125 to 180 opinions

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bbortko

bbortko

Polypterus
MFK Member
Mar 3, 2010
3,167
222
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Northwest, Indiana
My 125 is pretty heavily stocked and thinking of upgrading. Chicago land is not the greatest for used tanks so finding a good deal on a 225 wide isn't the likeliest of situations but would be ideal. If buying new I dont really want to pay more than what a 180 costs. Dont plan on adding stock and parameters are perfect. Unless I eventually get a species that gets to big for a 125 is a 180 worth the hassle and money? On a 6' tank how big of a difference for 8-12" cichlids will the extra 6" width make? If I had to do it again I would have gotten a 180 over the 125 but that ship has sailed and keeping both is not an option.
 
It's definitely worth it imo. The 6" of extra space makes a big difference but the most important factor is the water quality. With more gallons, your water quality will be better.


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I own a 225 wide and it is even better than the 24" wide 180....just saying. I bought brand new and never regretted it for a second.
 
I would agree about trying to get the 225. Yes, water quality will be better, but water changes can help with that. In my opinion, the extra space for the fish to turn and chase each other is more important.

Also, having lived in Chicagoland I think you might be underestimating the market. If you search hard enough you should be able to find what you need. Then just make sure you have some "research" to back up your negotiating power. While many people over price their tanks, having someone show up with cash in hand is usually a GREAT incentive (just be safe when flashing cash around).
 
+1 for the extra width. You said you don't want to spend more than a 180g costs but what is the difference in price? I don't think I'd bother for an extra 6", but for an extra 12" I certainly would. If you're keeping cichlids that get up to 12" then having the extra width to give them room to move three-dimensionally will make a big difference, wide tanks look far better IMO.
 
brucecost said:
Go Big, Go wide as you will be getting rays eventually, you know you will.........................
Click to expand...

I've already started warming the wife to the ray idea but I like a well scaped tank so that may be a few years out until I have a basement and can go 8x4 so I can scape the back 18" and stil have 30" of open area for the ray.

Thanks for the thoughts, I'll try holding out for the 225 (patience is not my strong suit) but it seems to be a consensus the 180 will be worth my efforts.
 
You stated you can only have one tank, so if you buy the 225 and then sell the 125 that should offset the difference of the 180 and the 225.
 
Keeping in mind it's a lot easier to find a used 180 than it is to find a 225 wide. I've yet to see a 225 wide for sale in my area but I see 180's all the time. For the people saying wider the better, a 225 wouldn't be sufficient for Rays any way, so what would be the point? He already said that he's a bit overstocked, so the depth of the tank is not the issue, it's the gallons. A 180 is perfectly fine, if not more than acceptable for cichlids that grow between 8-12".
 
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