120g first build tank - Would you rather...?

[SaltySTL]

My first build may be a bit ambitious. I am going for a 120 gallon setup, fish only with live rock in the beginning. I would appreciate some opinions on a few options for my initial tank acquisition. I'm fairly handy and not afraid of drilling and plumbing. If you were in my shoes which tank option would you rather start with?

Option 1 - Facebook Marketplace Marineland reef ready 120g (4x2x2) tank with dual corner overflows with two 1" bulkheads in each overflow. Only used 1 year before a house move. Super clean but has not held water in 4 years (stored in basement). Includes stand and spare 55 gallon tank. $400

Option 2 - Facebook Marketplace Aqueon brand 120g (4x2x2) tank. Was setup and running as a freshwater system until yesterday. Seller sent me pics of the before and after. Super clean with a nice looking stand. $400.

Option 3 - Save my pennies until I can buy a brand new tank and stand.

Option 4 - Other?

Any thoughts and questions are welcome.

 

[Fish Styx]

My first build may be a bit ambitious. I am going for a 120 gallon setup, fish only with live rock in the beginning. I would appreciate some opinions on a few options for my initial tank acquisition. I'm fairly handy and not afraid of drilling and plumbing. If you were in my shoes which tank option would you rather start with?

Option 1 - Facebook Marketplace Marineland reef ready 120g (4x2x2) tank with dual corner overflows with two 1" bulkheads in each overflow. Only used 1 year before a house move. Super clean but has not held water in 4 years (stored in basement). Includes stand and spare 55 gallon tank. $400

Option 2 - Facebook Marketplace Aqueon brand 120g (4x2x2) tank. Was setup and running as a freshwater system until yesterday. Seller sent me pics of the before and after. Super clean with a nice looking stand. $400.

Option 3 - Save my pennies until I can buy a brand new tank and stand.

Option 4 - Other?

Any thoughts and questions are welcome.

I don't trust used tanks, so will say option #3. Cleaning up 120g of saltwater from a tank failure is far more expensive.

 

[edsbeaker]

I, personally, would always choose to save up and buy a new tank over a used one. Especially in this case, where you are considering relatively basic stock brands and the cost isn’t very high to begin with.
To me it’s just not worth the risk of leaks, unknown issues, unknown products like copper used in the tank, etc, etc, etc.

 

[Kodski]

As the other two have said, running a used tank is always a risk. That being said, I've pretty much only ever had used tanks. When you go to look at them you need to take a look at two things, the silicone seals as well as the glass. Inspect very closely looking for any lifting silicone seals, bubbles in the seams between glass, or anything fishy looking. For the glass you're inspecting for any chips, cracks, and scratches. Scratches aren't necessarily a structural thing, but definitely something you'll see once the tank is running.

If you can't decide between a new tank and a used tank ask yourself this. Do you think this tank going to be your forever tank so to speak? Or do you plan on upgrading in a few years? If it is your forever tank, a used tank may not last as long as you'd like it to and you may want to save up.

To actually answer your question you asked though. Personally, I'd check to make sure the freshwater tank is non-tempered glass (glass you can drill into without the glass exploding) and go with that one. I'd then order an overflow from Modular Marine and drill the tank for that overflow. The advantage there is you'll gain a lot more space inside the tank versus dual corner overflows. If the tank isn't in good shape, I'd check out the other one. There isn't anything wrong with corner overflows especially if you're afraid to drill an aquarium. In honesty, choosing a tank that's in good shape is a lot more important.

 

[SaltySTL]

I, personally, would always choose to save up and buy a new tank over a used one. Especially in this case, where you are considering relatively basic stock brands and the cost isn’t very high to begin with.
To me it’s just not worth the risk of leaks, unknown issues, unknown products like copper used in the tank, etc, etc, etc.

Appreciate the perspective. Are there other brands of tanks that I should consider if I go new but still want to stay on the basic side?

