I need your advice on new, large tank recommendations..

[Eboman]

Believe it or not...the wife came home the other day and said that she thought it would be a good idea if I were to get a bigger tank (currently running a 55 gallon FOWLR).

The place where she works also sells aquariums. They have a package deal for 150 gallon All-Glass with stand (the kind with doors), glass hood, and dual light strips for $700. They also have 185 gallon setups with stand, glass hood, and dual strip lights for $850. Neither of the tanks have built in overflows.

Questions #1....are these good prices?? I haven't really looked around, but I'm thinking that this is a pretty good deal.

Question #2....is there a way to have these things drilled for overflows? I'm currently running everything hanging on the back of my 55gallon, but would like to go for a sump if I get a tank that big.

Questions #3.....is the extra 35 gallons really worth $150?

Thanks for your feedback and advice.

Eboman

 

[Rich-n-poor]

If they are allglass tanks they will be clearly marked on the bottom glass whether or not they can be drilled.

look for a sticker which reads "tempered glass do not drill" on the bottom pane.

_________________
Honda Z50J

 

[tendar]

You will probably find a hard time to find some one drill a tank of that size and garante it if it breaks and it will also void any warenty on it also. Any way you will be happier with the 180 being 6" wider.

 

[AuroraDave]

IMO the best features are 1)built-in overflows and 2)the wider the better for a reef. I wish my tank was 24" and not 18" wide.

 

[esmithiii]

Size DOES matter. It is well worth the extra $$. Built in overflows for a reef tank of that size are, IMO a MUST!

Here are some things to think about:

1. Those prices are good, but not great.
2. The hood and light strips are useless for a reef. The lighting is way too pitiful.
3. Your best bet is research it and then to order the one you want.
4. Pit retailer against retailer. There was a $200+ price difference on the same tank from two different retailers in my area. They both buy from the same distributor! Hmmmm?
5. Unless you are handy, get the stand. Get the hood you want in the long run. Don't skimp now. It will cost you double later!
6. Even with a FO tank, you will probably want to hide the equipment under the tank. This means sump and overflows. Overflow boxes are a NIGHTMARE!

Ernie

 

[eddi]

I agree with esmithii, other than the glass hood. I have mine on and would not consider being without, but that is personal preference.

The thing you have to consider is: will the tank be against the wall? Will it have a colored back to it? If so, you could get away without the overflows, but then you have to make sure you have enough clearance in the back of the tank to get to all your equipment should you need to.

I had a 125 without overflows and hated it. As fas as size, bigger is better but it has to be the right type of bigger. If the 180 is just taller than the 150 then I would say it is not worth it. A wider tank is much better than a tall tank.

I think those prices are good, but it depends on the stand. Is it a quality, furniture style stand? Do not skimp on the stand. You are not going to replace it once you set everything up.


Just my opinion.


Eddi

 

[AnotherGoldenTeapot]

If the glass is not tempered then it can be easily drilled with no risk of breakage. That's not the same as having a guarantee it won't break - but it won't.

Think of warm butter with a sharp knife - that's how easy it is to drill a tank with a diamond core bit. Ignore everyone who has never drilled a tank themselves - they have no idea what they're talking about.

If the bottom is tempered then you could always do a hole in the side or back. I personally prefer half way up the side (or back) as some insurance against losing all of the water in my tank in a 1 in a million "system failure".

 

[IBJJ]

Bigger is better and so are built in overflows.

 

[SPC]

Ebo, my 180 is drilled in the back, however I also have overflow boxes for improved skimming. BTW, just because a tank is drilled on the bottom does not mean the whole tank will empty, it only will empty as far as the overflow boxes allow it to.
Steve

 

[Eboman]

I just checked the All-Glass website and it does not appear that the 180 gallon (I guess it's a 180 gallon tank, not 185) have a tempered glass bottom.

Therefore, I probably could chance it by drilling (and a big chance at that).

Eboman

 

[Eboman]

You all raised a good point....

I'm definately wanting a sump (I'm going to try and figure out some way to use the old 55-gallon as a sump).

My (revised) question is now....if the bottom is tempered glass, would you recommend getting the back drilled? I've seen setups where they have been drilled about an inch below the water line. That way, the entire tank wont empty out if the power goes out.

Thanks again for all of the responses.

Eboman

 

[ReeferAl]

I had a 125 All-Glass reef ready tank until it broke in a move. A good tank though. I recently saw some 125 and 150 gal (I think) at a LFS and they were all marked with bottom glass tempered. That doesn't mean the 180 is but check it out carefully before you have it drilled.
Allen

 

[SeaView]

Ebo,

I agree with all the above advice with one additional suggestion. Buy it quick before your wife changes her mind!

Stevo