125 vs 180 pros & cons

[aussieman57]

Looking to set up a larger tank and considering either a 125 or 180. Would be nice if someone made a tank that was 72 inches long x 24 inches wide x 20 inches high but that beast doesn't exist. Anyway this will be for SA or maybe CA Cichlids (have not decided yet) so wondering if the additional cost of the 180 is worth it considering the tank height is a non-issue except for extra gallonage/water volume. Also wondering if I should go sump on this one but don't have much knowledge of sumps as I've never used one. I will be building the stand for this one. Let's hear ideas.

 

[bathawk]

I had a similar dilema 180 v 220 I decided on the 220 even though there was a big cost diffrence mine is coming tomorrow like you I am going to build a stand that cost saving enabled to pay more for the bugger tank

 

[FINWIN]

With a taller tank you have more options of adding upper level swimmers.

 

[FJB]

Regular 125g tanks (i.e., Aqueon, etc.) are 18" wide, not 24" wide. The 180g may be 24", I don't know.
I agree that the height difference between 125g and 180g may not be critical for some fish, but an extra 6" front to back is a major advantage and allows some fish but not others.

 

[aussieman57]

It's becoming a tough decision because I am not looking to do any tank busters. My interest lies in Gymnogeophagus, Geophagus, Severum species and possibly other CA & SA Cichlids that stay under 10 inches.
Footprints:
125: 72.5" length x 18.5" wide x 23.4" height
180: 72.5" length x 25.5" wide x 25.7" height

 

[HarleyK]

More water is always better. We’re not just talking about a few gallons - but almost half again as much … a whopping 44%
That means more stable water parameters even if you go on vacation or have a busy week at work and you cannot keep up with water changes.
It just gives you more wiggle room. That’s worth the cost IMO.

 

[MultipleTankSyndrome]

If you are putting the tank on a top floor and not reinforcing beneath, the 473 liter is your best bet. It's not much smaller in footprint, and is the upper limit of what top floors can handle with no reinforcement.

If ground floor or top floor w/reinforcement, take the 682 liter. Harley is correct.

 

[aussieman57]

If you are putting the tank on a top floor and not reinforcing beneath, the 473 liter is your best bet. It's not much smaller in footprint, and is the upper limit of what top floors can handle with no reinforcement.

If ground floor or top floor w/reinforcement, take the 682 liter. Harley is correct.

I live in SW FL. Home is built on concrete slab. All one level.

 

[aussieman57]

So looking like the 180 is the way to go. Opinions on sump vs canister filters. And need some "edumacation" on sumps as I have never utilized one before. Thanks in advance.

 

[aussieman57]

More water is always better. We’re not just talking about a few gallons - but almost half again as much … a whopping 44%
That means more stable water parameters even if you go on vacation or have a busy week at work and you cannot keep up with water changes.
It just gives you more wiggle room. That’s worth the cost IMO.

Thanks Harley.