How long in a 120?

[magpie]

I'm getting the itch for a larger tank and polys again, now that I'm getting feedback on how I can re-use my tank water during WCs.

I eventually want a 180, but 120s are so much easier to come by and are more in the budget right now, so it's tempting for me to start there and budget/plan for the 180, sump, etc in the meantime. How long would say 3 LJs be OK in a 120 (4x2x2) if I got them at a smaller size to grow out?

I'd also probably be looking to get some Polleni to grow out. I don't like to cram fish in small tanks but I feel like this would be a way to get a larger tank sooner and scratch the itch.

If it's not very long I'll just wait longer and get the 180.

Also, has anyone here gotten a used 120/150/180 and trusted it for fish? It is so much more budget friendly to get a used tank but it also makes me nervous to have a larger tank possibly leak.

Thanks!

 

[Askaleymanfish]

Idk what others would say man but bichirs r not like arowanas and other large fish. I have a 120 or 125 and at one point I had 13 bichirs in it all between 12-20” and they were just fine. Just do ur water changes. I have 5 right now in mine smallest is 15” with plenty of room for more as long as u don’t have one of those monster sized ones that r 25-30” u will be just fine imo.

 

[tlindsey]

Like Askaleymanfish stated you have time.

 

[magpie]

Cool!

They are better off in a 120g 4 x 2 x 2 tank though vs. a 125g which is 6 x 18" x 20?

I have it in my mind that a 2 foot wide tank is preferred - since they're not overly active but need room to turn. But please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[tlindsey]

Cool!

They are better off in a 120g 4 x 2 x 2 tank though vs. a 125g which is 6 x 18" x 20?

I have it in my mind that a 2 foot wide tank is preferred - since they're not overly active but need room to turn. But please correct me if I'm wrong.

I personally would rather have the 2ft width.

 

[magpie]

Now to my other question - could I trust a larger, used tank?

I know my LFS here gets some used ones now and again and sells them - would probably trust it from them but hard to figure out how to trust local craigslist joe. I have a used 20 L but that's different.

 

[Hao]

Other than a congis, I highly doubt you will grow anything larger than 24" if you kept it from small. So 4x2x2 will do good for many many years possibly life time.

 

[Matteus]

Now to my other question - could I trust a larger, used tank?

I know my LFS here gets some used ones now and again and sells them - would probably trust it from them but hard to figure out how to trust local craigslist joe. I have a used 20 L but that's different.

That’s very different indeed. Lol

I have had my 180 going for almost a year now and no issues with leaks so far(knock on wood). I have a feeling this tank is upward of 20 years old from what the guy said when I bought it. It was up and running when I bought it so that kinda helps with knowing it holds water.

Honestly I think it isn’t a cookie cutter answer as much as it would depend on the previous owners care of it mixed with the original tank quality. If you suspect that the tank could leak you could always resell it. I am in process of doing that with a 30 g that a friend gave me for free. I noticed that some of the seals were shotty so I just decided I’m not going to take a chance.

 

[Vancouver_98683]

Cool!

They are better off in a 120g 4 x 2 x 2 tank though vs. a 125g which is 6 x 18" x 20?

I have it in my mind that a 2 foot wide tank is preferred - since they're not overly active but need room to turn. But please correct me if I'm wrong.

Magpie - here’s the right side. Viewing area is about 3X2. Therefore, it will be similar to the 4x2 question. The main 3 polys range from 21-23”. Apollo Sharks 10-11”

 

[tlindsey]

Now to my other question - could I trust a larger, used tank?

I know my LFS here gets some used ones now and again and sells them - would probably trust it from them but hard to figure out how to trust local craigslist joe. I have a used 20 L but that's different.

It will be risky with both imo. It would be great if you found one still up and running and owner or lfs wanted to sell it.