 

[SaltySTL]

As the other two have said, running a used tank is always a risk. That being said, I've pretty much only ever had used tanks. When you go to look at them you need to take a look at two things, the silicone seals as well as the glass. Inspect very closely looking for any lifting silicone seals, bubbles in the seams between glass, or anything fishy looking. For the glass you're inspecting for any chips, cracks, and scratches. Scratches aren't necessarily a structural thing, but definitely something you'll see once the tank is running.

If you can't decide between a new tank and a used tank ask yourself this. Do you think this tank going to be your forever tank so to speak? Or do you plan on upgrading in a few years? If it is your forever tank, a used tank may not last as long as you'd like it to and you may want to save up.

To actually answer your question you asked though. Personally, I'd check to make sure the freshwater tank is non-tempered glass (glass you can drill into without the glass exploding) and go with that one. I'd then order an overflow from Modular Marine and drill the tank for that overflow. The advantage there is you'll gain a lot more space inside the tank versus dual corner overflows. If the tank isn't in good shape, I'd check out the other one. There isn't anything wrong with corner overflows especially if you're afraid to drill an aquarium. In honesty, choosing a tank that's in good shape is a lot more important.

Much appreciated. Your question about the forever tank is a great way to put in perspective. No, I don't expect this to be my forever tank. I think of this as a 3-5 year tank. By that time I will have figured out that this hobby is not for me, or I will have figured out all the stuff I want to change or wish I had done differently. Reasonable way to look at it?

Thanks for all the tips about what to look for when I inspect the tanks. A lot to think about!

 

[slingfox]

You may want to see if any of these tanks are still available: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/b...of-2024-whose-looking-for-a-new-tank.1037349/

 

[SaltySTL]

You may want to see if any of these tanks are still available: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/b...of-2024-whose-looking-for-a-new-tank.1037349/

Sold out. Looks like they were a pretty sweet rig for those that got one. Thanks for the pointer.

 

[edsbeaker]

Appreciate the perspective. Are there other brands of tanks that I should consider if I go new but still want to stay on the basic side?

It really depends on what you are willing to spend. I am an Innovative Marine fan. I’m on my second setup with that brand right now, and it’s a great tank. They seem to be really well priced for what you get, but you’re probably talking in the $3,000- $4,000 range in the size you are looking for. They do make an All-In-One Shallow reef that is a little less at around $2700.

I don’t know much about what’s available in the economy range, which I see Marineland and Aqueon Tanks/Stands in. I don’t consider them bad or unreliable tanks. I’ve had them in the past, but I just prefer when getting a large tank, mines 170 G, to choose from the higher end builds.

 

[SaltySTL]

It really depends on what you are willing to spend. I am an Innovative Marine fan. I’m on my second setup with that brand right now, and it’s a great tank. They seem to be really well priced for what you get, but you’re probably talking in the $3,000- $4,000 range in the size you are looking for. They do make an All-In-One Shallow reef that is a little less at around $2700.

I don’t know much about what’s available in the economy range, which I see Marineland and Aqueon Tanks/Stands in. I don’t consider them bad or unreliable tanks. I’ve had them in the past, but I just prefer when getting a large tank, mines 170 G, to choose from the higher end builds.

Makes total sense. If things work out my "forever" tank will be in that 180g range.

 

[TacticalBacon]

Being a noob. I would be afraid to buy used as I have no idea what exactly to look for.

I bought new did a ton of research and the one thing I learned. You really don’t learn till you start doing.

You have all these ideas in your mind how things work based on how people describe and information available.

While it’s not a complete shock, there is so much nuance and hands on learning, I would be hard pressed to trust a used tank. Especially that big.

I would say if a friend or someone you can trust is selling it, maybe, but still I would be hesitant to make that investment.

A leak after 6 mos or a year and it would be devastating.

Good luck and welcome to this awesome hobby and message board.

R2R has been a wealth of information and support.

