75g VS 120g

[FastUno]

I am trying to upgrade one of my other tanks (29g) to either 75g or 120g & having a tough time deciding.

From those who have upgraded from 55/75g to a 110/160, what were your experiences? Easier to maintain or more difficult?


75G PRO's (conversly cons of 120G):
-Less money on salt for water changes. Same size water change has more impact on a 75G.
-Can use existing powerheads (Tunze's) & no need to upgrade to Vortech MP40
-More light penetration from my 600W fixtures (MH/T5's)


120G PRO's (conversly cons of 75G):
-More space for corals/fish
-Tank temp should be slightly lower with same equipment?
-Run more carbon/phosban

[Lemeshianos]

if you live in a warm climate you'll need a larger chiller to drop the temperature.

[Flaring Afro]

Do you want tangs? If yes, get the 120 or you'll kick yourself for not later on.

[Virtuoso]

Do you already have a 90g? If so, then I think you already know your answer. Go with the 120g. :fun4:

[pawek]

If you have the space and $$$ go for the bigger one. YOu will be upgrading later anyway!!!

[jet fixer]

I have a 75 wish I purchased a 120. now, I'm debating an upgrade to 120 or 180.

you will like the extra height and depth.

[HowieB]

I had a 55 and upgraded to a 120, 4 x 2 x 2. Wish I would have gotten a 150, 5 x 2 x 2. Go bigger, you wont be sorry. Not much different maintenance. Either size you get, you'll still have 1 skimmer, 1 sump pump, same amount of testing, etc. Maybe 1 or 2 more powerheads for flow. The only difference I notice are the water changes. Instead of 10 gallons every 2 weeks, it's 20.

[reefermad619]

If you have the room, go 150. That's what I'm doing. Going from a 80gal to a 150 with LEDs.

[Gold Stripe]

120 is only 3 inches deeper than 75 so lighting issue is minimal. No reason you cant use your tunzes in the 120 and you can upgrade down the road at any time. You're talking an extra $2.50 a month in salt max!

Got anything else?

Seriously, I think we all know the 120 is the deal.

[EverettReef]

I went from a 72 bowfront to a 120. The dimensions are wonderful, especially the front to back space.

[sjwitt]

I went from 55 to 185. Larger volume is much more stable. You have to work out the details but like everyone else is saying, you will probably end up there anyway. :)

[Scott B]

No doubt about it... GO WITH THE 120!!! will not cost you that much more to maintain and will give you so many more options, you can use almost the same epuipment and have much more space for fish/coral

[FastUno]

WOW. Thanks you have helped me sway my decision toward the 120g. I had started with a 29g, then went 55g, then 90g & when I moved had to tear it down.

I loved the 90g, but the only issue I had was the reach into the tank & having to place something solid & at least a foot taller under my feet in order to be able to reach into the tank.

Sounds sorta silly, but after countless needs to reach in, I swore at that time I would go with a 75g. I don't even want to say anything about canopies & for that reason always went with open top and with a single lighting fixture.

Ease of use & quick maintenance will be a priority, especiially during those times when I am really busy with work.

[FastUno]

I definitely plan on having tangs. I think tangs are a MUST have in salt water systems. They constantly clean & turn up live rock, and keep vegetation from taking a foothold.

[bnumair]

i just got a 48x24x26 125gal 4ft myself back in december now kicking myself not to go with a 6ft 72x30x25. i wish i could upgrade now but its a in wall unit so i have to bare lot more expense to get it bigger. which means to junk everything i have and also all the framework/woodwork and all got to go. so bigger is better here.

[IndianFeather]

I have found that my 125 gives me lots of room. If you are buying a new tank you might consider a deep dimentions tank. I would not do a standard 125 again, but would prefer a dd for the space between the front glass and rock. Of course this all depends on what sort of design or look you are after.

[aandfsoccr04]

Yeah I am in the exact same boat as you are. I don't know whether to purchase a 75 gallon ro 120 gallon for my first saltwater tank.