Sigh. I have to point out MY EXPERIENCE only. I had a 500, 4x8 footprint (that's 32 square feetof floor) and a 100 gallon sump. His waste made maintenance more than tedious, it was disgusting: feces surpassed in nastiness only when I obtained a 14 lb savannah monitor. He was not a good pet, yes he was huge and visitors offered to filet him, turn him loose or feed him rats. He wasn't even pretty at 28lbs. Do whatever you want with your fish tank, we can still do that until legislated out of existence, just think about a year or 2 down the road. Mine was impossible to re-home even though free, and dream on about the TN, Shedd, NY aquarium wanting him. Mine solved my problem by dismantling his pond pump for Saturday evening fun, no more air for him. Just sayin', man. It ain't all about size, if you like 'em, keep 'em. Then build a pond. You'll need it and your fish will love you. And spend a grand on a filter.