 

[Idech]

I would avoid used tanks as well. True story : this guy who used to sell me corals wanted to upgrade his 120 gallons tank and offered to sell it to me.

It was a beautiful setup and what made me want a similar tank. In the end I decided to have one custom built and a few weeks later, his tank leaked and he lost everything.

So yeah, buy new. And avoid Red Sea tanks at all costs.

 

[vetteguy53081]

My first build may be a bit ambitious. I am going for a 120 gallon setup, fish only with live rock in the beginning. I would appreciate some opinions on a few options for my initial tank acquisition. I'm fairly handy and not afraid of drilling and plumbing. If you were in my shoes which tank option would you rather start with?

Option 1 - Facebook Marketplace Marineland reef ready 120g (4x2x2) tank with dual corner overflows with two 1" bulkheads in each overflow. Only used 1 year before a house move. Super clean but has not held water in 4 years (stored in basement). Includes stand and spare 55 gallon tank. $400

Option 2 - Facebook Marketplace Aqueon brand 120g (4x2x2) tank. Was setup and running as a freshwater system until yesterday. Seller sent me pics of the before and after. Super clean with a nice looking stand. $400.

Option 3 - Save my pennies until I can buy a brand new tank and stand.

Option 4 - Other?

Any thoughts and questions are welcome.

Aqueon ok, but most are Not reef-ready systems
You Dont want Marineland based on poor history - Save and get that Dream Tank

 

[JumboShrimp]

Just to add another perspective, $400 is a very cheap way to get started-- on your way to saving for a new replacement 120 down the road. Get your feet wet for $400, buy any 'add ons' that will still work in your next 120, and if your're still in the hobby in 2-3 years, transferring the rocks and livestock should be a simple matter.

 

[SaltySTL]

Just to add another perspective, $400 is a very cheap way to get started-- on your way to saving for a new replacement 120 down the road. Get your feet wet for $400, buy any 'add ons' that will still work in your next 120, and if your're still in the hobby in 2-3 years, transferring the rocks and livestock should be a simple matter.

Right on. That was my original premise. Build a good foundation. One of the temptations I'm dealing with is looking at all of those potential "add-ons" that really add up. Trying to focus on the basics and just get started.

 

[BryanM]

Generally I'd try and buy new as well.

Run far away from redsea.

 

[Rshahnyc]

I have had some success with used tanks but whatever you choose I’d suggest 6 feet of length.

 

[SaltySTL]

I have had some success with used tanks but whatever you choose I’d suggest 6 feet of length.

Well that may change the game a bit. If I go to a 6x2x2 tank doesn't that put me in the 180g range? Is that too much for a first timer? Full disclosure, I started with a dream of a 180, then went 120, then went 75, and then came back to 120.

 

[BryanM]

Well that may change the game a bit. If I go to a 6x2x2 tank doesn't that put me in the 180g range? Is that too much for a first timer? Full disclosure, I started with a dream of a 180, then went 120, then went 75, and then came back to 120.

Generally people feel larger tanks are easier.

6x2x2, with rock and sand, 160 ish.

I would do it. I migrated from 100g to this size, and the migration was stressful. I’d just start bigger :)

 

[PPBlimpy]

I have never bought a new tank, alway used. I try to buy from members of my local reef club, generally a little better experience over random person on marketplace. that said my last 2 were off market place. both killer deals.



125g 6' tank stand, canopy, sump, 3 g4 xr30s, 60" t5, 150 lbs dry rock, 57w uv, magus 7 skimmer- was $500

This tank is currently setup and running,
I am upgrading to a 300 which i recently bought. this one needs a bit more work

300G shallow 96x30x24 tall, 125g sump, no stand(was a built in) 3 nib skimz l160 pumps, skimmer, 140g frag tank, 45g frag tank, was a huge bundle deal -$1100

deals can be had if you don't mind some work. I would not be in this hobby if I bought new.

My $500 125g