Posted by cindy on March 15, 2003 at 08:12:00:
In Reply to: 125 gallon for $500 good deal??? posted by connie1 on March 14, 2003 at 21:48:16:
...the cheapest two sizes to get, in terms of dollars per gallon, are 10 gallon and 55 gallon tanks, at least in my area. They are also the most common. Others are inconsistent. When I wanted a tank in my classroom bigger than the 55 I had, which was $100 for the tank and lighted hood, I found that the 75 was $200 for the same thing, double the price for only 20 gallons more. The 120 gallon was $300 for the same thing (with glass canopy and lights instead of lighted hood), and the 125 gallon was $400, for only 5 gallons more. I chose the 120. I didn't need a stand, because I have counters around three sides of my classroom, but since you do need one, if you like the one that comes with it, it is a better bargain. (They did not deliver, either!)
Besides the miniscule 5 gallon difference, you have to decide which one suits your needs more. The 120 is 24 inches tall, and live plants will not grow by any stretch of the imagination in it (except maybe algae!) with the two 20 watt bulbs it comes with. It is downright dim, and even without live plants, only looks good in a dark room. I have native fish in it, and over $100 of artificial plants, and felt I needed supplemental lighting anyway, just to make it look good during the day in my class (an added expense.) I also got a 24 inch extension tube for my python for gravel vacuuming, I got tired of being up to my armpit in cold water (native tank) twice a week vacuuming, and would actually get bruises on the underside of my arms when rooting in the gravel.
I am still glad I got it, instead of the 125, because I like a tall tank, that people don't have to bend over or sit down to look at for a while. My native fish use the whole 24 inch column, but I am not sure if your cichlids would (if that is what you want it for.) They might hang around the bottom 2/3 of the tank.
When you add in the necessary supplemental lighting, extra long vacuum tube, and fish differences, I think the 125 might be a better deal for you, but you probably already know which one is best for you! Either way, you are going to love it - it is my favorite tank...(and I can't wait to get some even bigger tanks, like dan's!)
