Help me choose?

[rz1a]

Since i started the hobby i always wanted a 125, but had to always settle for something smaller. Right now i have a 75g with SPS mostly, but I have a couple fish that are getting big

I have a chance of getting a 125 for 175, without stand, but it gives me a chance to upgrade to the tank i want.. only thing is id have to pick whether to keep doing SPS or fish only. I'm going to start school again and have 2 semesters before I graduate from college so that means id have to eventually break down the tank and sell corals... also means less money since I cant work many hours

Should I take a break from SPS and just do fish only for school, or just let the tank run on its own the way it is with two big fish? i having a dosing pump, ato, aquarium controller so its all automated

[recoiljpr]

Depends on how big (and what kind) those fish are. What are they and how large are they?

[brewercm]

I myself have gotten away from SPS and just went with LPS/softies and smaller fish for a smaller tank (58 gallon) from my 135. I'd love a 135 again (minus the lighting costs) but too much for me to maintain right now.

To me it really comes down to tank dimensions due to my lack of vertical stature. I had a 180 at one time but never even set it up with it being 24" tall and 24 deep I'd feel like I'd have to go deep sea diving just to clean it. I like the size of mine now but I think if I could find the perfect 90 gallon I'd be tempted to upgrade.

Probably haven't answered any question you had but some more things to think about.

[rz1a]

yellow tang and blue jaw trigger. i hate getting rid of fish. not sure the size.. maybe like 6 inches from to back?

i have other fish like a saddleback clownfish, melanurus wrasse, banggai cardinal, 1 green chromis, 1 flamehawk, 1 possum wrasse.. so the upgrade will definitely help most of these fish out

just thinking that corals consume a lot of time because of testing, adjusting, etc. at least with fish its mainly just feeding and waterchanges

[recoiljpr]

yellow tang and blue jaw trigger. i hate getting rid of fish. not sure the size.. maybe like 6 inches from to back?

i have other fish like a saddleback clownfish, melanurus wrasse, banggai cardinal, 1 green chromis, 1 flamehawk, 1 possum wrasse.. so the upgrade will definitely help most of these fish out

just thinking that corals consume a lot of time because of testing, adjusting, etc. at least with fish its mainly just feeding and waterchanges

Wow, that's a fairly heavily stocked tank! That size tang and trigger will make a lot of waste. I would go with the bigger tank. Your fish will do much better in one that size.

That blue jaw as it gets older could easily get really agressive in that tank. Even though it is one of the less agressive triggers, they are still a fairly aggressive family. I'm by no means saying ditch the trigger, but I think the bigger tank will lessen agression. And I know the tang will really like the leg room.

[JoshOdphi]

i think you'll be fine with keeping your sps...well if u really want too....like brewer said jus keep in mind the lighting as well....more cost...believe me i know about college life...little money...but big rewards as well with the growth and development of your tank....im still on a college life budget and am doin fine keeping a mixed reef.....all i do i supplement with kent part a and part b....has worked fine...seen a lot of growth...not so time consuming....

[rz1a]

thought about keeping the SPS but id have to get at least one more MH light for the 125, plus upgrade to a bigger skimmer for SPS

Yeah ive heard the trigger could snap and kill the fish if it wanted to, so i think this upgrade will help them. That and I've always wanted to try a snowflake eel

[runamukus]

Depending on your cost for lighting too - if you are going to be on a tight budget, you may want to get rid of the SPS and keep a fish only tank and reduce your lighting...this way you'll save some money.

[rz1a]

well, put a deposit on the 125, for 175 its not bad. silicone looks a little worn down, dry.. looks like itll be a fun project