55 gallon vs 75 gallon for Reef Tank

[rfarson]

I'm considering going from a fish only with live rock to a reef system with just LPS and some anemones.

I currently have a 55 gallon tank and need to know if it would be more or less difficult to maintain and much more expensive for a 75 gallon tank.

Both would be drilled and have a sump/refugium.

I'm afraid the 75 tank would be more difficult to do water changes, add water, etc.

In short - which would be less work? Expense?

Ron

 

[mallorieGgator]

I would say to upgrade to a 75. I had a 55 gallon reef and I didn't enjoy it. It was stressful to aqauscape and there was really only one option, a rock wall. The 75 will probably be easier to do water changes on since the stand is larger and has better dimensions making it easier to access the sump. I think that the 75 would be less work but a bit more expensive for salt (just a bit). However, if you choose to get a new light to grow your coral under, you will be using a 48" fixture which fits MANY tanks so if you decide to upgrade down the road, you can always use the same fixture (on a 90 and 120 gallon tank).

 

[BluegrassReef]

75g

 

[aherre07]

Having had both before I upgraded to my 250...the 75 was a little easier to aquascape and maintain due to the dimensions being a little deeper from front to back...cost of maintaining was really not much of a difference, initial setup might be a little higher depending on equipment and lighting.

 

[mgdmirage]

Get the 75. 55s kinda suck for aquascaping, i've seen a few nice ones but you won't regret the extra width.

 

[Otter_rs]

Better yet, add 6 more inches front to back and go with a 120.

 

[rfarson]

I'll go with a 75 - which tank?

I'll go with the 75. any recommendations for a predrilled tank? I've seen marineland and aqueon. Acrylic or Glass better?

 

[aherre07]

Glass marineland is nice..

 

[Eggs]

Better yet, add 6 more inches front to back and go with a 120.

+1
For the hassle of going through an upgrade, I would go bigger than a 75g.

 

[Glenn]

I will always vote against a 55 - too narrow (12-13") for the height. I knowwwwwwww there are a lot of 55g tanks out there, but I just don't like them. And you will definitely appreciate the extra working space in the 75 (18" depth) when you get ready to aquascape it.

Having said that, I recently upgraded to the 120 (4x2x2) and am much happier with it !

 

[rfarson]

thanks

thanks for all the advice! great forum!

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Definitely go with a 75, so much easier to put a sump under than a 55

 

[fishytyme]

i like 75 just because its a bit wider. Deep Blue makes a decent 75g rimless if you like that look.

 

[REEFKEEPER10]

This is my 75. It is a work in progress but with the 30 gallon DIY sump it is very stable. I think you will be happy with a 75 gallon.