90 or 120

Magnar · Oct 11, 2025

Hello,

I am trying to decide between a 90 or a 120 gallon mixed reef aquarium with overflow.

Currently I have a stand and canopy for a 90 gallon but no aquarium. I also have a skimmer, return pumps, and a heater for the 90. I have not had an aquarium for about 8 years or so and the equipment is obviously older.
Since I don't have the aquarium, I thought about going to a 120 and getting a new stand.

I am trying to figure out if it is worth it to buy a new stand or even build one for a 120 when I have the stuff I have right now for a 90. Is it worth the upgrade? Part of me really wants to do it and the other part feels like I am wasting money.

I would like to have more choice on fish is one of the big reasons I would say I want to upgrade. That and I think the aqua scaping may be easier and look better.

The 120 will be 48"x 24" so it will pretty much fit where the 90 was before.

I would appreciate your thoughts on this.

Thanks

Fish Fan · Oct 11, 2025

Welcome to Reef2Reef!

I think most here are going to tell you to go for the larger tank. That 24" front to back will make a really great looking reef tank.

Good luck!

Baby Damsel 219 · Oct 11, 2025

go big when you have a small tank you wanted all the fish in the world get a bigger one so when you desire other fish the tank is big enough

Magnar · Oct 11, 2025

I figured bigger is what most would say. Just looking for reassurance, I guess. As I said I have a cabinet and canopy for the 90 and that is what is stressing me about switching the most. The wasting of the money for those even though that purchase was 10+ years ago but I already have them. lol
I will probably go ahead and make the switch. Maybe I can sell the cabinet and canopy to help with the cost of switching.

That's why I wanted to see if people thought it would be worth it.

Thank you for your replies so far.