Does size really matter (90 vs 120)

[mbrady]

Question: When is big enough?
I am in the process of rebuilding my reef aquarium. It originally was a 90 gallon reef ready AGA. I finally have had enough of the massive "œMega Overflow". I have purchase a Reef savvy 18" ghost overflow. The ghost overflow will require me to drill the tank (A very scary idea). I most probably will run a Bean Animal over flow system.
Do I take this opportunity to upgrade to a 120?
The 90 gallon fits very well in the room and the 120 would be pushing the limits of the room. In addition the wife has already said the 120 is too big. I am now having second thoughts upgrading to the 120 Can I be happy with the 90 gallon?
FYI-------I already purchased:
ATI 48" dimmable light fixture (8 X 54)
SICCE 5.0 return pump anticipating the upgrade.
Thank you in advance for all your input and advice.

Mike

 

[Deftones2015]

If it's pushing the limits it may be smart to stay with the 90. Personally I would go with the 120 same length and height, just deeper which would open a lot of real estate to do a nice aquascape.

 

[snorvich]

If it's pushing the limits it may be smart to stay with the 90. Personally I would go with the 120 same length and height, just deeper which would open a lot of real estate to do a nice aquascape.

If your focus is primarily coral related, I would go with the deeper tank.

 

[Mr.Tan]

i'm not married, but i think i've heard happy wife happy life before? might be something to consider since she said the 120 was too big (thats what she said?!)

I'd imagine you will me more than content with the 90g. Its still a good size tank to work with.

 

[davocean]

I am not one of those bigger is always better guys here, but I have to say the footprint for scaping a 120g is so much nicer than a 90g
However, the bed is so much nicer than the couch when it comes to sleeping...

 

[drauka99]

for a reef tank I like the 120 dimensions better.

 

[ThRoewer]

If your focus is primarily coral related, I would go with the deeper tank.

+1

My new tank is 40" long and 28" deep at a height of 24".
For reef tanks more depth is better. My rule of thumb is that the tank should at least be half as deep as it is long. Unfortunately most of the standard tanks here in the US are made for freshwater and usually less deep but taller.

Also I would go as big as space allows.


BTW: welcome back Steve! Where have you been the last two weeks?

 

[jrr98002]

Personally, I've had a 90 gallon and upkept a couple of the 90s for others and we were all happy with ours. As mentioned above, the 120 will give you another 6 inches or so for scaping and corals, but if you're not too upset about not being able to have as many corals as possible, then I'd say a 90 is perfectly fine. Also, as Mr. Tan put it, it's rather best not to **** off the wife, or you just may end up with a 0 gallon tank, and nobody wants that, right?

 

[jayball]

I have a 90, I wish I had that extra 6 inches. there are parts of my aquarium that are just too crowded.

 

[SeedlessOne]

As soon as you buy the 90 you will regret not getting the 120g and the extra 6 inches. Makes all the difference.

 

[davocean]

Just a semi naughty thought, I once told a landlord my 180 was only "bout a hundred gallons..."
He bought it.
So, how in tune is your wife to tank dims?:idea:

 

[Reef Frog]

I found I like a lot of corals that do well on the sand bed, so I'd agree deeper is better.

But of course you're navigating the spouse factor. No personal experience in that realm here. But it makes me wonder if a snappy ryme or limerick exists that covers the idea of something like "Happy Hubbies keep the divorce rate low" or " The husband who has a home based hobby is less likely to be out carousing and trying to escape marital tyranny ? Or "Deprive your hubby of things he loves to do but get comfortable with killing spiders & taking out the trash first".

How come the guys never seem to object the overuse of potpourri, 12 bottles of shampoo & conditioner in the shower, or a closet full of silly shoes that hurt and disfigure their feet and could have bought a decent car with the funds? Anybody out there ever include a clause on fish or reef keeping in a prenuptial contract?

Has any body gone through a scenario like this:
WIFE: Go ahead and get that 8' aquarium. But if you do, I'm leaving!
HUSBAND: Gee honey, I'm going to miss you!

Seriously I don't think I've ever heard of a female reefer getting reef or fish flak from a guy!

 

[davocean]

I have suggested in the past to clients I've built cabinets for that we could print little LV's all over the stand to see if that could sway them!

 

[mbrady]

Original Post

Thank you all for your thoughts.
I know I want the 120 but the room already has a piano loveseat and couch in it. And no I can not get rid of the piano. Tried that.
I guess bigger is better. Funny I always thought styled mattered.

 

[davocean]

I think style does definitely matter, and agree, you should go w/ the flow of the room, and happiness should be equal among spouses.

 

[jrp1588]

I found I like a lot of corals that do well on the sand bed, so I'd agree deeper is better.

But of course you're navigating the spouse factor. No personal experience in that realm here. But it makes me wonder if a snappy ryme or limerick exists that covers the idea of something like "Happy Hubbies keep the divorce rate low" or " The husband who has a home based hobby is less likely to be out carousing and trying to escape marital tyranny ? Or "Deprive your hubby of things he loves to do but get comfortable with killing spiders & taking out the trash first".

How come the guys never seem to object the overuse of potpourri, 12 bottles of shampoo & conditioner in the shower, or a closet full of silly shoes that hurt and disfigure their feet and could have bought a decent car with the funds? Anybody out there ever include a clause on fish or reef keeping in a prenuptial contract?

Has any body gone through a scenario like this:
WIFE: Go ahead and get that 8' aquarium. But if you do, I'm leaving!
HUSBAND: Gee honey, I'm going to miss you!

Seriously I don't think I've ever heard of a female reefer getting reef or fish flak from a guy!

"The husband who has a home based hobby is less likely to be out carousing and trying to escape marital tyranny?" That has a nice catchy ring to it.

In my experience, SOME women are very jealous over anything that gets their man's attention (and/or) money that is not them. These women usually aren't worth the trouble.

 

[mbrady]

Original Post

What about the equipment.
ATI 48” dimmable light fixture (8 X 54)
SICCE 5.0 return pump rated at 1354 GHP

Will (8 X 54) to too strong a light?
I believe I could always run GFO or so other reactor off the return pump so I believe I am OK here.
Thanks
Mike

 

[Bent]

I'd go with the 120. Size vs size you won't notice that much of a difference, but the 120 will be nicer.

 

[Frostyfishman]

+1 for 120. Get the biggest you can so you can have the most freedom for fish selection and aquascaping. :deadhorse:

 

[davocean]

Original Post

What about the equipment.
ATI 48" dimmable light fixture (8 X 54)
SICCE 5.0 return pump rated at 1354 GHP

Will (8 X 54) to too strong a light?
I believe I could always run GFO or so other reactor off the return pump so I believe I am OK here.
Thanks
Mike

Not sure how wide that fixture is, and light depends on what you keep.
Pump volume depends on what your drains can handle.