New Tank Question

va_blue_stang · 02/28/2009, 04:23 PM

I found a 120 gallon tank today to start our new reef tank. The size was 48.5x24x25. Will these diminsions make a good reef tank. Also the price was $350 would that be a good deal for a tank of this size?

JENnKerry · 02/28/2009, 05:06 PM

Usually with 120+ gallon tanks you usually want to go with a longer tank such as a 6' tank. The only thing you really need to take into consideration is the lighting for the corals. You might have to get something stronger that can penetrate a little deeper because of the extra tank height.

jtrasap · 02/28/2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by va_blue_stang
the price was $350 would that be a good deal for a tank of this size?

Was it just the tank itself for $350? That's really high for a 120.

Avi · 02/28/2009, 05:39 PM

I have a reef of those dimensions and I believe you'll be fine with that choice. I'd recommend that you go with a minimum of two 250-watt metal halide bulbs or, better yet, get a fixture that can handle two 400-watt metal halide bulbs....if you use 4000-watt bulbs, use 20,000Ks and supplement that with 10,000K t5s, compact flourescents, etc. That would illiminate your reef and color your corals very well. In any event, I would say you can't go wrong with that size tank so long as you light it properly because of its depth.

scottwhitson · 02/28/2009, 05:59 PM

I like the 4 foot long 120's because of the extra width for aquascaping. I wish that I would have gotten the 120 instead of my 75. I think that price sounds a little high for just a tank. But I haven't bought a tank for a long time.

va_blue_stang · 03/01/2009, 02:35 PM

Problem around here is there is no pet stores for over an hour in any direction. Anyone in Southwest Virginia on here that knows of a good place to get tanks?

ehutchby · 03/01/2009, 02:41 PM

I agree. I have a 120 48X24X24 with a two 250W MH. I like the size for aquascaping.

02/28/2009, 04:23 PM	#1
va_blue_stang Learning Everyday Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cedar Bluff, Va Posts: 388	New Tank Question I found a 120 gallon tank today to start our new reef tank. The size was 48.5x24x25. Will these diminsions make a good reef tank. Also the price was $350 would that be a good deal for a tank of this size?

02/28/2009, 05:06 PM	#2
JENnKerry Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Jersey Posts: 7,384	Usually with 120+ gallon tanks you usually want to go with a longer tank such as a 6' tank. The only thing you really need to take into consideration is the lighting for the corals. You might have to get something stronger that can penetrate a little deeper because of the extra tank height. __________________ We Don't Have a Signature..... Current Tank Info: 125 Gallon Reef

02/28/2009, 05:39 PM	#4
Avi Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Westchester County, NY Posts: 7,327	I have a reef of those dimensions and I believe you'll be fine with that choice. I'd recommend that you go with a minimum of two 250-watt metal halide bulbs or, better yet, get a fixture that can handle two 400-watt metal halide bulbs....if you use 4000-watt bulbs, use 20,000Ks and supplement that with 10,000K t5s, compact flourescents, etc. That would illiminate your reef and color your corals very well. In any event, I would say you can't go wrong with that size tank so long as you light it properly because of its depth. __________________ I'd keep the whole ocean if my den were big enough Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef with 210 lbs. of live rock, Aqua-C EV180 Skimmer, Aquactinic double 250W MH with blue plus t5 support; 58 gallon freshwater planted tank using CO2 and T5s; 30-gallon cube with a few fancy goldfish; and a 110 gallon FOWLR

02/28/2009, 05:59 PM	#5
scottwhitson Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lewiston, Idaho Posts: 1,395	I like the 4 foot long 120's because of the extra width for aquascaping. I wish that I would have gotten the 120 instead of my 75. I think that price sounds a little high for just a tank. But I haven't bought a tank for a long time.

03/01/2009, 02:35 PM	#6
va_blue_stang Learning Everyday Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Cedar Bluff, Va Posts: 388	Problem around here is there is no pet stores for over an hour in any direction. Anyone in Southwest Virginia on here that knows of a good place to get tanks?

03/01/2009, 02:41 PM	#7
ehutchby Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 133	I agree. I have a 120 48X24X24 with a two 250W MH. I like the size for aquascaping.