120 vs 125 -

[asonitez]

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?

 

[rafal07013]

it is a tough question b/c a lot of personal preferences are not listed. For example:

a) some people don't like tall tanks due to difficulty of reaching the bottom of the tank

b) some people like corner overflows

c) some people like overflows to sides

d) space limitations 48 vs 72

e) cost of equipment

I would list items you want in your tank and than it will be easier to decide which one is the right one.

I was in similar decision where 72 long was too big, 48 too small. I wanted corner overflows and not very tall tank. I wanted deep tank rather than 24. so once you have the list of what you want and don't want - decision is simple.

 

[SirFragalot]

I saw a beautiful 120 at Hidden Reef today that had two overflows offset from the corners so you get full views from all three sides. Didnt have a price attached and I was afraid to ask. HAHAHAHA..

 

[asonitez]

Well,

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
SWC 250 Skimmer
Mag 12 Return
2 Red Sea Wave Maker Pro's


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

 

[concept3]

A decent first setup if you don't mind the length would be the 125. however, the depth (front to back) will limit your aquascape to a certain degree if you are looking to make a nice ridge or crevasse in the middle. If you have the ability to go larger like a 180, that would definitely be nice especially since you already have the equipment to support it. The 120 will only require 2 halides, and depending on the type of organisms you may want to keep will sway you one tank to the other. The 30 gallon sump however, seems a little small for the 180 if that helps your decision making

 

[Hawkeye]

I saw a beautiful 120 at Hidden Reef today that had two overflows offset from the corners so you get full views from all three sides. Didnt have a price attached and I was afraid to ask. HAHAHAHA..

a 120 is ideal for those who have 48" fixtures.

A 125/180 will require a longer 72" fixture.

All of them have the same height.

120/180's are 24 inches front to back.

The 125 is 6 inches shorter front to back.

Personally I'd choose a 120 over a 125 and a 180 over a 120.

With the lighting equipment you have - you could set up a 180. In fact 4 koralias might be too much in a 120 depending on the type of corals you have.

 

[Phyl]

125 is a terrible dimension for tank due to the lack of depth. They are too tall for their depth and it makes them hard to scape. I'd do either a 120 or a 180 (the perfect tank size, IMHO).

 

[asonitez]

Anyone have a good lead on a 120 or a 180? After seeing the 125 in person I can say I don't like it too much

 

[asonitez]

just saw a craigslist for a rr 180 not far from home. now i just gotta worry about

1. Moving it into my apt solo
2. Pickup or delivery
3. 400 bucks
4. buildig a stand

 

[Dave]

I would not try to move it into your apt solo.

When I moved my tank, I purchased a furniture dolly at home depot for $20.00 and it had carpeted rails.

Definitely something to consider, made my move a lot easier.

 

[Nickjr000]

180 is a nice size for a reef. Wish my tank were 24 high the 30" kills me gettin to the bottom

 

[asonitez]

Apparently that 180 sold fast on craigslist. I talked to another reefer that said they might have a 180 for sale end of the week. I gotta wait the entire week to find out though.

 

[REEFLECTIONS]

i actually love my 125.... might be suprised what type of rock scape you can pull off with 18" however, if i could choose either on someone elses dime, i'd go with the 180...