120,125,180 - Which is better for my situation

asonitez · 08/17/2009, 01:13 PM

I'm planning on a new tank and I was thinking a 120, 125 or a 180. I just noticed the dimensions on the 120 are 48 X 24 X 24 and those dimensions sound great for a reef tank. Deeper than longer. Should I consider the 120 over the 125? I'm on the second floor of an apartment building with hardwood floors.

My Equipment is as follows

3X IceCap 250w Pendants with Phoenix 14K bulbs
4X Hydor Koralia 4's
30 Breeder Sump
I have about 180lbs of Live Rock or More
2 Reef Keeper 2's
CoraLife Orp Controller
Mag 12 Return
2 Red Sea Wave Maker Pro's

I JUST NEED A TANK! lol I'm goin crazy

jlemoine2 · 08/17/2009, 01:20 PM

You are going to get a variety of answers. I personally like the 120 over a 125, simply because of the ratio between length and width. A 125 might be better if you are a tang lover and want to avoid the tang police (because of the 6 foot length).

Depending on the skimmer you plan on, and if space is not a consideration, the 180 might be the way to go. You get a good length to width ratio, and it's 6 foot in length.

Generally speaking, i would suggest getting the biggest tank you can afford, have space for, and what is acceptable to the significant other.

Let us know what you decide.

mukymuk · 08/17/2009, 01:29 PM

Bigger is better! But yeah, you'll appreciate the extra front-to-back room a 120 gives.

asonitez · 08/17/2009, 01:36 PM

The sig other wouldn't mind the 180 But I dunno if it might be too much tank for me lol. Plus trying to find one right now is a pain in the butt because brand new they are over 800 and Used most ppl want 400. I'm finding 120's and 125's in the 200 range. I think I would enjoy the 120 better and maybe get Tiny Tang's.

BrokeColoReefer · 08/17/2009, 01:59 PM

the smaller it is, the less it cost to light, the less it cost to do water changes, and the easier it is on the pocketbook to stock. I really like the 120 size, specifically the oceanic tech series 120. If i would have found one of those used i would have jumped on it.

asonitez · 08/17/2009, 02:15 PM

I found a perfecto 120 for 300 bucks tank alone. I could always sell my third pendant and grab some actinics.

wesley6610 · 08/17/2009, 02:16 PM

I agree with those in favor of the 120 over the 125/180. You definitely have to consider the lighting and water movement aspect when you considering bigger (longer) tanks than with others like the 120 that only spans 4'.

Ross.C · 08/17/2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by asonitez
I found a perfecto 120 for 300 bucks tank alone. I could always sell my third pendant and grab some actinics.

Wow... usual cost up here for a used tanks is about $1.50 a gallon, maybe as high as $2.00 for SR quality and $1.00 a gallon for FR quality

As for size, I have to agree with the 120 or 125, will be easier on the pocketbook and keep certain militants off your back

Amoore311 · 08/17/2009, 02:32 PM

Go with the biggest tank your budget allows.

teog · 08/17/2009, 02:51 PM

Ive owned all three sizes over the years and currently own the 120. I think the 120 is the pefect size for a reef. I wouldnt trade it for any other size.

asonitez · 08/17/2009, 02:56 PM

I agree but sometimes I don't know what ppl reselling used tanks are smoking. The ebay AD is for a perfecto 120gal Tank only. He wants 300 bucks or the best offer. I offered 160 bucks.

My Sump is a 30 Gallon and my Skimmer is a SWC Extreme 250 that I got locally here. I would have to build my own stand but I kind of prefer doing that. More Space, better quality, and it looks good. I'm going to try and flush mount my ReefKeeper 2 and all of my other controllers. If I cannot find a decent used 120 for cheap then I will just purchase a brand new one. I love tangs and stuff but I am obsessed with smaller fish. Anthias, wrasses, etc.

I'm thinking

5 Anthias
1 Small Yellow Tang
1 Small Hippo Tang
2 Shrimp
a Wrasse of some sort.
1 Pseudochromis

or No tangs and 1 beautiful angel.

cdbias2 · 08/17/2009, 04:10 PM

"2nd floor of an apartment building with wood floors"

You need to figure out which way your floor joist are running before you try and put in a 180g.
Even the 120g could give your floors some "bounce".
Either way you should look into a "renter's insurance" policy for the spill damage that will get under the tank.
It's easy to loose 1/2 cup of water doing water changes.

