Going Bigger (Maybe)

[shanepike]

It was obvious from my early threads that there was a good chance I'd go bigger someday -- especially as small as I started. I'm not headed that way for sure yet, but I'm definitely thinking everything through.

My first question has to do with tank size. Assuming my wife has no preference between 48" wide and 60" wide, will I regret going with a 75g tank instead of a 120g?

My primary concern is tank weight. The tank will go on the main floor, which is above the basement. It will be right on a load-bearing wall, but the house was built during the rush of construction a few years ago, and I'm not entirely comfortable that it's capable of withstanding the sudden addition of 1,350+ pounds of aquarium. The 75g would be about 550 pounds lighter.

Any structural engineers (or Holiday Inn Express customers) want to weigh in?

And if I go 75, am I going to wish I had gone 120?

 

[KrisDeitz]

Youll want the 120. Its such a perfect size

 

[mrflameangel]

Can't answer and questions about the walls but all I can say is go as big as ur budget will allow. I have a 60 cube but after a year I am starting a 180 build. So I have wasted all this money when I should have went big to start.

 

[chris s]

PFCDeitz;763629 wrote: Youll want the 120. Its such a perfect size

+1

The extra depth front to back is priceless for rockwork.

 

[rdnelson]

If it is truly a load bearing wall you should be fined withe the 120. But..... To be safe get with Grouper Therapy and he will help you determine for sure. You can trust what he says.

I you decide not to go with the 120 I think you will regret it later.

 

[rdnelson]

That should say "you should be fine" not "fined". It may be that you should be fined but I wouldn't know about that. LOL. Darn autocorrect.

 

[shanepike]

Wife just signed off on the 60" wide, so that doesn't rule out the 120. Definitely think I'll have someone survey the weight issue though.

 

[rdnelson]

Yah Baby!!!! Let me know when the time comes. I owe you a hand.

 

[frantz]

120 is great! If your uncomfortable with construction just beef it up with a few 2x braces

 

[eagle9252]

I started with a 75 (48x18x20) and went to a 120 (48x24x24). Its huge IMO...I got the 75 knowing I was going to upgrade but…. I built the stand to hold a 150 48x30x24. I truly wish that I had gone with the 150.

For my reason it was to be viewed on all sides and wanted plenty of room on the sand between the LR and glass. The 120 is ok LQQKS big where it’s at. Don’t think it has anything to do with the huge canopy LOL. It wound up being 60x36 at the top and about 20” tall.

The honest advise I could give you is do want you want to start with as upgrading later is a PAIN!!!!! Rich and I just did it. So I would go to a couple of people’s houses and see what they have tank wise and in the tank and see how they have it set up and go from there.

I still have my 75gal setup if you’re interested. And you’re welcome to come out and see the 120. It took the wife almost 5 months to like the tank FWIW and now she wants to add more stuff to it.

 

[frantz]

another consideration, upgrading is expensive. If you think you'd upgrade from the 75 in the next 5 years (or want to) just do the bigger tank now.

 

[rdnelson]

Eagle, he is familiar with the work involved in upgrading because he was the one who helped me with my upgrade. LOL Couldn't have done it with out him. Of course, he helped with the most physical part and then had to leave so he didn't get to enjoy the fruits of his labor........Yet. He is welcome over to check out my set up anytime and as a matter of fact, there are a few corals growing out that should be ready to frag about the time his tank is ready for them.

 

[KrisDeitz]

I went from my Biocube to a 120 and its awesome!

I bought a 90 then resold it to go bigger.

 

[shanepike]

I didn't realize until I looked again (for about the 25th time) that the 120 I was looking at was only 18" deep. (It's a 120xh.) I definitely think I'd be frustrated if I went 18 instead of 24.

Might need to take a tour of Georgia and see merkywater, eagle, and Rich's 120s

 

[rdnelson]

I also have the 120 that ARC is giving away sitting in my garage if you want to check it out. I really like those dimensions. It is only 4' long but very nice. If I could choose any dimension I wanted it would be that exact dimension except 5' long. That would be perfect in my opinion. I love the 6' long 125 I have but it is just a tad wide for the spot it is in.

 

[eagle9252]

come on out

pm sent

 

[hcakebax]

I am selling my 75 galon reef ready to upgrade for a 120galon. If you decide for a 75 galon I have one reef ready, canopy and stand, also 400 halides and filter for 325.00.
I live in Alabaster Alabama. If you are interested.

Thanks
Herbert

 

[rdnelson]

OK, the little kid in me just can't resist any longer...... I know what tank he is most likely going to buy. Nanny, nanny, boo, boo!!!!!! :tapedshut:

 

[shanepike]

Ha! Tell me so I'll know too

Herbert, my wife grew up in Alabaster. We make trips regularly, but wouldn't be able to take a tank back.

Edit: Kris, our posts crossed in the ether. What about the 120 made it worth upgrading from 90? That doesn't seem like that much difference to a noob like me.

 

[rdnelson]

Sorry Shane, didn't you see? My lips are sealed. LOL