Tank upgrade, best options?

Thanks man Alternative would be to do a 48 x 24 x 24 @ 120 gallons; I don't really want to spend more than $500-600 on lighting. I figure it would be short about 6" on each side which isn't much, and the MH + T5 should still illuminate everything nicely just not quite as intense towards the ends of the tank. Seeing $1,000+ lighting systems makes me cringe - I just can't bring myself to spend that.

Anyone here do 2x250 MH on a 60" tank? What about 2x250 on a 48"? Work well?

What's the reasoning on the glass vs. acrylic btw? Just curious?

 

Look into the Bullet series of skimmers also. I have heard nothing but great things about them, and Otty's Bullet is amazing!

That will probably be my next tank! So you need to go that route so you can tell me how you like it before I buy one

 

Scratches on acrylic...
I want the 60" tank, because I want the next one to be longer than my 55g, but 6ft is too big. You have to decide for yourself what's best for you. :thumb_up:

 

I think I'm going to go with the 48". It seems to be more reasonable for lighting.

I'm going to order the 48x24x24 next week. I think I'm going to go with glass as it sounds like the acrylic scratches too easily and is more expensive. The 120 glass is going to be $450 plus plumbing.

It's going to be a while before it gets set up, probably around 2 months (until I move), but at least I'll have the tank and can get the plumbing / pumps / etc. ready, stand build, and so forth. That way I will just have to fill with water when I get moved I'll let you know how it works out for me

 

If I were you, I'd buy the pump, skimmer, base rock, etc (stuff that's easier to move) first and wait until after you move to get the tank, especially if you don't know where it's going to be setup in a new house. You also risk damaging the tank more by moving it twice.

 

It seems this may be what I do. Glasscages.com offers free pickup in Dic kson, TN (this is a name of a town, but was edited, so I added a space ) - right near where I'm moving to.

They offer the 120G for $300 base; you can upgrade to starphire glass for an additional $184 for front and sides.

Now, this is where I'm confused. Their reef ready option has a "glass wall overflow with 2 holes." Now, if it's drilled, wtf do I need a glass wall overflow for? I obviously need the bulkheads and drilling, but why would they put an overflow box on a drilled tank? I just need the holes and bulkheads. Maybe someone can shed some light on this?

With starphire glass, and the "reef ready option" everything comes to $589.

Does this seem like a good deal, guys?

 

Has anyone had some good experiences buying live rock online? If so, what sites have you ordered from? I need to order another 100 pounds or so.

 

I'd even get a Perfecto before buying a tank from Glasscages. But my first choice for quality would be the AGA or Oceanic.

 

I have heard some bad things about glass cages' customer service but that is your choice... I would go all base rock IMO. Check out Otty's 265 or Kogle's 180. They both started with all base rock and their tanks look great IMO. A lot cheaper and you could buy it now and worry about it later.

 

G1X won't cut it, I'm using a G2 on a 90 gallon, the ratings they give these is for a FOWLR setup, if you keep SPS you need to basically double the rating recommended so I'd say a G3 or G4 for a 150 gallon

Also Oceanic isn't the only option, you can look at Deep Sea Aquatics, they have a 180 gallon that is very near this size as well it's 60x30x20 I'll be building one of these in the next 6 months for a friend with deep pockets and you can pick that tank up for less than $800