120G vs SCA 150G

[aruns]

Hi everyone,

My foray into reefing hit a pause after I bought a used 120 gallon tank which had a crack in its frame that I had failed to notice when purchasing. After giving it some thought, and not wanting to risk a leaking tank, I decided to go for a new 120G aqueon.

I have put in many hours planning my setup around a 120G but recently came across the SCA 150G. At its sale price, it's not that much more expensive than the 120G and I get starphire glass on top of the extra 30 gallons. Also, 150G would allow me to keep tangs that require more swim room. I was thinking 120G would be a good manageable size to start with but wanted to upgrade to a 180G sometime in the future. Now 150G seems to be a final size that I could live with

However, I am bit apprehensive that 150G would be more than I can handle. So I hoping someone who's upgraded to 150G from a 120 or a SCA 150G owner can answer these questions for me:

1. Is the 150G a good size for a 1st timer? or will I be in way over my head compared to 120G? My previous largest tank was a 40G freshwater

2.Will it be significantly complex in setup and upkeep compared to 120.

2. I wasn't planning on shoring up my floor joists for my 120G. Will I need to for 150G?

3. Is the 150G easy to maneuver around? Looks like it weighs 250 lbs approx compared to 150 lbs for 120G. Can 2-3 people be able to move the tank and place it on a stand? I won't be dealing with stairs here.

4. Anything else I should consider if I choose to go with 150G?

cheers,
Arun

 

[boxed_reef]

I have an SCA 120, and it’s a great tank that fit the space I had for it. But if you have the space, no question go for the 150. The equipment for 120/150 is basically the same, lighting might be just a tad more for the length. SCA can also do custom if you want an external overflow or something. Steve at SCA does great customer service, I would definitely recommend contacting him with any questions before making a purchase (I think the email is on their website).

 

[cvrle1]

Doing a quick search on the dimensions:

120G Aqueon: 48.5" x 24.5" x 25.5"
150G SCA: 60" x 24" x 24"

Just based off of that, I would go with 150, as it gives you a whole foot more of length. This means you can keep some different fish that require more swimming room. With that said, I only see 150 SCA with center overflow, which for me is a no go. I dont like those, and just cut out 2 I had in my 120 few days ago. If you can get SCA without any overflows I would go with that for sure

 

[aruns]

I have an SCA 120, and it’s a great tank that fit the space I had for it. But if you have the space, no question go for the 150. The equipment for 120/150 is basically the same, lighting might be just a tad more for the length. SCA can also do custom if you want an external overflow or something. Steve at SCA does great customer service, I would definitely recommend contacting him with any questions before making a purchase (I think the email is on their website).

Thanks jhOU! Yes, I have dealt with Steve when when I requesting for quote for 120G before.

 

[aruns]

With that said, I only see 150 SCA with center overflow, which for me is a no go.

Thanks! I got a quote from SCA on a 120G when I was previously considering it and he mentioned that they could in fact do aquarium drilled for exact external overflow (I had asked for ghost overflow). Only thing I need to find out is if there is a major price delta over the standard configuration.