30 gal vs. 50 gal

[Derek121]

Hi there.
We have had fresh water aquariums for over a decade now and have just recently decided to build our very first salt water reef tanks.

1. I am stuck between decided whether to build a 30 gallon tank or a 50 gallon tank. Does anyone have advice, pros and cons for the two sizes. Will the 50 gallon be much more expensive to set up vs the 30 gallon?

2. Lighting! I have done a lot of research on lighting and still don't have a clue as to what to choose. I am constantly looking for bargains and I generally buy things used at a reduced rate however buying a light is a bit more difficult and believe I may have to buy it new.
My main want is for my corals to thrive so if you could offer suggestions based on price and how well it will make my corals thrive that would be amazing. My 30 gal tank would be 30 inches long while my 50 gal tank is 48 inches long.

3. While I have not started my tank yet, I have done a fair bit of research but am still taking every opportunity to learn more. Do you folks here at R2R have any amazing blogs/pages/sites that I could review to get the most straight forward easy to understand information possible.

Thank you for your responses!

 

[melypr1985]

What kind of fish do you want to keep?

 

[Derek121]

What kind of fish do you want to keep?

We would be setting the tank up for corals and would only like small compatible fish. We have not decided on any species yet. We love looking at things like snails and crabs pop in and out of the rocks.

 

[melypr1985]

We would be setting the tank up for corals and would only like small compatible fish. We have not decided on any species yet. We love looking at things like snails and crabs pop in and out of the rocks.

being that it's your first tank, I would go with the 50. Gives you more room for mistakes and more stability for your corals and fish.

 

[Jimbo662]

I say always go for as big as you can afford and have room for. As soon as you start adding corals then adding more corals then adding more corals then adding more corals...you get the picture???

 

[Jimbo662]

I say always go for as big as you can afford and have room for. As soon as you start adding corals then adding more corals then adding more corals then adding more corals...you get the picture???

 

[Derek121]

Yes... Okay well my heart has been quite attached to converting our 50 gal tank.
It's dimensions are 48 long/ 12&1/4 wide/ 20 tall

It is currently running as a salt water. Besides taking out the gravel and rehoming the fish, is there anything else I must do before the tank is used as a salt water?

It currently has a HOB filter good for a 75 gal but I recently bought a Filstar XP- M also good for a 75 gal. http://www.apifishcare.com/product.php?id=752#.VqfPcSorK70

What type of light will I need to to satisfy the corals and aquatic life if it will need to penetrate a max of 19 inches of water?

 

[Derek121]

How expensive and how beneficial would it be to use my spare 30 gal tank as a sub? Will I be fine running the Filstar XP-M?

 

[melypr1985]

You'll have to do some research on light fixtures. Look around at some build threads and see what people are currently using to see what appeals to you. Each fixture has it's good points and bad points. Price is another thing. So that's entirely up to you. You can pick out a couple and create a thread for opinions and experiences with each and then make your decision based on all those things.

I advocate for having a sump. It's going to give you more water volume and a place to hide your equipment. You can also use the sump to put a refuge in and further help filtrate your tank. It's personal preference in the end, because what works for some may not work for you. You have to look at all the options and pick what fits you and your tank the best. Start with looking at build threads in the memeber's section, ask them questions about what they are running and what they think about it. Then decide on a budget and start looking around. Read reviews and ask the members here for their opinions on those items. I hope that helps.

 

[Jimbo662]

I'd stay away from canister filters if possible. You have to clean them at a minimum once a week. Most people refer to them as nitrate factories. Best to set up a sump instead.

 

[p.pep85]

if you start with the 30 you will upgrade to a 50 vary soon. or at least i did. this hobby is so addictive. save some money and start with the 50. good luck hope to see some picks