Ross.C · 08/17/2009, 05:37 PM

If the building is concrete he doesn't have to worry. I have wood floors laid over concrete and have almost 10 tanks in my place

asonitez · 08/18/2009, 06:46 AM

The building only has 6 floors its safe to say between floors its Wood on concrete. I've decided on the 120 or this acrylic 165 that I saw on craigs list. Its a bit pricey though. 1000 for tank and stand.

asonitez · 08/18/2009, 06:49 AM

A local reefer who is getting out is thinking of Getting rid of his 180. If he offers it for sub 400 bucks I may get it. Otherwise I think the 120 will be perfect for my needs. 1 less Halide, less everything. Plus the equip I have seem suited for a 120 or 125 gallon tank

Ross.C · 08/18/2009, 07:16 AM

Well when you get it you will have to start a build thread

serpentman · 08/18/2009, 07:31 AM

Go for the 180 and don't look back. If its even in the running for consideration and you are like a lot of us, you'll be upgrading in short order. Skip a step and go with the tank you really want

rssjsb · 08/18/2009, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by serpentman
Go for the 180 and don't look back. If its even in the running for consideration and you are like a lot of us, you'll be upgrading in short order. Skip a step and go with the tank you really want

Ditto. Especially if you want to keep those tangs happy long-term. I've got a 120, and it's a nice tank, but I'm already wishing I had something bigger.

asonitez · 08/18/2009, 09:24 AM

Grr... The Ebay dude counter offered 275 for the used perfecto with the corner overflow. i dont really think i wanna be spending 275 on a used 120 I mean...

275 for tank
19.99 uhaul rental + Mileage 80mi @ like 60cents a Mile Round Trip.

I think this ebay dude might have to loose this sale.

skanderson · 08/18/2009, 09:43 AM

180s are nice you, you get the depth and length. you can never have too big of a tank.

asonitez · 08/18/2009, 10:33 AM

I just saw a Oceanic Tech 120 and though I know that they are not all created the same but if I can get that Perfecto 120 for 225 or less I might as well jump on it and Start building a stand. I will only go 180 if I seriously and truly get an epic deal on it.

RJFich · 08/18/2009, 12:27 PM

you could do a 100 gallon 48x24x20 same dimension as the 120 only not as tall

asonitez · 08/18/2009, 12:49 PM

I wish Choosing a tank was my problem. Instead its finding a tank for sale in my price range that is not a price gouge or insane person posting.

BrokeColoReefer · 08/18/2009, 01:05 PM

yea i held out for a while myself. I found a tank that was too big for me, but the deal was there. I found a brand new acrylic 225 with built in external overflows and a maple stand for $1200. Its more then i wanted, but $500 less then the tech tank that i wanted. So i settled

phil519 · 08/18/2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BrokeColoReefer
yea i held out for a while myself. I found a tank that was two big for me, but the deal was there. I found a brand new acrylic 225 with built in external overflows and a maple stand for $1200. Its more then i wanted, but $500 less then the tech tank that i wanted. So i settled

wow nice tank. no wonder your username.

08/17/2009, 01:13 PM	#1
asonitez Floodicus Maximus Flooris Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,643	120,125,180 - Which is better for my situation I'm planning on a new tank and I was thinking a 120, 125 or a 180. I just noticed the dimensions on the 120 are 48 X 24 X 24 and those dimensions sound great for a reef tank. Deeper than longer. Should I consider the 120 over the 125? I'm on the second floor of an apartment building with hardwood floors. My Equipment is as follows 3X IceCap 250w Pendants with Phoenix 14K bulbs 4X Hydor Koralia 4's 30 Breeder Sump I have about 180lbs of Live Rock or More 2 Reef Keeper 2's CoraLife Orp Controller Mag 12 Return 2 Red Sea Wave Maker Pro's I JUST NEED A TANK! lol I'm goin crazy

08/17/2009, 01:20 PM	#2
jlemoine2 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 200	You are going to get a variety of answers. I personally like the 120 over a 125, simply because of the ratio between length and width. A 125 might be better if you are a tang lover and want to avoid the tang police (because of the 6 foot length). Depending on the skimmer you plan on, and if space is not a consideration, the 180 might be the way to go. You get a good length to width ratio, and it's 6 foot in length. Generally speaking, i would suggest getting the biggest tank you can afford, have space for, and what is acceptable to the significant other. Let us know what you decide. __________________ -James Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef w/ 40 gallon frag tank.

