Big Tank Anxiety

[serpentman]

This should probably go in the newbie forum, but I thought you all might be able to help.

Backstory: After a long hiatus from the hobby, I decided to drag my 92g corner out of storage and fire it up. The front glass on the tank was pretty beat up. However, I tried to convince myself that I could live with it. Well, after 2 months, its driving my crazy, (coupled with the difficulty cramming filtration equipment under it), so I have decided to replace the tank. With that in mind, I started investigating larger tanks.

I found a decent deal on a 180g tank with pumps and lights. I don't know why, but all of a sudden I am nervous about undertaking a large tank that is double my current volume. For one, I am concerned as I only have 140lbs of LR, etc. Did any of you go through this when you made the "leap"? In your opinion, how much more difficult and expen$ive is it to maintain a larger tank?

 

[kwl1763]

A 180 should be great. It won't be that much more expensive to maintain and only marginally more work. YOu have to plan lighting and circulation a little more and make sure you have a good sump, etc.

I used to have a 92 corner and honestly it was the hardest tank I ever dealt with. Had to have a custom sump, getting to the bottom is a pain, lighting layout is challanging, etc.

 

[serpentman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7523235#post7523235 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kwl1763
I used to have a 92 corner and honestly it was the hardest tank I ever dealt with. Had to have a custom sump, getting to the bottom is a pain, lighting layout is challanging, etc.

I hear you. It has been a nightmare to work on already. Had I planned correctly, I would have placed the tank elsewhere and plumbed the filter offsite.

I am planning on lighting this 2x400W MH (ends), 1x250W MH (center) and 2x 36" 96W PC actinics.

Do you think I will be ok with only 140lbs LR in the interim?

 

[tm613]

You can always add more rock as you go, i just set up a 180 with 90 lbs of rock (see below) it is fowlr so I wanted some open space