another thing to consider is tank size when i had my 3ft it was a doddle ( after the basic newbie disasters) but now i have a 100g tank 48x24x24 the basics are the same but things like water changes and general tank maintinence and scaping become harder due to the amount of water to change and if i want to reach the bottom of the tank particularly toward the back i have to stand on a chair and almost climb in the thing!