What is an extra foot worth to you?

[benihana]

I am currently in the planning stages of a new build and I am stuck on whether to go with a 60x36x27 (250g) tank or a 72x36x27 (300g) tank. Currently there is a used 250g glass tank that I could pick up for about $800, otherwise I could have Midwest Custom Aquariums build me a new Acrylic 300g tank for ~$2k.

I have adequate space for either, and while the equipment may change slightly, I am not worried about that at this time. I will most likely be doing a remote sump, so space under the cabinet isn’t of too much concern either.

It will be a mixed tank, but probably 70% SPS, and my tentative fish list will look something like this:

Achilles Tang
Black Tang
Blue Hippo Tang
Gold Flake Angel
Flame Angel (Maybe 2)
12-15 Anthias (TBD on Species)
Flame Wrasse (2 Females, 1 Male)
Copperband
Cleaner Wrasse
Magnificent Rabbit Fish
Pair of Snowflake or Onyx Clowns


So, my question is this – what is an extra foot of tank space worth to you?



.

[jarrodsanborn]

IMO, many tangs, like hippos, just won't work under 6'. That being said, the 3' width will help alot.
I'd get the 250, use the extra cash for other Reef items, and consider a stocking list change/consider all fish purchases a bit more carefully. Rock work also has a lot to do with available swimming room.

[ace_92101]

I agree on the extra foot with the Tangs, especially the Achilles. If you're willing to go with a used tank, why not wait until a 300+ comes available?

[bellis31]

If I had the room I would have preferred a longer tank... Like everyone has said the type of fish you can have are amazing compared to shorter tanks...

[ridetheducati]

Get a glass 300g. 72x36x27

[benihana]

Get a glass 300g. 72x36x27

The only issue is that the glass 300dd will cost the same (maybe a bit more) than the custom acrylic, PLUS, the likelihood of blowing a seam is WAY less with a properly made acrylic tank

[Bpawl]

I'd get the 250 and used the money I "saved" to buy other equipment and livestock.

[FDAWG]

If you go 60" you'll wish you went 72" and when you go 72" you'll wish you went 84" its never stops.

I'd definitely go a 72" if your planning to house tangs.

[benihana]

If you go 60" you'll wish you went 72" and when you go 72" you'll wish you went 84" its never stops.


THat is a very accurate point!:beer:

[dave.m]

96" long is hardly unreasonable... http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee377/djm_1/Web%20Smileys/evil_grin.gif

djm

[Mordir]

Go as big as you can handle. Ensure floor supports, etc will not be a problem no matter the tank size. I agree with the glass route only because of how easy acrylic gets scratched. It is so sensitive it can easily be scratched cleaning the tank. If I was to buy another large tank it would be glass for sure.

[benihana]

Forgot to mention, this tank will be on a concrete floor in my basement, so supports are also not of a concern.

I wish I could go 8', but that would infringe on my bar space....and we all know NO ONE would want to do that :)

[dave.m]

I would. Get a keg and go the extra length.

Dave.M

[FDAWG]

I would. Get a keg and go the extra length.

Dave.M

[ridetheducati]

The only issue is that the glass 300dd will cost the same (maybe a bit more) than the custom acrylic, PLUS, the likelihood of blowing a seam is WAY less with a properly made acrylic tank

Will this be your first acrylic tank?

[ridetheducati]

A six foot tank appears to be big until you put water inside.

[benihana]

Will this be your first acrylic tank?

Yes, I am an acrylic virgin

[Hawg Pharm]

Granted, the only acrylic I have is my 45 gallon fuge, but I've done my best to keep it pristine. That being said, I have failed. Every little thing scratches it. I contemplated purchasing an acrylic dt tank at one time, but after this experience, I never will. Glass all the way.

[sfsuphysics]

Your fish list that you plan on getting includes a black tang and you're worried about another $1200 on the tank?

That said, I just broke down my 48" x 36" x 24" tank, and I had at one point 2 tangs (yellow and tomini) and two rabbitfish in the tank with no issues. People always compare the length of the tank, but when you get that extra depth it does make up a bit for it because you have another dimension of "safety" for fish to flee too. Plus they can swim more in circles than they can with a standard 24" wide tank which is more of hard U-turn.

But either way, it's not a matter of what *I* would do, but what *you* would do... that said the reason I broke the tank down is because I went for another 3 feet in one direction and 1 foot in another direction ;)

[benihana]

It is a Black Tang, not a Gem Tand and Yes, contemplating the 1200 since I am starting fresh (currently no tank or equipment) and looking at putting 15k into the build. Plus all of the fish won't be purchased on day 1, more so over the course of a year or so

[albano]

When 300DD are on sale, they are about $1200-1400... I agree get the biggest possible...I have been using acrylic tanks since 1991, and would not switch to glass...it is possible to 'avoid' scratches, but more importantly, it's possible to repair scratches (unlike with glass/starphire)

[sfsuphysics]

It is a Black Tang, not a Gem Tand and Yes, contemplating the 1200 since I am starting fresh (currently no tank or equipment) and looking at putting 15k into the build. Plus all of the fish won't be purchased on day 1, more so over the course of a year or so

I realize it's not a gem tang, but point being the cost of that one fish is roughly the difference in cost for your extra foot. Of course it's been a while since I've seen black tangs out there so who knows they may have come down in cost.

