Which is better

[KeeganMonkey]

Which one would you get, a 200 gallon aquarium for $150 but I have to set up everything or a 125 gallon reef ready aquarium for $500?


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[aquavista99]

Are both aquariums new or used? Same aquarium manufacturer? A larger footprint is what I would prefer if both aquariums were new and not used. 125g reef ready aquarium has a nice footprint too. In the end, you usually get what you pay for. Good luck!

 

[sfsuphysics]

Well typically "reef ready" means that it simply is drilled and has an overflow installed, it does not mean that it's "turnkey" ready.

Presumably the 200g tank is just a rectangular box with no overflow? If it was acrylic and the seams look good, making it reef ready isn't difficult at all, if it's glass it's a tad more difficult but still doable assuming the panes of glass you want to drill through are not tempered.

 

[KeeganMonkey]

Well typically "reef ready" means that it simply is drilled and has an overflow installed, it does not mean that it's "turnkey" ready.

Presumably the 200g tank is just a rectangular box with no overflow? If it was acrylic and the seams look good, making it reef ready isn't difficult at all, if it's glass it's a tad more difficult but still doable assuming the panes of glass you want to drill through are not tempered.

This particular one that's reef ready includes all equipment, a 30 gallon sump, all the test kits literally everything which is why I can't decide at all! I'd probably eventually put in a larger sump anyways, but still. Then the 200 is such a good price that's what's making it difficult for me haha!


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[KeeganMonkey]

Are both aquariums new or used? Same aquarium manufacturer? A larger footprint is what I would prefer if both aquariums were new and not used. 125g reef ready aquarium has a nice footprint too. In the end, you usually get what you pay for. Good luck!

Both used, but the 125 includes all the pumps and filters all that good stuff the 200 is just then tank I'd have to drill it and buy all the other stuff for it which is why I can't decide


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[ClownNut]

dont care the size, the dimensions will be the determining factor.

 

[thaitopher]

Personally I would go with the 125. 200 gallon is going to be REALLY expensive to stock once you buy live rock, live sand etc...

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[jeffmerrill]

If it was me, I would buy the 125 but it would really depend upon where it is being placed, total budget, etc.

 

[Diana A]

125 because of cost. this is a very expensive hobby. the bigger the tank, more the cost to get it to look great

 

[ace_92101]

I'd go with the 200. It gives you a lot more options as far as live stock. I have a 135 and I'd take a 200 everyday. While I don't know your situation, in my experience all inclusive set ups tend to have equipment that's old, incomplete or barely/non functioning.

 

[slief]

I'd go with the 200. It gives you a lot more options as far as live stock. I have a 135 and I'd take a 200 everyday. While I don't know your situation, in my experience all inclusive set ups tend to have equipment that's old, incomplete or barely/non functioning.

I agree but it largely depends on the condition of the tanks, the material (glass or acrylic) as well as thickness of the material and the builder of the tank.

In my opinion, more information would be needed on the tanks for me to decide. Also, the make and models of equipment on the smaller tank would be something else I would want to know as well as age of equipment. Quality is a factor.

 

[sfsuphysics]

Yeah I agree with the equipment question. "Has all the equipment" are we talking high end return pumps, skimmers (probably not in a 30g sump), lightning, Tunze pumps? Or just "It has equipment to make it run"

 

[nsfishguy]

If you buy both you probably could use some of the equipment from the 125 for the 200 and sell what you don't need and make some money back to buy other stuff for the 200.

 

[Vanpire]

What are the dimensions?

 

[reefzone123]

200 for the dimensions and customization.