Agreed. Buying large tanks that’s been empty is a risk. Find one that’s running and has a bunch of bichirs already in it. ;-)
How long in a 120?
- Thread starter magpie
- Start date
Agreed. Buying large tanks that’s been empty is a risk. Find one that’s running and has a bunch of bichirs already in it. ;-)
I know I won't want the 120 long term - I would prefer a longer tank... so is it still a size that it'd be worth doing a sump for?
I'm really interested in sumps but they also indimidate me - the DIY nature and don't you have to drill glass? Where's my Sumps For Dummies J jaws7777 and
twentyleagues
?
I'm really interested in sumps but they also indimidate me - the DIY nature and don't you have to drill glass? Where's my Sumps For Dummies J jaws7777 and
twentyleagues
?Sorry, realized it wasn't Frank after I looked more closely!
The video definitely confirms that I want 2 feet deep for sure.
Yes your tank should be drilled. Just look for a reef read and you'll be good to go. Sumps are as easy or hard as you want. I could walk you through my tote/storage cabinet wet dry sump, works great cost about $50 + media and return pump. Only issue I have is the tote bows a little under water weight so couldnt do my auto drip with it. As more water goes in, it bows so it gets pretty full before going out the drain.I know I won't want the 120 long term - I would prefer a longer tank... so is it still a size that it'd be worth doing a sump for?
I'm really interested in sumps but they also indimidate me - the DIY nature and don't you have to drill glass? Where's my Sumps For Dummies J jaws7777 and
On the used tank deal.
All three of my tanks are used. Two acrylic and one glass. The glass one was brand new so didn't worry about it.
Really it comes down to checking the tank over looking at the seams. Asking a few questions, like has it been stored outside at all? Been in continues use?
All three of my tanks are used. Two acrylic and one glass. The glass one was brand new so didn't worry about it.
Really it comes down to checking the tank over looking at the seams. Asking a few questions, like has it been stored outside at all? Been in continues use?
I have a pair of 4x2x2 120s which are my poly tanks, Granted my biggest poly right now is not a huge one, but my ornate is close to 12" and there's multiple dels that are 10-11" with him and a few smaller ones and the 4x2x2 works fine for me. I like the 2ft front to back better than my 125g which is 18".
All my tanks have been used when I bought them. Tanks like 90g,120g,6ft 125g usually are going to be fine if the seals look good and they are not real old. The biggest problem with most leakers are either that the tank is old (20 yrs or more) or they are big tanks that have been moved a number of times. For instance a 15+yr old 180g or 220g doesn't take to being moved around a lot. That's how a lot of those older big tanks pop seals. I found that out the hard way about 5 yrs ago. I bought a 7ftx2x30" 265g glass tank that was up and running for years with a guy in my club no problem. It was drained and then we carried it down the stairs at my house and it leaked. After that I swore off glass tanks for anything over 125g. Thats why I went with acrylic on my 240g. If you can afford it then look into a used acrylic, that way there is no worry about it. There's deals to be found on good used acrylic tanks. I picked up my 6x2x30" 240g acrylic a couple years ago for $450.
All my tanks have been used when I bought them. Tanks like 90g,120g,6ft 125g usually are going to be fine if the seals look good and they are not real old. The biggest problem with most leakers are either that the tank is old (20 yrs or more) or they are big tanks that have been moved a number of times. For instance a 15+yr old 180g or 220g doesn't take to being moved around a lot. That's how a lot of those older big tanks pop seals. I found that out the hard way about 5 yrs ago. I bought a 7ftx2x30" 265g glass tank that was up and running for years with a guy in my club no problem. It was drained and then we carried it down the stairs at my house and it leaked. After that I swore off glass tanks for anything over 125g. Thats why I went with acrylic on my 240g. If you can afford it then look into a used acrylic, that way there is no worry about it. There's deals to be found on good used acrylic tanks. I picked up my 6x2x30" 240g acrylic a couple years ago for $450.
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!
I know I won't want the 120 long term - I would prefer a longer tank... so is it still a size that it'd be worth doing a sump for?
I'm really interested in sumps but they also indimidate me - the DIY nature and don't you have to drill glass? Where's my Sumps For Dummies J jaws7777 and
Mags like everyone said you will be fine with a 120 for a very long time if not the life of the fish.
I would still definitely go with a sump. The pump can be used in your 180 if and when you decide to upgrade. Trust me sumps arent that hard. Once you get one done you're going to be amazed at how easy they are.
As far as used tanks.... well it depends how your area is. I could never fine a decent sized tank that wasnt much cheaper than buying new. Plus for peace of mind it just wasnt cost effective. That being said i would still explore used tanks. Take pics and post in the filtration section.
Another thing is having the tank drilled. I would definitely go that route over the diy over flows or the hang in back over flows. I had one on my 150 and it flooded my garage. So to sum it up i would probably spend the money on a new tank and have it drilled.
Do you have access to a variety of LFS ?
