old hickory
Member
A couple of months ago, I purchased a 55-gallon aquarium as my starter tank to see if I really would enjoy the hobby I've wanted to do for the past 15 or so years. Discovering it's as much fun as expected, I've decided to take the next step--buy an aquarium I can show off. As I've mentioned before in another thread, I've talked my wife into a 180-gallon tank. Although I am still very interested in purchasing a tank this size, I've talked myself into buying a 120-gallon tank first, then setting up the 180 in a couple of years. The primary reason is my impatience. 
Frankly, I can get the 120 up and running quicker. I already have brand new lights that I use on the 55, 48" Nova Extreme 4X54 watt T5HO. Since the 120-gallon tank is also 48", I can avoid that expense again. Of course, the smaller 120 is cheaper than a 180 also.
Today I purchased my first sump. I chose the Aqueon Proflex Model 4, which is rated up to 210 gallons, mainly because of its simplicity. Therefore, the journey has begun. The system can be set up three different ways. I will set it up as a refugium.
My next purchase, unless I change my mind, will be the Calcium Reactor. Right now I have my eyes on the AquaMaxx CR-1. Looks like a decent model, but to be honest I don't really know what I'm looking for. It says it's rated up to 350 gallons and it's affordable, going only for $220. Certainly not sold on this model yet.
The tank I've pretty much decided to go with is a Glasscages.com model which is 48x24x25. With starphire glass on three sides and all the bells and whistles (stand, hinged lid, reef ready and bulkheads), it goes for roughly $1,000--about half the price the 180-gallon model was going to cost me.
Feel free to lead me on this journey by making recommendations. Loosely translated, this means "Keep me from making any dumb mistakes!"
Frankly, I can get the 120 up and running quicker. I already have brand new lights that I use on the 55, 48" Nova Extreme 4X54 watt T5HO. Since the 120-gallon tank is also 48", I can avoid that expense again. Of course, the smaller 120 is cheaper than a 180 also. Today I purchased my first sump. I chose the Aqueon Proflex Model 4, which is rated up to 210 gallons, mainly because of its simplicity. Therefore, the journey has begun. The system can be set up three different ways. I will set it up as a refugium.
My next purchase, unless I change my mind, will be the Calcium Reactor. Right now I have my eyes on the AquaMaxx CR-1. Looks like a decent model, but to be honest I don't really know what I'm looking for.
It says it's rated up to 350 gallons and it's affordable, going only for $220. Certainly not sold on this model yet. The tank I've pretty much decided to go with is a Glasscages.com model which is 48x24x25. With starphire glass on three sides and all the bells and whistles (stand, hinged lid, reef ready and bulkheads), it goes for roughly $1,000--about half the price the 180-gallon model was going to cost me.
Feel free to lead me on this journey by making recommendations. Loosely translated, this means "Keep me from making any dumb mistakes!"
