New to reefing. 120g, 150g tall or long?

[tybenz88]

Hi I'm new to reef central and new to the saltwater hobby. I am having a hard time deciding on my first reef tank. I've narrowed it down to 3 tanks and being my first saltwater I thought I better seek some advice from experience reefers.

My 3 options are

120 gallon long 72"L * 18W * 20"D
150 gallon tall 48"L * 24W * 30"D
150 gallon long 72"L * 18W * 27"D

I will add that space is not an issue for me. I will want to eventually have corals in this tank as well. If anyone could chim in and help me with pros and cons that would help out a lot. Right now i am leaning towards the 150 long. Prices aren't the issue just want to know what's best to start with.
Thanks

[ninjamunky]

150 long would be my choice. I would avoid the 150 tall because of the shorter length but I'm sure somebody probably likes them.

[Bent]

150 long

[tybenz88]

Thanks for the quick responses. Still would like to hear others opinions.

[Cliving1]

150 long. Tall tanks are difficult to deal with, especially cleaning.

[Pet Detective]

I would consider the wider tank for corals especially, 24" width gives you more room front to back for rock work & coral placement and placing some corals in the front on the substrate...if you're a wee guy or gal, a small step stool works wonders for a taller tank.

Good luck to whichever you choose.

[Indymann99]

I would take a 24" DEEP tank over 18" any day. Agree that HEIGHT over 24" is a pain to clean.

If you want a wider tank than a traditional 120g (48x24x24) how about a 72x24x24.

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[top shelf]

If those are absolutely the only options you have if go with the 150 long. Indymann's suggestion would be the best choice though.

[billdogg]

I would take a 24" DEEP tank over 18" any day. Agree that HEIGHT over 24" is a pain to clean.

If you want a wider tank than a traditional 120g (48x24x24) how about a 72x24x24.

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^^^This^^^

I don't like any of the three you've listed. 18W is barely passable for a smaller tank - for something of that volume it will look odd and be very difficult to aquascape well. The footprint of the 150 tall is better, but at 30" depth will be problematic to light well and a royal PIA to clean unless you have really long arms or a snorkel.

[tybenz88]

Thanks everyone for the input. That thought crossed my mind too about an 18" being narrow. Does anyone have any pictures of a 150 long. Would love to see what I can expect it to kinda look like.

[nereefpat]

One more vote for either a standard 120 (4*2*2) or standard 180(6*2*2)

[cincyjim]

Definitely long. I have a SCA 150 that is 60"x24"x24" and I love it.

[tybenz88]

Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I have now ruled out for sure the 150 tall and the 120. I have been on the look out now for the 180. I have found a used one close to my area for $250 canadian. Is this a good deal? the tank is 6ft x 2ft x 2ft. Comes with hood and light (will sell and get new for future reef) Should i jump on this tank?

[SonoranReefer]

Out of those choices I like the 150 long the best, but I’m not too keen on the width. I like being able to create more depth with the scape. For that reason I might pick the 24” width 150g but then I don’t like the 30” height. Will make maintenance an a pain imo, but not impossible. Check out a standard 180g if it’s not too much more $ or out of budget. 72”x24”x25”


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[oldhead]

I have a 4ft lg 110 that is 31 inches deep. I have shoulder length gloves and they still aren't enough to reach the bottom.

[nereefpat]

Thanks everyone for all the great advice. I have now ruled out for sure the 150 tall and the 120. I have been on the look out now for the 180. I have found a used one close to my area for $250 canadian. Is this a good deal? the tank is 6ft x 2ft x 2ft. Comes with hood and light (will sell and get new for future reef) Should i jump on this tank?

About 200$ U.S.

Seems like a good deal to me, as long as it's in good shape.

[Pet Detective]

About 200$ U.S.

Seems like a good deal to me, as long as it's in good shape.


No leaks....grab it!

[hearttx]

250 is a good deal. Jump on it as long as it appears to be in good shape.

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[LauraGreenImp]

Sounds like you’ve found a great tank for a great price!

I have space limitations, so my 150g is 48Wx24Dx32H.

It is a total pain to clean and maintain, but it’s awful purty. ;-)

[tybenz88]

Thanks everyone for all the help and input. I have decided to go for the 180 :) so excited to finally make the plunge. Now to slowly build up the equipment needed and work on building a stand.
Thanks again everyone.

[monkeysee1]

Go woth the 150 long. Definitely!

[rocsec1]

i have the 120 and I wish I had done the 180 but the 120 4 ft tank is great.