90 Gal. Deep Sea Aquatics Vs. 120 Gal. All-Glass

[AtomHeart]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post. I have been in the freshwater side of the hobby a long time ago, ending with a brackish water tank that thrived for about 5 years. Now I am considering which tank to get for my first marine aquarium. I've saved every penny and am just about ready to make my first big round of purchases (the tank, stand, refugium, pump, vortex powerhead) and am really having a tough time deciding between my two top picks.

1. 90 Gallon Deep Sea Aquatics Neo 90 Pro tank (36 x 24 x 24)

2. 120 Gallon All-Glass Megaflow Reef Ready (48 x 24 x 24)


The Deep Sea Aquariums are more of a luxury line but by going down to the 36" length, I save so much on the light, and the ammount of live rock, etc. that these two tanks end up costing about the same when they are totally set up.

The pros of the Deep Sea Aquarium are the 3/4" thick glass, which allows it to have no center brace at the top. I like having one giant, obstruction-free opening at the top, and kind of like the glass overflow centered on the back of the tank.

The pros of the All Glass are that it has two overflows for lots of flow (although they are plastic overflows), and the extra 30 gallons of water capacity. I think the Deep Sea Aquatics tank has 3 holes in the glass overflow, though, so that would allow two drains, and one return to be used, giving it the same flow as the two overflows of the all-glass.

Does anyone think I will regret the smaller size if I go with the 90? I would love the extra water volume for temperature stability, and dilluting toxins, but don't like spending extra money on a longer light when that money can go into the nicer tank if I get a 36" light.

Any thoughts from those who have gone through this before? Anyone wish they gotten a larger tank?

[jet fixer]

Depends on what type of fish you plan on keeping. as an example Tangs/large angels need swimming room so, the 48" tank would be better for you. If you plan on smaller fish the 36" tank would be fine. I have not heard of Deep Sea Aquatics But they look nice from what I saw on the web site I'm going to my LFS to see if they can get me one.

[EvMiBo]

I think you'll regret it if you get the 90.. If you can do it I'd definitely go with the 120. IMO, It really opens up your options in many different ways.

PS - WELCOME!

[txfatcat]

Go with the 48x24x24 you will be much happier in the long run. If you have to continue to save then do so and complete your project with good equipment. Buying cheap equipment just to try to get a system running could be more problematic or the downfall in the long run.

Just be methodical and do lots of research to help you select the right gear just like your tank question.

[saltylife1]

i just upgraded from a 55 to a 120 last week. i love having more open real estate in my tank....and i bet my fish love it too. i would go with the 120 over the 90.

[AtomHeart]

Fair enough...they both end up being the same price in the long run, so its not really a financial issue. I even have plenty of room, so its not a space issue, though it may start to be a weight issue. Sounds like the greater size and water capacity is more important than the nicer build quality, thicker glass/no center brace, and glass overflow. Maybe my priorities are in the wrong place because I haven't got any experience with actually keeping a reef.

Has anyone ever heard of a problem with a plastic overflow pulling away from the glass back?

At any rate, I can certainly afford the 120 and both the 90 or 120 would be with the same high quality equipment/sump/etc. The big expense is the larger 48" light, but that is offset by the cheaper stand (all-glass pine) that I can get with the 120. The stand for the 90 gallon is a non-standard size/shape, so the only one I've found that fits it right is the Deep Sea Aquatics stand.

[sassafrass]

If you build your own canopy you can retrofit your lighting , that will cost much less

[AtomHeart]

I hadn't considered that, because I hadn't planned to have a canopy. I'm planning all small docile fish so my LFS recommended just an open top. Mostly the tank is for coral which are nice to view from above sometimes as well. That's another reason why the unobstructed top opening of the DSA 90 gallon is attractive to me. I do not like the 18" deep 90 gallon tanks, but the Deep Sea Aquatics version that is 24" deep really is spacious, which is what drew me to it when I saw it in the store. That extra 1 foot of length on the 120 would be very nice tho, I admit.

[imchris]

Go bigger. Always go bigger. It may hold you off a few months longer before you start planning your next, even bigger, tank. What's the deal with the weight issue? Are you on the 2nd floor of something?

[lesleybird]

Always go bigger....

[AtomHeart]

Well, I went back to the LFS today to look at the Deep Sea Aquatics tank, and I had remembered the overflow wrong...it is in fact plastic. And it was my lucky day...they had just gotten an All-Glass 120 in, and it was really a nice size. You all have talked me into going bigger. Hehe.

I live in a townhome and the bottom floor is my garage and laundry room, so the tank will be going on the second floor, but the trusses look pretty beefy, so I'm hoping it wont be too big of an issue. Just wouldnt' want my tank ending up in my laundry room one day while I'm at work.

I'll have the money for the first round of purchases on Dec. 16, and wouldn't you know it, the LFS is closed on that day. Looks like the 17th will be my day. Wish me luck. I hope to get the tank, stand, refugium, pump, and powerhead on the first trip. Then I'll spend some time setting up the plumbing just right

I'm still trying to decide on an undersand plenum or not. If I go that way, that's some more fabrication before going for the live sand and live rock.

Thanks everyone for the advice!

[Kieth71]

I think you made a wise choice and congratulations on the new tank.The other tank may have been fancier but your fish will be happier with the bigger tank and so will you when you are figuring out what you want for fish.

[ortiz76]

I have a 120 and love it. I upgraded from a 90 not to long ago. Good choice, you will not be disappointed.

[txfatcat]

Anyone correct me if I am wrong:


I wouldnt be two concerned with the weight. If you were talking 300 gallons then I would say wait a minute. With the 120 gallon you are only talking about a little over 1000lbs and thats about 4-5 grown 200lb men standing in one spot. Just figure on an outside wall some place and you should be fine.

Congrats on the purchase. I dont think you will be disappointed

[somegoodreefer]

I also have a 90 gallon,but i got a really good deal on my ninety.The 120 gallon was not in the same price range.I think you made a good choice going bigger.Always go bigger. By the way my 90 gallon glass tank weighed 200ilbs empty.