PROS/CONS of 120 Gallon Tank

Looking to upgrade to a 120 gallon aquarium...looking at 120 that measures 48X24X24. I know there are longer 125gallons but my lfs guy who I do all my dealings with who I believe is rather knowledgeable recommended me to go with the tank with the above measurements. thoughts? As usual I am sure this will be a personal preference issue...would be a reef based aquarium.

 

Depends on the fish you would like to keep. For example, a tang would be better off in a 6 foot tank, but with the 120 you have a deeper tank for aqua scaping. Really depends on you. Also light might cost more on a five foot tank then a four foot tank.

 

I hate tanks that are taller than 18" because I'm only 5' 9" and my arms have a heck of a time getting to the bottom.

 

LOL my 180 is a pain to get to the back of and im 6'4!;D

 

Well, a std 125g is a 6 foot long tank, and generally need 3 halides to light them since they are 6 feet. a 120g that is a 48 x 24 x24 will be perfectly lit with 2x 250 of MH plus some T5s.

The 125g is longer, but only 18" deep, so aquascaping is a lot more difficult to do. And fitting more tha 2 tubbes of t5ho on a 18" tank with halides is tougher. On a 120g it is simple, and you usually end up with a lot of "floor space" for lps. The 125 is also shorter height wise than a 120g, but the extra 2 feet of space is great for tangs and fish that like more swimming space.

There are a lot of pros and cons each way, but IMHO, I would go with a 120, unless you have very short arms. LOL

 

LOL

you posted this while I was typing my response above.


I am 6'4" as well, and from the floor I can get almost all the way to the back of my 193g that is 30" deep and 24" tall. If I use a small 10" step stool, I have no issues getting all the way to the back. My stand is 34" tall as well.

 

I currently have a tomini tang in my current 55 that I am upgrading for, he is part of the reason, and I do like the 120, luckily I have some lanky arms if I do get the 120, I am just trying to find one more larger size fish that would be nice to go with my tomini. Otherwise the rest of the fish are smaller in size. thanks!

 

what are you upgrading from, and why are you wanting to upgrade in the first place?

~Will.

 

speaking of posting at the same time . . .

if your upgrading to get your tang a better home I would go for the 6' tank. or be awesome and get a 150 like daniel's that has a 5' long and 2' wide footprint.

~Will.

 

I am upgrading because I would like a larger tank to add some fish and corals...currently have a 55gallon and it just doesn't seem like it is enough, and it looks like a 120 is in the budget and space permits a 120 or 125.