75 or 100 gallons?

[iceman14555]

I have the chance to get an already drilled 75 gallon reef tank that is approximately 48"Lx18-20"Wx18-21"H for $50, but I also have the chance to get a 100 gallon regular tank that I would have to drill and such for the same price, I don't know the dimensions of this one yet. I'm thinking strongly towards the 75G if the 100G is not in the dimensions I'd like. Seems both have a wide variety of fish I can keep in them, so I'm not worried there. What is the forums opinion? What are the pros and cons of each?

[Mat1018]

You'll always what to go bigger. I have a 55 right now and 180 that I'm fixing up and will be switching to. If the dimensions of the 100 are better I would go with that. Have more water volume and you can drill it how you want or have a lfs drill it. But it all depends on what you are looking for.

[erickcooper]

Originally Posted by Mat1018

You'll always what to go bigger.

Yup

[Dexters Reef]

The difference between the two is quite significant in terms of length, if they are using standard dimensions

75G = 48 x 19 x 22
100G = 73 x 19 x 20

Its a hard decision, because yes its easy to say go with the bigger one, if you have the space. That extra two feet of swimming space would be great for stability and allow more fish, or larger fish. But theres other things to consider

- Drilling the glass...have you ever drilled glass? I haven't, can't assume its THAT hard, but you take a risk of cracking the tank if not done right. Make sure to read up and do it right

- Increased Cost...everythings price goes up. Its hard to find a light fixture in that length, so you most likely would need multiple smaller fixtures. If a 75 can be lit by two MH/LED Pendants, the 100 might need 3. Skimmers, pumps, powerheads, sumps, heaters etc. all would need to be more powerful and larger, and as a result more pricy. It will also take more sand, rock, and corals to fill the tank and all this stuff adds up quick

- A 75G drilled tank for 50$ is a pretty good price

- I have a drilled 75, love it. Do I wish I went bigger? Of course. But I dont have the extra space now, and everything was already expensive.

- Transport...If you think you ever are going to move, it might be worth while to get the smaller tank now, and then upgrade down the line.

I don't think you can really go wrong with either, just depends on the dimensions, your budget and plans. I would probably make a list of everything I would need to buy for each tank and total up the prices and see just how much more the 100 would cost in the end. Then you could compare and see how much it would take to get either one going and make a decision

[igot2gats]

Originally Posted by Dexters Reef

Its a hard decision, because yes its easy to say go with the bigger one, if you have the space. That extra two feet of swimming space would be great for stability and allow more fish, or larger fish. But theres other things to consider

- Increased Cost...everythings price goes up. Skimmers, pumps, powerheads, sumps, heaters etc. all would need to be more powerful and larger, and as a result more pricy. It will also take more sand, rock, and corals to fill the tank and all this stuff adds up quick


I don't think you can really go wrong with either, just depends on the dimensions, your budget and plans. I would probably make a list of everything I would need to buy for each tank and total up the prices and see just how much more the 100 would cost in the end. Then you could compare and see how much it would take to get either one going and make a decision

I couldn't have said it better. It's easy to talk the talk, and say "yeah, of course...get the bigger one."

But, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Write everything down, compare/contrast, and make a decision off of that.

It's a lot easier to upgrade, than down grade later.

I voted 75

[clay12340]

Buy them both and use the 75 for the sump? If you crack the 100 when you're drilling it, then use the 75 as the display. $50 one way or another is going to be a drop in the bucket compared to what you'll end up spending.

[iceman14555]

Originally Posted by Dexters Reef

The difference between the two is quite significant in terms of length, if they are using standard dimensions

75G = 48 x 19 x 22
100G = 73 x 19 x 20

Its a hard decision, because yes its easy to say go with the bigger one, if you have the space. That extra two feet of swimming space would be great for stability and allow more fish, or larger fish. But theres other things to consider

- Drilling the glass...have you ever drilled glass? I haven't, can't assume its THAT hard, but you take a risk of cracking the tank if not done right. Make sure to read up and do it right

- Increased Cost...everythings price goes up. Its hard to find a light fixture in that length, so you most likely would need multiple smaller fixtures. If a 75 can be lit by two MH/LED Pendants, the 100 might need 3. Skimmers, pumps, powerheads, sumps, heaters etc. all would need to be more powerful and larger, and as a result more pricy. It will also take more sand, rock, and corals to fill the tank and all this stuff adds up quick

- A 75G drilled tank for 50$ is a pretty good price

- I have a drilled 75, love it. Do I wish I went bigger? Of course. But I dont have the extra space now, and everything was already expensive.

- Transport...If you think you ever are going to move, it might be worth while to get the smaller tank now, and then upgrade down the line.

I don't think you can really go wrong with either, just depends on the dimensions, your budget and plans. I would probably make a list of everything I would need to buy for each tank and total up the prices and see just how much more the 100 would cost in the end. Then you could compare and see how much it would take to get either one going and make a decision

That's what I've been mulling over in my head. I do want the 100G (depending on the dimensions) I have a few friends at a couple of my LFS that would probably help me drill it, if not drill it for me. The costs are going to be a big thing in the future, cause I plan on having this tank sit around empty for a while, until I build up a good surplus of savings for the equipment. I was thinking I would use my current 40G display for the sump, or find a used one somewhere. I was going to have my father help me build a stand, so we can do that pretty cheap. It's just going to be a battle between my eyes and my mind.

[iceman14555]

After much debate and thinking to myself, I decided to pick up the drilled 75G (48.5"Lx18.5"Wx21"H), the 100G was nice, but just wasn't going to be as cost effective for me and wasn't quite the dimensions I wanted for my reef, it was 48"Lx19"Wx25"H. My 40G I have now is 24" tall and I don't quite like the height, so the shallower tank was for me. I've always been told that shallow and wide are what you want with a reef tank anyway. Thanks for the input and votes guys. When I do start the 75 build I will definitely start a thread about it.

[Crimson]

Well, my dt is a 105 gallon 48 x 24 x 21 DSA neo rimless. I think its a great size tank. Would I like a 6' tank sure..but this one does me fine