New 125G Tank

[Low_t Tom]

Now do I want to do a HUGE planted tank or Saltwater?

[ggsteve]

It's going to look great there. I went 150 gal fresh, 65 tall marine. I used to have a 100 gal reef, right at the bottom of the stairs,much like yours. More salt water = more expensive. My wife once suggested that I just float money in the tank and cut out the hassle of trying to maintain sea life!

[tomfromstlouis]

She sounds like a keeper Steve.



OP: you are offering this choice on The PLANTED Tank Forum? I hope you give the other side a chance on the salt water forum of your choice. As for me, even if the costs were the same I would always have a planted tank. (Well, until I get to tank number ten or something. Doubt I'll find out). I like green.

[smiller]

Personally I wouldn't do a SW setup with a tank that large without a sump but that's just my experience. People certainly do it and 125 gallons is a nice size for a SW tank. I assume you have fish keeping experience. If you don't or it's very limited I would go with FW. No matter what you do you might want to consider painting or blacking out in some way your back glass before you put water in it. And one more thought no matter which way you go....quarantine tank! Good luck no matter what you decide.

[lamiskool]

Haha yea goin to have to agree with above post. The green and look of a freshwater planted tank that is scaped correctly always appeals to me much more then any saltwater setup IMO

[msawdey]

are you really asking a planted tank forum if you should go with a planted tank?!?! obvious answer is of course

[scbrooks87]

I have tank envy... Either way you go, with that thing it can be very very good!

[DaveMcKenz]

Originally Posted by lamiskool

Haha yea goin to have to agree with above post. The green and look of a freshwater planted tank that is scaped correctly always appeals to me much more then any saltwater setup IMO

I fully agree! As flashy as saltwater tanks seem, they are usually somewhat bare compared to our heavily planted tanks. There is essentially no saltwater greenery, and their tank colors seem almost cartoon-like compared to ours. Both can have their beauty, but take a look through some Amano pictures if you doubt the potential of FW.
Good luck,
Dave

[scapegoat]

Originally Posted by DaveMcKenz

I fully agree! As flashy as saltwater tanks seem, they are usually somewhat bare compared to our heavily planted tanks. There is essentially no saltwater greenery, and their tank colors seem almost cartoon-like compared to ours. Both can have their beauty, but take a look through some Amano pictures if you doubt the potential of FW.
Good luck,
Dave

my 12g nanocube has plenty of greenery in the form of some fern like and bubble like macro algae.

as far as this tank goes... I'd go freshwater w/ canisters since it isnt drilled. I'm setting up a drilled 125 and doing fresh because I don't want to spend the money setting up a reef tank. but, i bought drilled in case I change my mind down the line.

[DaveMcKenz]

Yeah Scapegoat,
Macro algae can seem like FW plants. SW animals and corals certainly add lots of color and in a small tank this can be plenty. In a FW 125g, just think of the possiblities for plants, and the visual impact. Anyway, both systems work great.
Good luck,
Dave

[Low_t Tom]

I want to go with a planted tank, my wife wants to do a saltwater. I think it will be too much money in a tank of this size.

[smiller]

If there is a money issue stay away from SW!

[BJK]

I think you should go planted! I am new to the planted community, but have come from many years of reef keeping. I highly recommend using a large sump, as mentioned above when it comes to large saltwater setups.

Can't wait to see how it comes together!
-BK

[Low_t Tom]

Decided to do planted!

[RyUGuy]

Originally Posted by Low_t Tom

Now do I want to do a HUGE planted tank or Saltwater?

Give it a month or so, 125 won't feel huge anymore!