Type of Tank

[Carterfish]

Hello reefers, I was thinking about possibly getting a larger tank. I’m thinking 180-250 gallon display tank. Any specific brands that you recommend? Or any input on exactly what size I should get? I don’t want the tank blowing out on me. It will be a simple reef tank. No sps, but will have anemones and lps and softies.

 

[tankstudy]

Any specific brands that you recommend?

Any budget limitations??

 

[Carterfish]

Any budget limitations??

As far as budget goes. I would like it to not cost a ridiculous amount but then again I want it to be reliable and quality.

 

[ZoWhat]

180 is pretty squared up and distributes weight very well evenly among all seams.

just have a rock solid stand bc fully loaded a 180 can weight 1500-1800lbs

 

[Carterfish]

180 is pretty squared up and distributes weight very well evenly among all seams.

just have a rock solid stand bc fully loaded a 180 can weight 1500-1800lbs

Thanks for your input! Can you tell me what brand you’d recommend?

 

[Mical]

https://www.fishtanksdirect.com

 

[ZoWhat]

I always buy used off of Craigslist and shop within a 100miles.

I got my 180 that retailed for $2k... for $400 bc the family needed it out of the house asap. 400 for tank, stand, hood, all near mint

I took a very high powered LED shoplamp 250watts and inspected it 100% for scratches, seam pull aways, seam cracks...which it had none

I wouldnt buy it until they filled it up 50% with tap and I inspected closely for leaks.

once home I cleaned it out with rags soaked in vinegar several times over several days.

saved a crapload of money and not seeing any problems

once a 180 is loaded....its pretty rock solid on weight distribution




.

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

I always buy used off of Craigslist and shop within a 100miles.

I got my 180 that retailed for $2k... for $400 bc the family needed it out of the house asap. 400 for tank, stand, hood, all near mint

I took a very high powered LED shoplamp 250watts and inspected it 100% for scratches, seam pull aways, seam cracks...which it had none

I wouldnt buy it until they filled it up 50% with tap and I inspected closely for leaks.

once home I cleaned it out with rags soaked in vinegar several times over several days.

saved a crapload of money and not seeing any problems

once a 180 is loaded....its pretty rock solid on weight distribution




.

I concur, the return on this hobby is so bad you can find a great deal used.

 

[Carterfish]

I always buy used off of Craigslist and shop within a 100miles.

I got my 180 that retailed for $2k... for $400 bc the family needed it out of the house asap. 400 for tank, stand, hood, all near mint

I took a very high powered LED shoplamp 250watts and inspected it 100% for scratches, seam pull aways, seam cracks...which it had none

I wouldnt buy it until they filled it up 50% with tap and I inspected closely for leaks.

once home I cleaned it out with rags soaked in vinegar several times over several days.

saved a crapload of money and not seeing any problems

once a 180 is loaded....its pretty rock solid on weight distribution




.

My only worry is that the tank wouldn’t hold up if it is old and used. Also acrylic or glass?

 

[davocean]

I'd go glass, preferably low iron/starfire.

SCA is a good option, I know they make 180g's, I think they will do bigger, and they can custom drill for overflows should you want something like a ghost.

Crystal dynamics would be another option for larger tanks

 

[Carterfish]

I'd go glass, preferably low iron/starfire.

SCA is a good option, I know they make 180g's, I think they will do bigger, and they can custom drill for overflows should you want something like a ghost.

Crystal dynamics would be another option for larger tanks

Thank you!

 

[Carterfish]

And what if I decided to go with a full system. You know, with sump and everything? Red Sea? Tsunami? Any suggestions

 

[Carterfish]

Or is it cheaper to just buy the tank and then buy everything else separate

 

[davocean]

And what if I decided to go with a full system. You know, with sump and everything? Red Sea? Tsunami? Any suggestions

People seem to love their red seas.

It's probably cheaper overall to buy a package, and less guess work.
Some people including myself prefer to make sump so we get exactly what we want and need, but you'd probably be happy w/ a red sea system.

 

[Carterfish]

People seem to love their red seas.

It's probably cheaper overall to buy a package, and less guess work.
Some people including myself prefer to make sump so we get exactly what we want and need, but you'd probably be happy w/ a red sea system.

Ok sounds good. Just as long as it works and the tank is clean and everything is healthy. Like I said I’m not trying to run a sps tank where I’d have to dose and make it absolutely perfect. I just want to keep a few anemones and softies and keep the fish happy.

 

[sde1500]

My only worry is that the tank wouldn’t hold up if it is old and used. Also acrylic or glass?

Any well made and cared for glass tank should last decades.