Tank Setups • 120 Gallon vs 180 Gallon

[des]

For a novice, a 120 gallon is fine. There's nothing wrong with a 5 ft tank (still better than a 4 ft). Really, if it's your first fish tank and you're new to the hobby don't go blowing big bucks just yet. A 120 gallon for a starter tank is luxury in my opinion. If you really love the hobby, you can always get bigger 180 gallon (to add) later!

A 180 gallon tank would be amazing though.

[MarkyMark75]

Makes sense, tks.
I think I am more comfortable with a 125 Gallon (6' foot).
More of a footprint than the 120, and it is easier to clean being 2" shorter than the 5' 120 Gallon.

[theoryguru]

The "reach in" is a factor for some ppl.. I wouldn't want to get my shoulders wet every time I had to clean it.
125g IS a luxurious for a novice tank, like driving a BMW on a learners permit - ha!
good luck

[sandandrocks]

125g IS a luxurious for a novice tank, like driving a BMW on a learners permit - ha!
good luck

I couldn't had said it any better.

[MarkyMark75]

lol.

[AulonoKarl]

By all means, if you want the 180, get the 180. It's no harder to maintain than a 120. Typically, the more water you have, the harder it actually is to screw something up.
If you can afford it and you want it, do it. The only problem I could see with doing this would be deciding that you're not really as into fish keeping as you thought you might be and then you're out a whole lot of money.

For anybody that is more or less "testing the waters" of fishkeeping, I always suggest a 55 gallon. They are a nice size, and if you decide it's not for you, you're not out much money, because you can find these tanks for dirt cheap.

[BillD]

My opinion is that if you have six feet, the 180 is the perfect tank. At 24" it isn't too deep to work on and the larger footprint allows for more landscaping.

[cantrell00]

My opinion is that if you have six feet, the 180 is the perfect tank. At 24" it isn't too deep to work on and the larger footprint allows for more landscaping.

I agree... The 24" depth is very underated IMO. For mbuna and alot of rock, that extra 6" really helps out...

[bwestgsx06]

what's a good price for a 180 w/stand, lights, filters, etc?

I just saw an add on CL so I might go that route and set it up at the new place. Most likely, it'd be in the livingroom and I'd make it a Malawi tank (probably Mbuna) for all of the action.

[tirzo13]

10g>55g>100g>125g>240g.
that was my progression.

IMO 125g is the tank to get, its pretty much the same tank as the 180g, cheaper, and easier to find.
just depends how much you want to spend, space, and availability in your area.
The 5 foot 100's will work for most cichlids, but the 6 footer works better.

I can find 5 foot 100s, and 6 foot 125's easy here in California, i buy both when i find a deal on them.
Nothing wrong with a 180 if one comes up for sale.
Both the 100 and 125 if Acrylic are easy to move empty by myself, i would need some help with the 180 i think.

[sandandrocks]

1 other perspective: a 125 (206 lb empty) can be carried by 2 men. A 180 (338 lbs empty) will require 4 men. If you've got the man power than get the 180 if it's a good deal, but like most of us we can only bribe 1 other person to help us carry 200+ lb tanks.

[S14Swap240sx]

my vote is on 125 as well. I made the change and couldnt be any happier. comparing 4ft to a 6ft.
4ft


6ft with same rocks

[bwestgsx06]

What kinda lighting is that?