08/17/2009, 01:59 PM	#5
BrokeColoReefer Hermit Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mountains of Boulder County. Posts: 2,289	the smaller it is, the less it cost to light, the less it cost to do water changes, and the easier it is on the pocketbook to stock. I really like the 120 size, specifically the oceanic tech series 120. If i would have found one of those used i would have jumped on it. __________________ Stay fishy my friends. Current Tank Info: 300 gallon built in plumbed to the basement. 30 gallon surge for flow, GEO protein skimmer, litermeter 3's for continuous water change (1 gallon per day), calc reactors, kalk reactors, 600w MHx2, 6" DSB, 1000 lbs of live rock (300 display, 700 sump)

08/17/2009, 02:16 PM	#7
wesley6610 Water Lover Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 576	I agree with those in favor of the 120 over the 125/180. You definitely have to consider the lighting and water movement aspect when you considering bigger (longer) tanks than with others like the 120 that only spans 4'. __________________ Current tank: 75RR gallon AGA drilled, SRO-1000INT skimmer, 2x Vortech MP40W ES (WXM), Tunze 1073.05 return, ATI SP 6x54W, GEO kalk reactor, LM3 dosing, Mixed reef... managed by Apex.

08/17/2009, 02:32 PM	#9
Amoore311 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ulster County, NY Posts: 2,521	Go with the biggest tank your budget allows. __________________ 30 Gallon FOWLR 2004-2006 90 Gallon LPS Reef 2006-2008 180 Gallon SPS Reef 2008-20012 100 Gallon Custom Rimless Mixed Reef 2012-2014 29 Gallon Biocube Reef! Current Current Tank Info: 29 Gallon Biocube, StevesLED Upgrade, Neptune Apex

08/17/2009, 01:29 PM	#3
mukymuk Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Plano, TX. Posts: 109	Bigger is better! But yeah, you'll appreciate the extra front-to-back room a 120 gives.

08/17/2009, 01:36 PM	#4
asonitez Floodicus Maximus Flooris Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,643	The sig other wouldn't mind the 180 But I dunno if it might be too much tank for me lol. Plus trying to find one right now is a pain in the butt because brand new they are over 800 and Used most ppl want 400. I'm finding 120's and 125's in the 200 range. I think I would enjoy the 120 better and maybe get Tiny Tang's.

08/17/2009, 02:15 PM	#6
asonitez Floodicus Maximus Flooris Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,643	I found a perfecto 120 for 300 bucks tank alone. I could always sell my third pendant and grab some actinics.

08/17/2009, 02:51 PM	#10
teog Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Winter Springs, FL Posts: 1,536	Ive owned all three sizes over the years and currently own the 120. I think the 120 is the pefect size for a reef. I wouldnt trade it for any other size. __________________ Fir Na Tine isaiah 43:2 Current Tank Info: 90g RR w/ 20g sump. Galaxyhyrdo lighting, BM curve 7 skimmer, dct6000 return pump

08/17/2009, 02:56 PM	#11
asonitez Floodicus Maximus Flooris Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,643	I agree but sometimes I don't know what ppl reselling used tanks are smoking. The ebay AD is for a perfecto 120gal Tank only. He wants 300 bucks or the best offer. I offered 160 bucks. My Sump is a 30 Gallon and my Skimmer is a SWC Extreme 250 that I got locally here. I would have to build my own stand but I kind of prefer doing that. More Space, better quality, and it looks good. I'm going to try and flush mount my ReefKeeper 2 and all of my other controllers. If I cannot find a decent used 120 for cheap then I will just purchase a brand new one. I love tangs and stuff but I am obsessed with smaller fish. Anthias, wrasses, etc. I'm thinking 5 Anthias 1 Small Yellow Tang 1 Small Hippo Tang 2 Shrimp a Wrasse of some sort. 1 Pseudochromis or No tangs and 1 beautiful angel.

