Value of 1' ?

[hyperfocal]

I'm starting the planning process for my tank upgrade. My current tank is a 4' 55gal, and I'm looking to move to either a 5' 150gal or 6' 180gal.

If I go to the 150, I'll be able to use much of my current gear (lighting, skimmer, circulation) as-is. Going with the 180 would mean adding another 250W MH ballast and bulb, upgrading my skimmer, a bigger increase in circulation, possible adding a chiller and incremental maintenance costs (more electricity, salt, RODI water changes).

Do you think it is worth all the associated costs to get an extra foot of tank length? Does going to a 6' tank cross any thresholds for stocking selection or the like?

Thanks for your perspectives...

 

[nycreef]

If I were you I would go with the new marineland tanks which are 6 feet long 3 feet depth and 27 inches in height. They are made for a real reef and the price is very comparable all including starphire glass with solid wood cabinetry.
Just my opinion...:bum:

 

[hyperfocal]

Thanks for the suggestion, nycreef -- unfortunately, I don't have the space for a 3' front-to-back tank (as much as I'd love one). Plus, going to 27" tall would force me to replace all my ballasts and I'm trying to do this as inexpensively as possible

 

[nycreef]

Go with the 6 footer then, youll nver regret going bigger.

 

[Theron]

Personally, I don't think it would be worth the extra costs. If you really think you need to upgraded your equipment and you are that cost conscious.

Now a foot deeper (front to back) is another story. If it was me, and I had the room, I would go with a 4 ft 150, or a 5 ft 180. Keeping the same equipment but just added depth.

Theron

 

[hyperfocal]

Definitely! My current tank is only 15" front-to-back, so going to 24" will be luxurious. 30" or more would probably kill me One of my local LFS has a beautiful 4' semi-cube (it's about 30" tall)... wish I had the space in the room.

 

[nycreef]

Go 6 feet and bounce for the extra Halide, its worth it in the end:beer:

 

[ricks]

Like my wife always says, the BIGGER the better.....

 

[Orangeman]

Why go 6 feet with 3 halides when you can go 7 feet with 3 halides? See where this is going?

 

[ricks]

I have an 8' tank, with (6) 400 watt halides. Guess it just depends what you want to keep...

Happy Reefing

 

[Jflip2002]

Id stick with the 5 feet. I was kind of in the same boat as you hyper. I have a 5' x 3'x 20" tall 190g, and I can use 2 halides. I was going to go with the standard 180g thats 72" long, but needed an extra halide. I went with the 5', though I went deeper front to back. With the money you save, you can help fill your tank. Id go 5', but thats my choice.

 

[snommisbor]

I guess it really depends on what it is you want to keep in there. If you want more options on tangs or angels then go 6', if you just want the depth for better aquascaping for more coral go with the 5'

 

[hyperfocal]

More swimming space for my Yellow Tang is a big part of this upgrade. I could see adding a Purple Tang as well (that'd be it for tangs), but no large angels. I'm thinking that an extra foot isn't going to add that much; I'd be better off with a 5' tank with a more open aquascaping plan than with a 6' Bucket O' Rock.

 

[Jflip2002]

Lets face it... you will want to upgrade eventually anyways. I think we all do. Im already planning my next upgrade (well, not planning, but dreaming), and my tank is still bare lol. Save the cash and reuse what you can.