New hobbyists doing our homework

[jeajea]

My fiance and I are new to the whole idea of maintaining a salt water environment in our home. We are doing some research on the tank now, and then will systematically consider the right filtration, lighting, and environment.
It's all extremely exciting. I am watching an online auction for a 65 gallon tank and was considering bidding on it, but after reading some threads I'm thinking that might even be too small. Can anyone provide some dimensions for their 100-125 gallon tanks?
Also, anyone who has 2 cents on purchases that are crucial early on to avoid mistakes later, we're open to your advice.
many thanks!
jea

 

[db]

I would say that you should always go as big as you can afford. Some day your tank won't have room for any more corals and you wish you had more space. You have to remember it takes a great deal in money just in Live Rock to set up a reef. Don't go overboard but try to atleast go with something in the 75gl range.

 

[fedukeford]

if your tank that you get comes with florescent lighting upgrade it to MEtal Halide lighting ( the best there is and can house the most corals) so you dont have to upgrade your lights like 5 times.... believe me it will save you $100's

 

[me-n-my-fish]

My 100 gal is 60"long X 19"tall X 18"high
hth

 

[zman1]

Typical sizes for the range you asked for:
LXWXH
48x18x28.5 105 Gal
48x18x30 110 Tall
48x24x24 120 High
60x18x26 120 Long
72x18x22 125 Gal
Shop around prices vary dramatically between LFS. Look at Reef Ready (With overflow)
These are glass. I can't make a recommendation on acrylic or glass since I never had acrylic. Maybe someone that has had both could give you the Pros and Cons of each. We know glass is heavier but, besides that......
Bet you can't wait - Good luck

 

[pbienkiewi]

The biggest thing is to give your tank time... Don't rush it.. Don't put to many fish in. Do not go LOOKING... Because you will buy.

 

[zman1]

FYI
All Glass Aquarium - AGA RR don't come with standpipes, they are extra. $50-$70 each if you buy local.
Oceanic (which is owned by AGA) higher quality RR do come with the standpipes for the RR reef ready versions. Tanks cost more
I have a Oceanic non RR 75 gal and a AGA 120 (48x24x24) RR. There is a quality difference but I was going with cheap doctrine on the new 120. The price I was quoted varied for the AGA from nearly $800 - $438 for just the tank only. Shop around and let them know you are shopping. I went to 3 LFS and the last one had the best price. They didn't right away remember their best price when I went back to order it two weeks later. Had to jog their memory.... Look around.