135 FOWLR or 55 Reef?

[Key Of David]

I've come to a big decision to make and I need some help in making it.

I could have a coral tank with all the bells and whistles but it would be smaller (55 gallon) and only look good in a certain spot in the living room which also happens to constantly compete for attention with the entertainment center in front of the sofa (yet this is the best place for this size tank). A 135 would look AWESOME and have a spot perfect for it (behind the sofa which solves all the problems above but also can act as a room divider and I'd have a closer view of the life). The only problem with the 135 is with the wattage of lighting it would require for a nice thriving reef....I couldn't afford the most probable outrageous light bill. I know this is a highly personal preference and it may seem like I'm being a bit silly about it but its kinda important and aquariums are one of my lifelong hobbies but its important how they "decorate" too. I'm interested in opinions as I can't decide. What would you do??

[Reefland]

I would go with the reef, but probably a different size; something to provides more depth since it is an important piece of the living reef. The mixed reef aquarium is more educational and more of a show-piece to visitors.

[Ninong]

I would go for the reef tank but I wouldn't fool with a 55-gal because they don't make good reef tanks at all. I think a 75-gal would be much, much better and still reasonably affordable to equip. You can find good skimmers for this size that are fairly cheap and you could get by without metal halides if you are trying to save money.

[saltjunkie]

I agree with Ninong...........

but an impressive 135 FO.. would be very nice!?

What do you want? lots of bigger, swimming moving fish.... or a smaller all the way around reef with alot of stationary specimens????

[Key Of David]

OK maybe a 75 gallon reef tank would make more sense. I see where you are coming from about the 55 gallon. Its pretty narrow if you want to put rock in it, or anything else for that matter. 75s aren't expensive at all and I could build a tank stand for the right height to go behind the sofa (along with canopy and power compact lighting) and this would be the perfect compromise in this situation!!

Thanks for all your help guys!

[saltjunkie]

that or a 90, or 110....
both are 4 foot tanks.. the 110 is deeper, front to back!
the perfect comprimise i think would be the 90 gallon reef...