As to the age old acrylic vs glass argument, I'd probably go for glass just because my experience is if you get lazy with cleaning the glass (or you go on vacation for a week or more), pull out a razor blade and in 10 minutes you have crystal clear glass again, while yeah they do have products for acrylic tanks it's quite a bit more difficult.

[ca1ore]

I was debating between the Marineland 220 at 6 ft long versus their 265 at 7 feet long. Went with the latter and am very glad I did. You always seem to need more space than you think.

[ridetheducati]

Yes, I am an acrylic virgin

Find five hobbyist local to you with acrylic tanks that are 3-5 years old. Make note of the condition of the acrylic. I am sure acrylic can be maintained properly but a high degree of OCD maybe required.

[albano]

Find five hobbyist local to you with acrylic tanks that are 3-5 years old. Make note of the condition of the acrylic. I am sure acrylic can be maintained properly but a high degree of OCD maybe required.

I have a couple of 20 yr old acrylic tanks that look better than many 5 yr old glass!
Do not let magnet cleaner go down into sand bed, and do NOT leave magnets on tank, where friends and family will try to 'help' you!

[dppitone]

I disagree the fish need the extra foot. No fish has ever said to me "5 feet, I'm just unhappy and if I had six feet life would be great. $800 is fair for a 250g. MO don't pay 2k, or another $1,200 to get an extra foot. Thats IMO a bad choice.

That said, I wouldn't buy an acrylic tank. I've been experimenting with a 55g and I haven't been able to avoid scratching it while cleaning. It's just my preference, I'd stick with glass. I don't see why there'd be any more risk of that glass tank failing than any tank, I wouldn't make that a concern if it's a good build.

IMO the DDs are best medium-large mfr/stock tank pound for pound out there now and if you can get one used it's a no brainer. Used one's here go for under $1,000 no matter which capacity.

[RJT]

I disagree the fish need the extra foot. No fish has ever said to me "5 feet, I'm just unhappy and if I had six feet life would be great. $800 is fair for a 250g. MO don't pay 2k, or another $1,200 to get an extra foot. Thats IMO a bad choice.

IMO the DDs are best medium-large mfr/stock tank pound for pound out there now and if you can get one used it's a no brainer. Used one's here go for under $1,000 no matter which capacity.

What size tank have fish told you would be great?

[dppitone]

What size tank have fish told you would be great?

The times I've gotten them to open up, the conversation's mostly about food.

[ca1ore]

When 300DD are on sale, they are about $1200-1400

This! I may be in the minority, but I would absolutely NOT buy a large tank used, particularly for what may well be rather modest savings. When I was looking at a bigger tank, I chatted with a chap about buying his used 265 for which his rock bottom was $800. Good price, actually, but I was able to get a new one for $1,300. Lots of places where buying used stuff makes sense, but not with the tank IMO.

[RJT]

The times I've gotten them to open up, the conversation's mostly about food.

Yes they seem to all focus on that. No matter how much I try to get their political views.

OP I had a 4 foot 150. At first it was great but agression started between the fish. When I got a 6ft 150 the agression was substantially less. So IMO I would go for the 6ft.

[benihana]

Yes they seem to all focus on that. No matter how much I try to get their political views.



OP I had a 4 foot 150. At first it was great but agression started between the fish. When I got a 6ft 150 the agression was substantially less. So IMO I would go for the 6ft.


Thanks for the input...I had a 4' 120 and the stock list wasn't as long as what I have listed above, but I know the extra 12" in width will help out immensely

[Rotknee]

72x36x27 glass all the way! With a new tank you know the history and provided you choose a reputable builder, you know you are starting with the best possible scenario. While more expensive, again, its new and you can customize to your liking. In addition, you have more options to keep the type of fish you want. Lastly, I haven't come across too many threads where someone says "I wish I would have saved the money and bought something smaller." It's all about options. With the new glass tank you reserve the right to do it your way.:)

[RJT]

That is a good point. With new you can customize it. I bought a used 220 that I had to drill all of the holes and install an overflow box. The result was great but having it done already would be nice.

[alexx2208]

I have the 60x36x27, get the 72....... Much nicer once it's stocked

[benihana]

I have decided to go with the 72x36...I appreciate all of the insight and friendly banter :)

[TankWater]

Good choice. I have a Midwest tank. I think you be be happy with it. And I'm guessing you can even go and pick it up, even better!

[MuzzleFlash]

Looking forward to the build.

[benihana]

Thanks, it will still be a little bit, most likely towards the end of the year once we get our basement to a state of finished before this beast gets started.

One thing I have decided though - the dims will be 72x42x24....nice and DEEP!!

[Pife]

That's an awesome size.