Group set up...

[Mugwump]

   I was thinking, what if we all set up a 120 gal community tank here. Talk our way through the process of cycling, water parameters, filtration, lighting, and decorating..plants, rock, wood, etc...then plan out the population to be kept...species compatibility, bottom feeders, mid tank swimmers, top swimmers, etc.....upkeep and fish care...and anything else brought up..
   This could be an interesting thread for anyone to access for reference. Plus it'd be a fun exercise.

[PaulineMi]

Yes our virtual tank.

New or used? Cost of new vs condition of silicone seals/need for resealing. What to look for. Stand considerations.

Then on to the fun stuff.

[Mugwump]

I think a wooden display type stand would look good, and what can we get a nice used tank for??  A used wood stand in good condition is cheaper than new, so look around.

There are reasonably priced used tanks, in excellent condition.
In a used tank, first consideration would, if the glass clean, and unscratched...then, does it hold water...and how old is it?..ever been resealed?, what was kept in it?..etc...is it drilled?

What's a good price for a used 120gal tank?

What can we get a new/used stand for..??

let's try to keep a tally on cost too....that's an eye opener to lots of folks.

[P4Angels2]

would the tank be acrylic or glass?

[BallAquatics]

Let's do glass... much better fro taking photos.   

Dennis

[BallAquatics]

I've found a drilled glass 125 just down the road from me for $50.00 on Craig's List.  I'm hoping it's a 6 footer.

Dennis

[Mugwump]

I agree, glass is best. $50 for a 125, that's a steal if it's not 'frosted' over....sounds like an old tank too...nice thick glass. 

[Mugwump]

Ok, now we've maybe found our tank....we need a stand.

[P4Angels]

Funny thing is I just built a 120 stand.   USed the same plans as I did for the double 55 gallon tank.... Looks like this:





Should have it painted by weekend   

[BallAquatics]

WOW  That stand would support my SUV.  Nice work Aron.   

Dennis

[Mugwump]

If we go with a fish room type rack, perfect. Do we need an available alternate in case someone wants the tank in there front room, a la show tank?

[P4Angels2]

you could always create a curtain to put around the bottom and be able to hide away your water changing supplies!! Buckets hoses etc....

[Mugwump]

Good idea, it can be versatile too.

[LizStreithorst]

Most of my used tanks were free or close to it and needed repair.  Still if I had my heart set on a 120 and it was in good shape silicone and all I would consider it to be worth $120. to $150.  I dislike carpentry but I have built stands before.

[Mugwump]

Planted or unplanted?....if planted we'll have to decide on the type of substrate, and lighting. Low light plants?..high light plants?..combo??....