tank upgrade

[nismo_sky28]

Was debating on upgrading from a standard 55 gallon to a 70 long that measures 72x12x18 for my mbauna. Is it worth doing? Looking for some opinions. Would I benefit much more by going with a 72x18 tank? Trying to find reasons to justify the initial $250 price differnce, cost of water changes, filtration, etc...

[linuxrulesusa]

I'm confused by those dimensions as they are quite unusual.  Normally you'd have a 70 long same footprint as a 55 (48x12) but taller (26", I think?).  Or a 75g/80/90g which would be a 48x18 footprint then between 18" and 24" high.

Which is the height of the tank you want to upgrade to?  The 12"?  Or the 18"?   I wouldn't personally spend $250 more to get an extra foot or two in length unless I was also getting some depth.  And if the height is only 12", that might be a bit short.

[Regalblue]

If you're going 6'/72" might as well go 18" deep. The added flexibility that you have species -wise is worth it IMO.

[linuxrulesusa]

If you're going 6'/72" might as well go 18" deep. The added flexibility that you have species -wise is worth it IMO.

I just said that, yo.  But not as concisely.   

[nismo_sky28]

The 70 long is 72x12x18 and special order for $416 out the door as opposed to the 125 that is about $660. whichever I go with will be my living room show tank which is the only reason I am buying new

[linuxrulesusa]

If it's going to be your show tank and you need new, I'd still pay 50% more to get 50% more space since there are a ton more stocking options for an 18" deep tank vs. a 12" deep tank.   Even more if you went 24" deep but that's probably quite a jump in cost.

If you can find a 125 in good condition (they are out there) you can come in well under the 600 even if you have to do some minor scratch repair. 

[RichE]

if going 72" long go at least 18" deep, 12" is a waste of money in my eyes and since its a show tank the deeper the better as you have room for rocks plants and driftwood with out taking up the whole tank

[four_by_ken]

After having an 18" deep tank... I will never own another 12" deep tank again.

[scifisarah]

Is it really $660 for a 125 gallon, just the tank? Or is that with the stand, canopy etc? I just paid $140 for this brand new 75 tank that I am very happy with. I think a 125 would be the same dimensions as mine, just two feet longer which would be very nice for cichlids imo.

[nismo_sky28]

The 660 is for the tank, stand, glass lids and t5 dual lamp fixture. Blair talked me in to going with the 72x18 whether it be new or used, long term I'll be happier with that decision