Help wanted! Bigger tank?

[MagReef]

I currently have my 75 gallon with a 760W MH (that is 2 - 250W MH and 4 - 65W atinics). I just got this lighting system, so I don't want to give it up before I get my money's worth, but I want a bigger tank. My light unit is 48". I have been looking at 110 or 120 gal. A friend of mine d me there have been too many problems with 120 gallon tanks and that is why they are not making them anymore. I am not familiar with this, so I look to you guys for suggestions. I noticed that the 110 gallon tanks are 31" deep if I remember right. How far will the lights I have penetrate? I have just acquired a v. lionfish and he needs room to grow and my reef is growing like crazy!


Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!

[Tangster]

Look into a 150 Gal the 250's will be fine for 31 inches 175 would also do that depth. But if you feel you need more light then just add a 3rd fixture .

[MagReef]

I went online and found some sizes that are still the 48" in length:

120 Gal. 48 x 24 x 25 Tall
115 Gal. 48 x 18 x 31 Tall
150 Tall 48 x 24 x 31 Tall
150 - 4 Wide 48 x 30 x 25 Tall
170 Gal. 48 x 24 x 35 Tall

My 75 gal in 18" wide so I think I will only go for another 6" to the 24" wide. I like the 150 Tall and the 170 Tall. I just don't know how far to push the light penetration. I like having a bigger tank for my swimmers and I would like to get another tang or two. The wet/dry I have now is for a 125 gal bc I used to have a 125 gal, I have several (I think 3) Emperor 400 filters, only one I used now. So I think I have enough filteration. My skimmer is for a 150 gal, so I think I'll be good there too. Anything else I would need for a bigger tank? I have 3 PH now but would also like to get rid of those unsightly things. My friend also told me the deeper the tank the less circulation at the bottom. How can I fix this problem and get away from PH's?

[bmshehan]

What about the 700 gallon display !! I think when I upgrade it will be a 110 also, that is why I bought 250w MH for my 55, planning for the future. Let us know when you get the new tank this weekend!

[Executivelevel]

ive never had any probs with my 120, its 48x24x24 and i love it!!! u should be able to get to the bottom of a 24-30 inch tank with those lights

[Tangster]

250w are good to 30 inches easy. Beside again people just overly think this .. And get all into PAR LUMEN and yadda What my experiences have taught me if most have a community coral tank and not all corals and animals need as strong and intense light as other's. And a 250 at 30 inches will offer you several areas of light but a 30 inches a 250 will keep clams on the bottom easily and different sps's and softs and LPS that do not require as intense lighting as sps's do. I ran a 90 for a long tine in Va and one up here in Ct with 2 175's and 2 VHO actinics and it was never a issue with keeping anything.. But 250's in a 25 inch tank woukd be no concern for me and I don't see any problems myself.
But My opinion is what I know from doing it many time and is based on the same experience's . I'm sure others can link you to a lighting experts musings and opinions .