PDA

View Full Version : 140 vs 185

MichaelC
11/03/2006, 02:45 AM
My employer has built a new office and is installing an in wall reef tank. He has gotten an LFS quote for 6k+ for a stock 140 (48x24x30) and 10k+ for a custom 185 (48x24x37) (prices include everything from mag floats to coral). Only height is optional as the opening has already been created.

I'm an experienced reef keeper but not with a system this large (I have a 58g reef). I'm in the process of pricing everything out to determine if it would be worth buying everything ourselves and installing it. If I do end up installing everything I'm sure I'll be back here seeking advice/support.

My question for now is if there is any benefit to the 140 over the 185 in a tank this size. I know the larger the surface area to volume ratio the better but would it matter in a tank this size? Obviously the 140 would be easier to work in when positioning rock/coral. Also, I'm not a fan of "tall" tanks but I'm sure it would look better from the waiting room where it will be positioned.

Any thoughts?
KenT
11/03/2006, 10:38 AM
Why a custom 185 vs. a standard 180?? Do those prices include everything, equipment, set up, and livestock?
rlxwcapt
11/03/2006, 02:39 PM
The 180 will be harder to clean and light. go with the 140. If you can make it deeper so it would be 48x30x30 or 48x36x30 that would be even better. I would purchase every thing yourself.
KenT
11/03/2006, 03:04 PM
Sorry, I see it is for everything
maginter
11/04/2006, 04:02 PM
Cut out a pice of paper and see what looks porportionally right for the wall. I would probably do the 180 myself.
MichaelC
11/05/2006, 04:44 PM
Thanks for the input. Looks like he is going with the 185 custom. He is going with the LFS for the tank/rock.
nyvp
11/05/2006, 11:42 PM
be careful and double check what they are selling him. There are some lfs( not all ) that may or not be doing the right thing.
MichaelC
11/06/2006, 12:36 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8486575#post8486575 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nyvp
be careful and double check what they are selling him. There are some lfs( not all ) that may or not be doing the right thing.

Agreed - there are things on the estimate that are not necessary and things that need to be changed.
roushboy2857
11/06/2006, 09:56 AM
Second opinion? Any other stores?