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ghummel

Need a new tank.....What and where should I get it?

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So I got a used 75gallon acrylic tank that didn't work out (Hey it could be worse!!) I got other goodies that all work so I'm still good with it. I now find myself in the market as it were, And Ive been looking around and I'm going glass. Glasscages.com was the main place I was looking (unless anyone has a better suggestion) The 2 tanks I was looking at were a 65gal 48x18x17tall base price 149$ with Starphire an 3 sides, overflow, cover for overflow (35$ do I need this?) and bulkheads (30$ can I find these cheaper?) Total comes to 381$ before shipping. The other is a 75gal 48x18x21tall base 175$ after the same upgrades 430$ before shipping. The 50$ isn't a big deal but I was thinking of getting the "Reef capable LED fixture from Marineland and wasn't sure if the difference in the height of the tank between the 2 if one would be better or worse. I was going to go with the 48 inch long fixture. The tank is in my computer room and my PC heats the room up a good 5 deg so I'm not sure I want to use the MH lighting I have. What are your thoughts Better vendors better lighting ideas?


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Updated 01-13-2011 at 11:14 PM by melev

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Questions - Need some input

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  1. DJ in WV's Avatar
    Not sure what kinds of live stock your going to be keep but the 4in less water column will cut down on lighting needs since heat is going to be a issue. I would check about ordering one from a lfs because shipping on glass tank is high. Remember that the new HO LED's make heat to they just put it out in to the room through a heat sink instead of aiming iit in to the tank like a MH. If PC raises temp 5 deg id look into a chiller
  2. ghummel's Avatar
    I should clarify my house temp is 67deg except in computer /fishroom witch is 72-73 so its usally cool all year (geo-thermal best money I ever spent!!!!)
  3. Blown76mav's Avatar
    http://dayton.craigslist.org/for/2091565515.html

    125g 350.00 brand new with overflows and random plumbing.
  4. srusso's Avatar
    Just what I was going to say... Craigslist! There is no shortage of tankS on there and if you have a truck or are willing to rent one, it's prices can't be beat. Also a lot of times people looking to get rid of large tanks 75+ gallons, you can haggle the price strongly. As it becomes difficult to sell a tank that "large" or what non-reef addicts consider large...

    Glass all the way! Nothing will want to make you kick someones ***, like a person who puts a scratch on your acrylic tank! It amazes me though, that some composite has yet to be commonly used that has the benefits of both tank types.

    Other things to look out for on craigslist is, make sure the tank doesn't leak! No, you don't want to try to repair a tank... well if they are offering it for free maybe... Lol
  5. Tbeau's Avatar
    I have a 75 gallon. Upgrading to 120 4󫎾. And I have been only in the hobby a year. Make sure it is what you want because in the end you will get that anyways.
  6. Heathd's Avatar
    Be careful with craigslist tanks. Im not saying they are all bad, but, 75 gallons is a lot of potential water on the floor. Make sure they have the tank full of water when you go to look at it, and give the seams a good eye.
  7. srusso's Avatar
    Oh, I should have mentioned... NEVER TEST A TANK FOR LEAKS IN YOUR HOUSE!! LOL I saw you other blog post. I am just saying your lucky it didnt break open in your house. I spilled just a 5 gallon bucket of water once... It looked like a lake in my kitchen!
  8. Alaska_Phil's Avatar
    I'll second craigs list, I just missed a 75 with stand for $100 on there.
  9. DJ in WV's Avatar
    Yea i bought my 180 off craigs list with pump sump vho setup powerheads and a real oak stand and and top for 500 bucks only had one scratch and i buff it out with some jewelers rogue
  10. DJ in WV's Avatar
    btw jealous of the geotherm If i ever build a new house thats the way im going
  11. thejuggernaut's Avatar
    Since its just a normal 75 gallon I would just get a lfs to order you a reef ready model from aqueon. It wont be low iron glass but the glass isnt very thick so the tint wont be bad. From the low iron tanks ive seen it really starts to make a difference above 1/2 inch. As far as glasscages goes ive heard from many people that their tanks can have some pretty sloppy silicone work. Some tanks look great, others not so well. Kinda luck of the draw. I guess im just different on the craigs list thing. Id much rather save another month and go buy a new tank then try to save a little and get a used one. You know the silicone wont be torn up and the glass wont be scratches (those two things drive me crazy).