Show Me Your Aquarium! Need Visual Guidance & Help Selecting Size

[Christopher1492]

I suggest this tank all the time but don’t have this setup myself. A 60 breeder dt and a 40 breeder sump. Perfect dimensions that allow a lot of choices without being too expensive. I currently have a 210 and eventually will go double this size.

This is amazing! This is what I envisioned with my first aquarium (which I never built). I love the Fish! Thanks. I’ll look into the 60 breeder. Hopefully some day I’ll have something big and beautiful like this!
BTW @Dbichler what rock are you using?

 

[Christopher1492]

This is the Evo 13.5 gallon, it's close to the size of a 10 gallon in dimensions, a little deeper and a little wider for a really great picture-window view, which you can see an actual 10 gallon freshwater planted tank next to it in the 'room picture'.

I chose this brand because I wanted something that was a high quality AIO that I could upgrade with better equipment over time. The size I chose because I really enjoy small aquariums, and I have several in the 10-15 gallon range and two that are even smaller.

I wouldn't choose any other size tank, I got what I wanted and I've been very happy with it, ups and downs included.

Full side view


Top down view


Comparison shot of a normal 10 gallon tank

Hi and thanks for your insight and the comparison with the 10 gallon freshwater aquarium…something I am quite familiar with.

 

[Acros]

1. 25 gallons (24” x 19” x 11”)
2. Innovative Marine
3. The dimensions looked really cool in pics and I wanted a tank that was easy to move between apartments and states. I have at least one more interstate moves before settling down.
4. Yes, I would select the Innovative Marine 40 or 50 aio tanks. The lack of height in my current tank is becoming a challenge as the frags start growing. The biggest challenge is providing enough flow without blasting some corals.

 

[Christopher1492]

1. 25 gallons (24” x 19” x 11”)
2. Innovative Marine
3. The dimensions looked really cool in pics and I wanted a tank that was easy to move between apartments and states. I have at least one more interstate moves before settling down.
4. Yes, I would select the Innovative Marine 40 or 50 aio tanks. The lack of height in my current tank is becoming a challenge as the frags start growing. The biggest challenge is providing enough flow without blasting some corals.

Thank You for the feedback. The IM 50 AIO is one (of many I’m considering

 

[Dbichler]

This is amazing! This is what I envisioned with my first aquarium (which I never built). I love the Fish! Thanks. I’ll look into the 60 breeder. Hopefully some day I’ll have something big and beautiful like this!
BTW @Dbichler what rock are you using?

That’s 200lbs of Walt smith premium Fiji live rock. Not available for many years now.

 

[Christopher1492]

That’s 200lbs of Walt smith premium Fiji live rock. Not available for many years now.

That’s amazing Rock. Sounds like you’re fortunate to have it!

 

[Christopher1492]

That’s 200lbs of Walt smith premium Fiji live rock. Not available for many years now.

BTW @Dbichler what do you think about maintaining an aquarium that height? I assume it is a standard 210 being 30” tall. Thanks

 

[exnisstech]

BTW @Dbichler what do you think about maintaining an aquarium that height? I assume it is a standard 210 being 30” tall. Thanks

Not who you ask but I'll throw my experiences out there as I used to have a 150 that was 29" tall. It was challenging because I also built a tall stand because I wanted the tank viewable while standing and did not want to have to duck down to see everything. I wouldn't go that tall again, 24" would be my max. It was just too hard working in a tank that tall and I'm one of those people that have their hands in the tank more than I should

 

[mattdg]

- 120 Gallon Mixed Reef / dual corner overflow (FW tank across the room is a 12 gallon rimless)
- 48x24x24
- Great Depth for creating visual impact in your aquascape and easy dimensions for establishing random flow and light penetration. Also, ideal for a 2-4 light fixture setup / mixed reef scenario.
- Easy for average size person to reach all the way to the bottom/back, no ladder necessary.
- Large enough volume, but fits easily into most homes
- This is a Red Sea with plastic Frame and center Brace. Not the prettiest, but less likely to spring a leak years down the line. I'll likely never purchase a frameless tank over 20 gallons. There are far too many horror stories, on R2R.
- If you go with a larger used tank, 120 is an easy size to source for 1/4 the price of a new one. Finding a used stand 48x24, is equally easy. I build my stand and canopy with 2x4's and ply, which you can do or hire a local carpenter.
Personally, I'd skip the low iron option (front pane on this mixed reef) if I were to ever purchase another large tank. It scratches far too easy and doesn't add that much clarity.

 

[Christopher1492]

@mattdg thank you for this great info! I’ve contemplated the 120 for many years. I’ve heard many good things about it being a good starter size for a reef. My only concern is whether it will be too costly to set up and maintain. I definitely will spend time in your build thread. By the way that is one beautiful aquarium!

Edited for double posts.

 

[Dbichler]

BTW @Dbichler what do you think about maintaining an aquarium that height? I assume it is a standard 210 being 30” tall. Thanks

Yes it’s tall. My next tank will be 96x48x25 wider instead of tall. I got a steal on this tank so I’m dealing with it for now. Wider is definitely my preference. Wider is just so much easier to make your aqua scape look good and still be great for fish and corals.

