Water volume vs. length vs. width, too much conflicting info...

[FlanBurberry]

So I had the same delima, same tanks as you. I ended up getting the 125's over the 150. Here are some reasons:

1) Foot print. Although the 150 has higher gallonage, the 125 has a bigger foot print. 9 sq ft compared to 8 sq ft.
2) Fish stocked. If you want to have fish that need the 2 ft front to back, you need a tank longer than 4 feed. I feel like a 150 would be a great tank for smaller or more peacefully fish, like discus, but for SA/CA cichlids, the 125 is optimal.
3) Cost. Not the biggest factor but the 125 is cheaper, so even if you consider them the same, why spend more?

In conclusion I'd have to rate as follows 125 > 150 > 120. I know I didn't address the 120 but honestly, I feel like the 125 is far far better. You're getting more or less the same dimensions on the 125 but with an extra foot, so it's better.

That seems to be the consensus. I guess I cant disagree. I had my eye on a massive piece of driftwood that would have taken up the whole length of the 150 and cut out a bunch of the height, but that is just aesthetics, I definitely want to do whats best for my O.

 

[justarn]

Get a used tank or save up Imo, the oscar will thank you and stop your dismay as he gets tight if he is a big guy.
Water quality will be better, maintenance less frequently.
Have you checked local classifieds?

 

[FlanBurberry]

Get a used tank or save up Imo, the oscar will thank you and stop your dismay as he gets tight if he is a big guy.
Water quality will be better, maintenance less frequently.
Have you checked local classifieds?

I have checked multiple times a day for the past 3+ months. The largest Ive ever seen on Craiglist within 100 miles from me is a 125 and people on there seem to completely over value the cost of used aquariums/equipment.

I can afford it financially, I just don't think I could ever get myself to pay so much for something to be shipped, especially since most places Ive seen just drop it at your doorstep. I wouldn't necessarily mind if I found somewhere to ship and setup around that price range...

 

[justarn]

What about making a plywood setup or getting a handy friend or family member to help?
There's alot of people here that could help and it would be a fraction of the cost I would think?

 

[justarn]

Go monster!-)

 

[Buphy]

I went and found my own wood for my 125. I have a 5 ft log laying all the way across the back ^.^

 

[convict360]

I guess the problem with most of the mass produced tanks is that there is going to be a larger percentage of defects by default and we probably hear about the horror stories more often than the success ones, just because of the nature of them being unsatisfactory. I wish that I had more options but there are no lfs near me that carry or even special order tanks over 75 gallons, besides this one and I want to get my O out of his 40 breeder asap. Hes only about 4" but he's my favorite fish and I want him to live like a king. I do notice that he utilizes all areas of the tank though, I guess thats why Im concerned about the 18" width on the 125g...

I guarantee somewhere near you, someone will do aquariums to custom size, at a fraction of the price you'll pay for a top fin one.

Then you can get your exact dimensions, and not have to worry about standard sizes; and save money

Also, I would have no qualms about keeping an Oscar in a 5ft tank length, by 18inch width; that would suffice. Obviously bigger is better, but you can easily justify that size of tank, unless your O grows to an insane size (unlikely)

 

[FlanBurberry]

What about making a plywood setup or getting a handy friend or family member to help?
There's alot of people here that could help and it would be a fraction of the cost I would think?

I live in a very small cabin and no garage or basement. I would have nowhere to build something like this. Ive seen them online before but that seems to be a project for a much different time in my life. Thanks for the great suggestions and advice though!

 

[FlanBurberry]

I guarantee somewhere near you, someone will do aquariums to custom size, at a fraction of the price you'll pay for a top fin one.

Then you can get your exact dimensions, and not have to worry about standard sizes; and save money

Also, I would have no qualms about keeping an Oscar in a 5ft tank length, by 18inch width; that would suffice. Obviously bigger is better, but you can easily justify that size of tank, unless your O grows to an insane size (unlikely)

Im sure somewhere, but definitely not price wise. That 125 includes the stand, glass top, and lights (not that I would use them) for less than $500. I think thats insanely cheap. My other problem is the tank is going in a specific location in my living room. I can only fit the 24" width if the tank is 48" or less. If the tank is going to be over 4ft. (which it looks like it will be based on the info Im getting) the 18" is going to be the widest that will fit in the spot. I already have 1x75g, 2x55g, 1x40gB, 4x20g, 1x10g, and 2x5g tanks in my cabin which is only about 800 sqft. total lol. I do want me O to be happy, but at a certain point I may have to start sleeping in the tank with him if I cant find a way to keep him happy in the space I have available.

 

[justarn]

Like mine!-) kind of rare but more than possible.
Slate tiles below him are 1ft x 2ft...
I agree 125 will be OK but less than perfect.