08/17/2009, 04:10 PM	#12
cdbias2 Appalachian Reef Society Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Alum Creek, WV (No more) Posts: 1,433	"2nd floor of an apartment building with wood floors" You need to figure out which way your floor joist are running before you try and put in a 180g. Even the 120g could give your floors some "bounce". Either way you should look into a "renter's insurance" policy for the spill damage that will get under the tank. It's easy to loose 1/2 cup of water doing water changes.

08/17/2009, 05:37 PM	#13
Ross.C Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 68	If the building is concrete he doesn't have to worry. I have wood floors laid over concrete and have almost 10 tanks in my place __________________ Curent Tank Equipment Current USA Sundial 30" T5 High Output 4x24w 10K/460, Tunze DOC Skimmer 902, Vortech MP20 Current Tank Info: 30 Gallon (30x18 footprint) Mixed reef

08/18/2009, 06:46 AM	#14
asonitez Floodicus Maximus Flooris Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,643	The building only has 6 floors its safe to say between floors its Wood on concrete. I've decided on the 120 or this acrylic 165 that I saw on craigs list. Its a bit pricey though. 1000 for tank and stand.

08/18/2009, 06:49 AM	#15
asonitez Floodicus Maximus Flooris Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,643	A local reefer who is getting out is thinking of Getting rid of his 180. If he offers it for sub 400 bucks I may get it. Otherwise I think the 120 will be perfect for my needs. 1 less Halide, less everything. Plus the equip I have seem suited for a 120 or 125 gallon tank

08/18/2009, 07:16 AM	#16
Ross.C Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Posts: 68	Well when you get it you will have to start a build thread __________________ Curent Tank Equipment Current USA Sundial 30" T5 High Output 4x24w 10K/460, Tunze DOC Skimmer 902, Vortech MP20 Current Tank Info: 30 Gallon (30x18 footprint) Mixed reef

08/18/2009, 07:31 AM	#17
serpentman part time superhero Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Deep in the Heart of the Snowbelt (NE OHIO) Posts: 5,698	Go for the 180 and don't look back. If its even in the running for consideration and you are like a lot of us, you'll be upgrading in short order. Skip a step and go with the tank you really want __________________ BS in Marine Bio ('96), First SW tank in 1992. Current Tank(s) 300g SPS with 90g frag tank and 40 anemone tank - decommissioned 46g LPS/Softy Cube 300g FOWLR under construction - decommissioned

08/18/2009, 09:24 AM	#19
asonitez Floodicus Maximus Flooris Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,643	Used Perfecto Grr... The Ebay dude counter offered 275 for the used perfecto with the corner overflow. i dont really think i wanna be spending 275 on a used 120 I mean... 275 for tank 19.99 uhaul rental + Mileage 80mi @ like 60cents a Mile Round Trip. I think this ebay dude might have to loose this sale.

08/18/2009, 09:43 AM	#20
skanderson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: baraboo,wi Posts: 428	180s are nice you, you get the depth and length. you can never have too big of a tank.

08/18/2009, 10:33 AM	#21
asonitez Floodicus Maximus Flooris Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,643	I just saw a Oceanic Tech 120 and though I know that they are not all created the same but if I can get that Perfecto 120 for 225 or less I might as well jump on it and Start building a stand. I will only go 180 if I seriously and truly get an epic deal on it.

08/18/2009, 12:27 PM	#22
RJFich Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 85	you could do a 100 gallon 48x24x20 same dimension as the 120 only not as tall

08/18/2009, 12:49 PM	#23
asonitez Floodicus Maximus Flooris Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,643	Lol I wish Choosing a tank was my problem. Instead its finding a tank for sale in my price range that is not a price gouge or insane person posting.

08/18/2009, 01:05 PM	#24
BrokeColoReefer Hermit Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Mountains of Boulder County. Posts: 2,289	yea i held out for a while myself. I found a tank that was too big for me, but the deal was there. I found a brand new acrylic 225 with built in external overflows and a maple stand for $1200. Its more then i wanted, but $500 less then the tech tank that i wanted. So i settled __________________ Stay fishy my friends. Current Tank Info: 300 gallon built in plumbed to the basement. 30 gallon surge for flow, GEO protein skimmer, litermeter 3's for continuous water change (1 gallon per day), calc reactors, kalk reactors, 600w MHx2, 6" DSB, 1000 lbs of live rock (300 display, 700 sump) Last edited by BrokeColoReefer; 08/18/2009 at 01:13 PM.