Help needed, tank decision

[mr.maroonsalty]

I have the go ahead to start a build. My desire is for a 5' tank 30"-36" deep, height isn't important 20-30" is fine. I'm out growing my 40; its a mixed reef, but sps dominant. Also, my maroon clown needs an anemone. I have a tight budget so I'm not eager for starfire. My first choice is a greatlakes 60x30 175g, reg glass, not reefready; I would prefer installing my own over flow. The problem with this tank is its in Detroit which either adds to its very reasonable new tank cost, or compels my retired mom and dad to try and get it in their van when coming to visit the grandchildren towards year's end. I have another tank offered its a 48x24 150 Oceanic, reef ready, starfire. Tank vs Tank its the nicer tank. The used cost is under $500, its in nice shape and not very far away. Pluses, are its cost savings; aside from the startup its also one less halide. The main problem is the 24" dimension. I very much don't want the "reef wall" look, but I'm not a minimalist either; my favorite view when looking at tanks is from the end, and I want to try create some of that in all three viewing sides. Next, IMO 48x24 isn't very well suited for corals and anemones together, though even in the 60x30 I'm only thinking about a sand dwelling nem. Next is the sump space, if I do under tank plumbing as I'm leaning towards for the time being for energy savings there is nowhere near the same amount room to do the things I want to do. What to do? get into a tank that I can move in and get to work on tonight, with enough savings from cost and pickup delivery to fund a better skimmer, or hold out for a tank more to my desired dimension?

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

Also I'm nearly in my eighth year, and it'll likely be another 6-8 before I know what I really want, so my thinking is this won't be my last tank regardless.

 

[rjmayes34]

if you plan on getting anohter in the future anyways then id take the next step up and get the 150,unless you find a deal locally. Maybe hold out another week or so and see what ya find!!! Check craigs list also,their is a couple 180's i have seen on their. But i know what you mean,my first tank is my 125 and i am already ready to upgreade to a bigger tank so maybe just go big or stay home from the get-go,yeah final decision:go big or stay home!! Gool luck what ever route you choose!!!!

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

6' tank is just a little to long for the space, 5' is perfect, but harder to come by.

 

[Dave VG]

That’s a tough decision. I would go with the 175 JMO. Nice dimensions.

 

[Capt_Cully]

From the sounds of it, you want the 5 footer more than getting a deal on the 150. You could always build up the ancillary equipment you'll need for your new system, while you continue to search for the larger tank.

Better to be happy from the start. If you are working on a tank and constantly thinking of your next tank, seems like it'd steal away from your satisfaction. I'd get it right the first time. Find a 5 footer. FWIW I think Starphire is extremely overrated, for my money. It is noticeable, blah blah blah, for my money, not worth it. To each his own. I've never looked at an awesome reef and taken a step back and said "ooooh Starphire!". If the reef is nice enough, I never even see the glass.

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

There is the "bird in hand theory." And, I agree with you about starfire; I like Gary's statement about not noticing powerheads when a tank looks like his.

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

Well I pulled the trigger and went the more affordable route. It really is a very beautiful tank: black back panel, bevelled polished edges, low lead glass, and very well built ; it must have been left over inventory from the old Oceanic. I was all set to hold out then on the way in from the wood pile last night it became clear I should go with the used 150. This morning I looked at things and realized there was only one day my parents could pick the tank up for me; if weather or something else changed there travel plans I would be stuck with either a $300 fuel bill or $375 shipping which would really kill the build budget. Thanks for the help! the tank isn't what I've been dreaming about all year, but if I look at it on the sunnier side its 3/4 of a DD. Moreover, it should help me decide if bigger is the direction I want to keep moving towards.

 

[Dave VG]

Smart move IMHO. I can see many things that made this a good decision. It fits its close which means you can get it started sooner and it will be cheaper to accessorize. And it's a way bigger tank than what you have now congrats. I don’t think you will have will have any problems getting the aquascaping to your liking with those dimensions. Hope you are planning to do a build thread.

 

[aquadonkey]

Congrats! Looking forward to the build thread

 

[Capt_Cully]

Sissy

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

just found this thread!

just found this thread!

if I knew this weren't to be my last aquarium I'd have gone with the
48x24 150 Oceanic. I think you made the right decision in this case.

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

I could have held out, but two things played a huge role in my decision: first, I started so many tank builds on paper, so having a 20cf bird sitting in the living room should help this one along. Second was the chance the 60x30 could end up costing more than $600 over this tank, and while it might have had the better dimension it isn't likely the better tank. This is my third Oceanic tank; its too bad for corporate takeovers they made a very solid product. My plan is to bring this in under $2400 and 15,000W. The savings from needing one less halide and going used allows me to improve a wee bit my equipment choices,and may even be ready for a 03/11 livestock birthday order

I'll certainly start the tank thread, I don't know how much of a build it'll be as there won't be anything spectacular about it: an undersized skimmer in todays oversized world, no fancy controllers or dosing pumps, or leds. I'm trying to find a way to squeeze two fuges, an equipment sump, a limewater reservoir, and an external pump in 8 sf cabinet. Lighting will be two m80 ballasts driving lumenbright minis; I would like the energy saving of an electron ballast but I'm thinking I'll need the extra penetration. I'll need help deciding the best way to handle the two stock overflows. I have a the rock from a 72 and 40 bought back when tanks were filled chalk a block most of which has sat for the last two years circulating and heated waiting ready to use. Right now I need to finalize my shop drawings, and get to work building the cabinet and canopy, and perhaps take advantage of holiday sales and pick up a skimmer so its here and ready to go to work.

 

[Capt_Cully]

I was only busting your chops, sounds like quit a good deal. I considered the 150 myself for the same reason. Less halides. The older Oceanics are built like old war bunkers. You'll love it. And like Gary said 40 to 150 is a lot of new realestate.

Congrats on the new tank!