What is an extra foot worth to you?

When 300DD are on sale, they are about $1200-1400... I agree get the biggest possible...I have been using acrylic tanks since 1991, and would not switch to glass...it is possible to 'avoid' scratches, but more importantly, it's possible to repair scratches (unlike with glass/starphire)
 
benihana said:
It is a Black Tang, not a Gem Tand and Yes, contemplating the 1200 since I am starting fresh (currently no tank or equipment) and looking at putting 15k into the build. Plus all of the fish won't be purchased on day 1, more so over the course of a year or so
Click to expand...

I realize it's not a gem tang, but point being the cost of that one fish is roughly the difference in cost for your extra foot. Of course it's been a while since I've seen black tangs out there so who knows they may have come down in cost.

As to the age old acrylic vs glass argument, I'd probably go for glass just because my experience is if you get lazy with cleaning the glass (or you go on vacation for a week or more), pull out a razor blade and in 10 minutes you have crystal clear glass again, while yeah they do have products for acrylic tanks it's quite a bit more difficult.
 
I was debating between the Marineland 220 at 6 ft long versus their 265 at 7 feet long. Went with the latter and am very glad I did. You always seem to need more space than you think.
 
ridetheducati said:
Find five hobbyist local to you with acrylic tanks that are 3-5 years old. Make note of the condition of the acrylic. I am sure acrylic can be maintained properly but a high degree of OCD maybe required.
Click to expand...

I have a couple of 20 yr old acrylic tanks that look better than many 5 yr old glass!
Do not let magnet cleaner go down into sand bed, and do NOT leave magnets on tank, where friends and family will try to 'help' you!
 
I disagree the fish need the extra foot. No fish has ever said to me "5 feet, I'm just unhappy and if I had six feet life would be great. $800 is fair for a 250g. MO don't pay 2k, or another $1,200 to get an extra foot. Thats IMO a bad choice.

That said, I wouldn't buy an acrylic tank. I've been experimenting with a 55g and I haven't been able to avoid scratching it while cleaning. It's just my preference, I'd stick with glass. I don't see why there'd be any more risk of that glass tank failing than any tank, I wouldn't make that a concern if it's a good build.

IMO the DDs are best medium-large mfr/stock tank pound for pound out there now and if you can get one used it's a no brainer. Used one's here go for under $1,000 no matter which capacity.
 
Last edited:
dppitone said:
I disagree the fish need the extra foot. No fish has ever said to me "5 feet, I'm just unhappy and if I had six feet life would be great. $800 is fair for a 250g. MO don't pay 2k, or another $1,200 to get an extra foot. Thats IMO a bad choice.

IMO the DDs are best medium-large mfr/stock tank pound for pound out there now and if you can get one used it's a no brainer. Used one's here go for under $1,000 no matter which capacity.
Click to expand...

What size tank have fish told you would be great?
 
albano said:
When 300DD are on sale, they are about $1200-1400
Click to expand...

This! I may be in the minority, but I would absolutely NOT buy a large tank used, particularly for what may well be rather modest savings. When I was looking at a bigger tank, I chatted with a chap about buying his used 265 for which his rock bottom was $800. Good price, actually, but I was able to get a new one for $1,300. Lots of places where buying used stuff makes sense, but not with the tank IMO.
 
dppitone said:
The times I've gotten them to open up, the conversation's mostly about food.
Click to expand...

Yes they seem to all focus on that. No matter how much I try to get their political views.

OP I had a 4 foot 150. At first it was great but agression started between the fish. When I got a 6ft 150 the agression was substantially less. So IMO I would go for the 6ft.
 
RJT said:
Yes they seem to all focus on that. No matter how much I try to get their political views.



OP I had a 4 foot 150. At first it was great but agression started between the fish. When I got a 6ft 150 the agression was substantially less. So IMO I would go for the 6ft.
Click to expand...


Thanks for the input...I had a 4' 120 and the stock list wasn't as long as what I have listed above, but I know the extra 12" in width will help out immensely
 
"You get what you pay for..right?"

"You get what you pay for..right?"

72x36x27 glass all the way! With a new tank you know the history and provided you choose a reputable builder, you know you are starting with the best possible scenario. While more expensive, again, its new and you can customize to your liking. In addition, you have more options to keep the type of fish you want. Lastly, I haven't come across too many threads where someone says "I wish I would have saved the money and bought something smaller." It's all about options. With the new glass tank you reserve the right to do it your way.:)
 
That is a good point. With new you can customize it. I bought a used 220 that I had to drill all of the holes and install an overflow box. The result was great but having it done already would be nice.
 
Good choice. I have a Midwest tank. I think you be be happy with it. And I'm guessing you can even go and pick it up, even better!
 
Thanks, it will still be a little bit, most likely towards the end of the year once we get our basement to a state of finished before this beast gets started.

One thing I have decided though - the dims will be 72x42x24....nice and DEEP!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Q
What is the best way to add Queen Angel?
Replies
1
Views
553
wvned
wvned
Z
5.7ft tank stocking
Replies
7
Views
1K
ZanaZoola14
Z
W
Finalizing Stocking Plans for 120 Gallon FOWLR
Replies
2
Views
835
WisersReef
W
MartyTheAchilles
Any Members in Southern California that Want to maybe Start a Local Club?
Replies
3
Views
905
MartyTheAchilles
MartyTheAchilles
D
I am brand new to Saltwater, buying a 180 that is currently running.
Replies
14
Views
1K
thegrun
T
Back
Top