How long in a 120?

[jaws7777]

Oh yeah see if you can grab a 40 breeder during those 1 per gallon sales. They make great sumps

 

[Rocksor]

very rare for used acrylics to leak when compared to the amount of used glass tanks of the same size. If you can't wait get the 120. It can always be used as a chamberless sump for a 180g+ down the line.

 

[magpie]

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 ?

Oh yeah see if you can grab a 40 breeder during those 1 per gallon sales. They make great sumps

I know I'll want at least the 5-6 foot length eventually, but if there's no rush to upgrade that helps a lot because I can budget/plan/scope in the meantime.

So you can get a tank and have it drilled for you? That sounds far less scary. I have to go start peeking around more in the filtration section.

40b is big enough for a sump? I know the cleaning will be so much easier. I hate opening and cleaning canister filters.

I only have one LFS in town that's not PetSmart/Co. It's an excellent one but small. Of course The Wet Spot is back up in Portland about 3 hours away with some other local places. There are a couple in Eugene about 2.5 hours away that I have never been to.

very rare for used acrylics to leak when compared to the amount of used glass tanks of the same size. If you can't wait get the 120. It can always be used as a chamberless sump for a 180g+ down the line.

That's a big sump! Also need to go and check under my house to be sure there's enough support where I want to put it.

 

[Rocksor]

Hell yeah that's a big sump (120g). You can use it as a grow out/separation area and a place for additional floating/planted plants. If you lay it out right, it could be quite a visually appealing 2nd tank/sump.

 

[jaws7777]

So i definitely agree with rocksor. A used a acrylic imo would be a better choice, easier for you to post pics and have the seems inspected by other members.

So when i mean drilled om talking about the holes in the tank that the plumbing (pvc) would run through. With an acrylic tank its easy peasy. We can give you the dimensions of the hole when the time comes. With glass its a little trickier. Other members do it with there eyes closed so even then its doable just need the right tools to cut the glass. Biggest issue is most tanks are tempered glass which cannot be cut. On the flip side most tanks bottom panel is plate which CAN be cut. Fish Tank Travis uses a laptop to tell the difference so keep that in mind when you go tanks shopping. Out of curiosity what would your lfs want for a new 120 with 1 over flow 3 holes drilled ? Also get a quote for 2 overflows 1st overflow 1 hole drilled 2nd with 2 hiles. Im just curious.

Stop worrying about the sump. You git this.

Another benefit with the sump/overflows besides the maintenance and endless amount of bio media you can fill it with. Is how easy the water changes become. I literally have never vacuumed my substrate in the 300.

 

[Polyaddict86]

Find a 4x2x2 acrylic, it will be the best choice.

 

[jaws7777]

The customization when plumbing the sump yourself is literally endless. The drains are easy one and done. But the returns can always be tweaked to fit your needs.

Erica out of curiosity email these manufacturers midwestcustoms, truvu, and fishtanks direct. Get a quote on an acrylic 120 gal. At 1/2 inch side and front panels and say half inch top bracing. Who knows. I know for the 300 acrylic was much cheaper than glass. Might now be cost effective for smaller tanks but wtf its worth looking into

 

[jaws7777]

So i definitely agree with rocksor. A used a acrylic imo would be a better choice, easier for you to post pics and have the seems inspected by other members.

So when i mean drilled om talking about the holes in the tank that the plumbing (pvc) would run through. With an acrylic tank its easy peasy. We can give you the dimensions of the hole when the time comes. With glass its a little trickier. Other members do it with there eyes closed so even then its doable just need the right tools to cut the glass. Biggest issue is most tanks are tempered glass which cannot be cut. On the flip side most tanks bottom panel is plate which CAN be cut. Fish Tank Travis uses a laptop to tell the difference so keep that in mind when you go tanks shopping. Out of curiosity what would your lfs want for a new 120 with 1 over flow 3 holes drilled ? Also get a quote for 2 overflows 1st overflow 1 hole drilled 2nd with 2 hiles. Im just curious.

Stop worrying about the sump. You git this.

Another benefit with the sump/overflows besides the maintenance and endless amount of bio media you can fill it with. Is how easy the water changes become. I literally have never vacuumed my substrate in the 300.

Thinking the same

 

[jaws7777]

Only issue with her going acrylic is the stand cant be your run of the mill used stands. The bottom of an acrylic tank needs to be supported where with a glass tank only the corners need support

 

[magpie]

Thanks so much for the specifics as to what to look for and who to ask.

Will check with my LFS too. Thanks!!!

Like the idea of having a sump as a potential grow out too.... I know I’ll love it. If I can get a tank drilled for me I’m far less freaked out by it all.