 

[death-by-reef]

I love my little 10g, evem with the algae. you'd be suprised by how much coral u can stuff in a ten

 

[Christopher1492]

Yes it’s tall. My next tank will be 96x48x25 wider instead of tall. I got a steal on this tank so I’m dealing with it for now. Wider is definitely my preference. Wider is just so much easier to make your aqua scape look good and still be great for fish and corals.

Agree. Deeper is better with aquascapes. 48” would be amazing

 

[Cichlid Dad]

@mattdg thank you for this great info! I’ve contemplated the 120 for many years. I’ve heard many good things about it being a good starter size for a reef. My only concern is whether it will be too costly to set up and maintain. I definitely will spend time in your build thread. By the way that is one beautiful aquarium!

Edited for double posts.

I run a 4ft 90 48 x 18 x 24 reef. My only regret is not going 24 deep like @mattdg . I can't imagine cost being more to keep as my 90. I have 2 75 gallon fresh water aquariums and enjoy the higher 90 gallon by a mile. That extra few inches makes a world of difference. If you can swing the cost of a 120 it would be my choice.

 

[Christopher1492]

I run a 4ft 90 48 x 18 x 24 reef. My only regret is not going 24 deep like @mattdg . I can't imagine cost being more to keep as my 90. I have 2 75 gallon fresh water aquariums and enjoy the higher 90 gallon by a mile. That extra few inches makes a world of difference. If you can swing the cost of a 120 it would be my choice.

thanks for your insight! I know where you’re coming from. I struggled between a 75 or 90 for a freshwater aquarium. Went with 75 and after seeing a 90 in person realize the mistake without the added height. It’s amazing the difference 3” makes indeed!!!

 

[Cichlid Dad]

thanks for your insight! I know where you’re coming from. I struggled between a 75 or 90 for a freshwater aquarium. Went with 75 and after seeing a 90 in person realize the mistake without the added height. It’s amazing the difference 3” makes indeed!!!

It really is, a world of difference.

 

[mattdg]

I run a 4ft 90 48 x 18 x 24 reef. My only regret is not going 24 deep like @mattdg . I can't imagine cost being more to keep as my 90. I have 2 75 gallon fresh water aquariums and enjoy the higher 90 gallon by a mile. That extra few inches makes a world of difference. If you can swing the cost of a 120 it would be my choice.

Christopher, very happy to share my experience. I can't say wether it will be too expensive, not knowing your budget. All in, I definitely spent 8-10k over the years, on this setup. That said, I am including all livestock and equipment in that estimate. You could spend a lot less, or a lot more. It really depends on what kind of gear you use and wether you purchase new or used. I'd say bare minimum 4k for a basic 120 setup. I always explain to our guests, that the 120 is our 3rd car, even though it isn't parked in the driveway.

The 24 inch depth is certainly key, IMO especially front to back. That extra bit of depth is just what you need to make the tank feel more natural, especially as coral start to grow in. That said, the extra height is great for coral growth.

Best of luck as you narrow down your decision. Thank you for following my build thread and the positive comments about my reef!

 

[Cichlid Dad]

Look up aquarium master aquariums. They are not low iron and are rimmed tanks, but they offer a 120 reef ready for 600.00 last time I checked. It is well built but standard glass. Perfect for someone on a budget.

 

[Christopher1492]

I’ll check it out. Thanks for the advice. Budget is a concern at my point in life (kids in college) but this is a “Dream” I’ve had for decades. I’ve had fresh water since I was 8! I’d really like to move on this for me plus my kids have been talking about this and looking forward to it for years so that makes me feel bad too.

 

[AydenLincoln]

1. 20 gallons, 75 gallons, 120 gallons, and 5 gallons.
2. Waterbox, Marineland, custom, and Aqueon.
3. My Waterbox was my first reef tank and is still my favorite brand but I went to the fish store without doing much research when I was a beginner and I was recommended it so I bought it. My Marineland I got from someone else after my other new Aqueon/pufferfish tank leaked recently. The 120 is my school tank and was a custom tank from Glasscages that was previously owned and donated. And my little 5 gallon Aqueon is my little observation tank currently housing a white tail bristletooth and may be turned into a seahorse tank soon.
4. Go bigger always go bigger especially if this is your first tank it will be much easier and so worth it. I’d personally avoid Red Sea and Aqueon tanks with all the issues they’ve had lately and the poor quality. I love love love my 20-gallon Waterbox but I wish I went bigger for my first tank. And Marineland I’ve found to be good also I’ve heard great things about SeaPora, Innovative Marine, Cade Aquariums, and Planet Aquariums. But if custom is an option for you absolutely go with that. Spend the extra money upfront it will be worth it. Here’s a link to my Instagram where I share all my tank photos. https://instagram.com/an_afishionado?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== And here is Hewbie my porcupine pufferfish in his original tank before it leaked. He’s my favorite little buddy.