depth and hight with the 120g. It is easier to make a good rock scape with the 24"d. 18"d there is not enough room before the glass. My vote is for the 180. :-)

[schatzi]

I have the 125 and it's not shallow but I'm like everyone else and wish it was bigger. Having said that, it IS a very nice size and certainly enough to keep most people happy.
It sounds like you've done your research and really have a good grasp of the pros and cons of each choice. Yes with bottom drilled overflows the is most likely no reason it couldn't be up against the wall. Will you use power heads for additional flow or have you considered a closed loop? This might determine if you would need space behind the tank.

[albano]

180g...nothing to think about...if the 24" deep fits...GET IT! You will appreciate it when you get it set up!

[xblueonex1977]

switched from 125 to 180 after 6 months and of course thinking to switch to bigger a bigger tank already

[randomfishguy85]

dont make the height of the 150 gallon deter you from it. You can find metal halide lighting really cheap used. I got a dual 250 watt PFO ballast and reflector set for 100 bucks. Just something to consider.

[muskiewade]

A tank is like a storage shed, it can never be too big! You'll always find a way to fill it. Go with the 180!

[TimeConsumer]

I would go for the 180. With a FOWLR you're probably going to get some good sized fish which need that extra space from front to back.

[buckeyereefer1]

i would do the 150 if you ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY can not do the 180. the extra height will be very nice. also could consider a 210 G or 220G same footprint as the 180 just taller. you will be able to grow anything with 250W halides. might have to put the very high light corals in middle or top of rocks. but vast majority will be just fine. water parameter's and proper feeding will play just as big a role as light.

[Merasti]

One size bigger then you want right now... If you like bowfronts the 155g bow is the same dimensions as a 180 except 18" front to back on the ends and 24" in the middle, stunning tank.

[SpinyReef]

if its a reef, 24" deep no less. FO could go for 18". You'll regret not going deeper if you build a reef

[SKurj]

+1 more for 180g

I was planning a new 6ft tank for me fw fish, and 180 is the perfect dimensions in my opinion for a 6ft tank.
I have since changed my plans (since I started a SW tank instead) .. the only drawback for me is a water change on a freshwater tank is as simple as running a hose to a tap... not so with SW..

So I will likely go with a 120, 4ft x 2 x 2. I cannot store large quantities of SW even for short periods of time, so the reduced volume will result in fewer buckets!

[Palting]

Whatever you get, you will always want one bigger!! LOL!!!

Anyway, I have the 150, and like it very well, and don't let that 28" height deter you. See my lights under my sig? I can grow SPS down low, and even have 2 clams flourishing on the substrate. It is a "killer light" but it is in league with the same light you would get for a 125.

And for another, that 28" height with a 62" length is just positively stunning compared to a 24" height. It's a big picture window into the ocean. If you want the 24" depth as well, go for a 220 gal. That way you have the best depth, length, and height, without changing any of the needed peripheral equipment. It's the only other tank dimension I would consider over the 150.

As to your other question, can you put it up right against the wall, the answer is yes. The reef ready tanks were designed to do just that:go flush against a back wall. One caveat, though. As you and you tank mature in this hobby, you will be looking for other accessories. Things like reservoirs for ATO, automatic water changes, reactors, maybe chillers, remote refugiums, etc, etc, etc. There just will be not enough space underneath that cabinet, and you may want some plumbing either in and out of that cabinet or in and out of that tank. If you can go through that back wall, well and good, If not, it may be prudent to leave some work space behind the tank to route things at a later date. In the early stages, you may want that space for electrical cords and the back end of powerheads/wavemakers at the very least.

[BigCountry74]

180

[drparker]

180 all the way. Just like HD TVs they seem huge when first installed but shrink over time.

You should leave at least 4" between the tank and the wall. If not at some point in the future you'll kick yourself for not leaving that room. I have 3" of room and wish it was 5 or 6.

[Playa-1]

180 would be my choice too.

[Whitelight]

Thanks guys for all the feedback. You've definitely got me leaning toward a 180 now. Now just need to convince the wife that half of my den deserves to be occupied by a giant tank.

Originally Posted by drparker

You should leave at least 4" between the tank and the wall. If not at some point in the future you'll kick yourself for not leaving that room. I have 3" of room and wish it was 5 or 6.

Could you comment further on this? Why do you recommend leaving 4" of room? My tank will be drilled at the bottom so I can't think of anything that will need to go behind the tank.

[rays2k]

Get the 180, you'll end up regretting it if you don't.

[sponger0]

Just get the 180. End of discussion lol.

[rogermccray]

Originally Posted by Whitelight

Thanks guys for all the feedback. You've definitely got me leaning toward a 180 now. Now just need to convince the wife that half of my den deserves to be occupied by a giant tank.



Could you comment further on this? Why do you recommend leaving 4" of room? My tank will be drilled at the bottom so I can't think of anything that will need to go behind the tank.

If you do put it flush to the wall i would recommend putting a background on, or painting the back, before you get the tank in place. I have about a one or two inch gap behind my tank and getting a background on there after the fact was annoying. And you definitely won't be painting the back after the fact.

[Palting]

Originally Posted by Whitelight

Could you comment further on this? Why do you recommend leaving 4" of room? My tank will be drilled at the bottom so I can't think of anything that will need to go behind the tank.

You will need powerheads. Where will you route the powercords? How about the light, will you just route the powercord to the side? If you ever want do have dosers into you tank, where will you route the dosing tubes? How about probes and sensors, should you ever want to upgrade to those? Best route for all of these is behind the tank, out of sight. Take our word for it. Unless you want to drill through the back wall or are willing to have these hanging off the side, you will want at least a 4" space in the back.

[rl225]

225 is 72x24, but 30" tall. Another option


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[drparker]

Originally Posted by Palting

You will need powerheads. Where will you route the powercords? How about the light, will you just route the powercord to the side? If you ever want do have dosers into you tank, where will you route the dosing tubes? How about probes and sensors, should you ever want to upgrade to those? Best route for all of these is behind the tank, out of sight. Take our word for it. Unless you want to drill through the back wall or are willing to have these hanging off the side, you will want at least a 4" space in the back.

This, plus more. 1 year later as you change things, upgrade gear add or upgrade a controller, etc. It becomes a nightmare of tangled wires and tubes. The ability to reach back there, see back there, becomes very important.

[symon_say]

Or you can custom build a tank 72x22x24, i did this for the space i have available and is the best you can do.

You more space and still have some to work.

[Whitelight]

Originally Posted by symon_say

Or you can custom build a tank 72x22x24, i did this for the space i have available and is the best you can do.

You more space and still have some to work.

That sounds like a good option. Where did you custom order the tank from? I'm aware of glasscages.com but have heard too many bad reviews to order from there. Did you have it shipped to you or did you pick it up?