48" long tank shopping, what size would you get?

[Boxfish]

I've been ok'd to upgrade my 55g to a larger gallon but need to stay in the 4' long range. I assume 48/24/24" 120g would be most people's choice? Should I even consider smaller 90g?

Any hidden downfalls to these size tanks? Brands to avoid?
Thanks

 

[nereefpat]

You will be very happy with any of the standard 3 upgrades:
120 you mentioned
75 gallon - 48x18x21H
90 - 48x18x24H

Even the 75 will seem like a world of difference with the extra room back to front. If you have shorter arms, that might be the one to pick.

A couple of the big brands used to make a 150 gallon that was 30" tall. I wouldn't do it for a reef, but it made a sweet display for freshwater oddballs.

 

[edd59]

120 is good size. miricles makes a 120 48x30x24 deep, if you have the room front to back.

 

[steveschuerger]

I’ve got a 48x18x24 90 gallon . Upgraded from a 60 and I find it’s a great “little” big tank.

 

[X-37B]

Take a look at the IM ext 150.
48×30×19.7. Nice systems as I have the 170.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

120-150 is a good size, that will be my future upgrade from my 75 gallon

 

[edd59]

Take a look at the IM ext 150.
48×30×19.7. Nice systems as I have the 170.

48x30x19.7 is 123 gal

 

[cilyjr]

48x30x19.7 is 123 gal

miricles makes a 120 48x30x24 deep, if you have the room front to back.

And 48x30x24 is 150

If we are being picky.


To the op.
Any of the tanks are going to be great. A larger width tank helps with the foreshortening as you are looking through water. So in my opinion the hierarchy goes
40b
75g
120g
As the ”better" for a reef tank.
But at the end of the day what you can afford and what you are happy with is going to be a great tank.

 

[X-37B]

48x30x19.7 is 123 gal

A standard 120 is not 120.
My im 170 is 135g's inside dims with a 59×30×21.7 stated size.
I wish tank makers would post actual inside dims.
Tbe IM tanks refer to the sump + the display depending on what level you keep your sump at.
The inside actual dims on the IM ext 150 is actualy 100g's. Go figure, lol.

 

[edd59]

A standard 120 is not 120.
My im 170 is 135g's inside dims with a 59×30×21.7 stated size.
I wish tank makers would post actual inside dims.
Tbe IM tanks refer to the sump + the display depending on what level you keep your sump at.
The inside actual dims on the IM ext 150 is actualy 100g's. Go figure, lol.

my 120 is actually a little over 100 gal with 5/8 glass and euro bracing

 

[PotatoPig]

75 will definitely be the most economical and easy to source (assuming rimmed aquarium, and doubly so if you have a Petco near you as they have a half price sale on for these things so they’re $130 right now…)

In terms of fish - the critical dimension here is often the tank length, a physically deeper or wider tank doesn’t do as much to improve territory and swim space as a longer one. There’s relatively few fish that would be compatible with a 90 gallon that wouldn’t be compatible with a 75. Maybe amore wriggle room with a 120 gallon due to increased floor plan, though bear in mind the added tank depth and width could make maintenance a little tougher and harder to light depending on your available lighting systems. It’s also about 5x the price of the 75.

 

[Boxfish]

Great info, it makes me feel better about my pro/con list.
I would be looking at reef ready style, not sure if I want internal bot
tom drilled or side drilled overflow.
I guess my thought of side drilled is if a leak occured at bulkhead it would not be as catastrophic as a bottom drilled bulkhead?

 

[edd59]

Great info, it makes me feel better about my pro/con list.
I would be looking at reef ready style, not sure if I want internal bot
tom drilled or side drilled overflow.
I guess my thought of side drilled is if a leak occured at bulkhead it would not be as catastrophic as a bottom drilled bulkhead?

they both can only leak to the bottom of the weir. should be the same for both over flows. if you have the room go external, leaves more room inside tank.

 

[JdubC]

I've been ok'd to upgrade my 55g to a larger gallon but need to stay in the 4' long range. I assume 48/24/24" 120g would be most people's choice? Should I even consider smaller 90g?

Any hidden downfalls to these size tanks? Brands to avoid?
Thanks

Several of us forum members have taken advantage of this deal. I think they are currently running a 10% discount. Price includes shipping.

I received mine a week ago and it was in perfect condition. It is a beautiful tank and really well-constructed stand with sump and ATO reservoir included.

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[indyjaco]

I've had a 75G, 120G and a 105G (48x24x21). My favorite is the 105. The 3" less height is nice for working in the tank.

Of course the 6' 125G I had was the best, but 6' is hard to fit in the space I have.

 

[Kfactor]

60g breeder

 

[KJoFan]

48x30x19.7 is 123 gal

The IM 150 is 48x36x20 this is why the math isn't mathing.

 

[Sophie"s mom]

I've been ok'd to upgrade my 55g to a larger gallon but need to stay in the 4' long range. I assume 48/24/24" 120g would be most people's choice? Should I even consider smaller 90g?

Any hidden downfalls to these size tanks? Brands to avoid?
Thanks

I have a 90 now, but used to have a 110. The only downside for me was the depth when it came to cleaning or moving things inside. Other than that, they are awesome.

 

[Boxfish]

Definitely think I'm leaning toward something under 24" tall. Even being tall, arm pit deep is pushing it.