Aqueon 125 or 120 gallon for adult discus?

[GalaxyKoiBoi]

Trying to decide on the better display tank size for my discus once they have grown. I was going to do a 210 gallon, but with the economy what it is I need to scale back that plan somewhat and purchase something less expensive.

What are the better dimensions for adult discus?

125 - 72" x 18" x 24"

120 - 48" x 24" x 25"

Prices are similar at the LFS I will be purchasing from. This tank will be part of a stand/bookshelf wall I am building in my home office. Underneath the stand will be an Aqueon 75 gallon used as a growout/divided breeding tank. Going to filter this with an FX6. Plan on keeping about 12 adult discus in this tank eventually.

Edit: my initial thoughts are the 72" of room will be better for the fish to "stretch their legs", but I worry the 18" depth will leave them feeling somewhat cramped front to back.

[LizStreithorst]

I'd go with the 125. For adults the length is more important than the width.

[jeep]

It's up to you. I like the footprint of a 125 best...

[Willie]

I've kept adult discus in a 110 gal tank, which is 48" X 18" X 30". The discus very seldom took advantage of the added height by swimming in the top third or bottom third. They'll probably get more out of a 125 gal. I wouldn't use a 125 for discus grow out, but they'll be perfect for adult fish.

[jwcarlson]

I never look at my 75 and wish it were taller or deeper (front to back). But have often wished it were 72" wide instead of 48".

[CliffsDiscus]

I would go for the 125 instead of the 120, you don't need the height.

Cliff

[GalaxyKoiBoi]

Seems pretty unanimous. I could just fit a 75 and an FX6 underneath a stand for a 125 without making the footprint too much larger, too.

Thanks everyone!

[mleibowi]

As 120 owner, I’d go with 125. My fish do use the height and width but the extra 2 feet of length I can imagine would be better.

[LizStreithorst]

120's are better for growing out a large spawn because they have a greater surface area. I use my 60 wides for grow out for the same reason.

[GalaxyKoiBoi]

Yeah, going with the 125 for the adult fish.

That gives me just enough room to put a 75 gallon and an FX6 underneath it if I make the stand a bit larger in footprint. I don't have the luxury of having a basement for a fish room, and the HOA won't let me build a fish house (I checked!), so the only way to have a breeding/grow out tank in the house is to hide it underneath the display tank. The wife is getting inpatient with my grow out tanks in the guest room as is, so I need to move everything into the office and make it look nice.

Looking forward to having a home with a basement someday. Will make this fish hobby easier to manage.

[LizStreithorst]

I live so far in the sticks that whatever I want to do is just fine. I couldn't handle living in a place where they made me follow rules. You really do need to move.

[GalaxyKoiBoi]

That's the plan. Currently in our "starter home" and looking for a few acres in the area to build a long term house. You can bet there will be a fish room in it.

[LizStreithorst]

That's the plan. Currently in our "starter home" and looking for a few acres in the area to build a long term house. You can bet there will be a fish room in it.

[jwcarlson]

Looking forward to having a home with a basement someday. Will make this fish hobby easier to manage.

I have a basement about 1300 square feet (unfinished) and I am always passively thinking about getting extremely stupid with fish.

[GalaxyKoiBoi]

I would be very financially irresponsible in that scenario. I would have a lot of cool tanks, though.