Lovge
Active Member
Hi all. New to marine tanks and havent had a freshy in years. Just wondering a realistic size for the main tank and sump to start out with. I have been thinking about a 55/10 but not super sure if thats appropriate or not. Thanks
Beginner tank size??
- Thread starter Lovge
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Welcome to R2R!! Actually I think a 55 gallon with a 20 sump/fuge(more room for equipment) would be great for a first tank. What are you wanting to keep, fish and coral or just fish?
OP
OP
Lovge
Active Member
I origianly wanted fish but have fallen in love with all the amazing life in a reef tank so im reading and reading up on that. Its funny how much someone. An read and still feel like the dont know a thing. 
fish&corals
unregistered
i would go with a 55 or 75 for starters .. thats about the best sizes to start out with IMO .. read and the key to happy reefing is nothing good happens fast ..
dont go cheap on your skimmer for fish and corals ..
dont go cheap on your skimmer for fish and corals ..
Last edited:
sokarber
Community Member
I 100% agree that 55-75 gallon would be best for a first time. Look into doing a sump tank if possible. go as big as you can afford then go down 1 is what I like. This away you have some buffer room with your money. BTW Welcome to R2R.
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JSB
Usually Confused
55 is good, especially because they are a dime a dozen. I personally think a 75 is a much better beginner tank that you won't outgrow so fast, due to the extra front to back depth. This give you a little more space to avoid the wall of rock look, and a little more volume. I think a 15 or 20 for a sump would be more comfortable. A 10 is pretty small. A small skimmer and a small return and it is maxed out.
OP
OP
Lovge
Active Member
Ok cool. I seem to be thinking along the right lines then 
. Ok now about the skimmer?? What size should i be looking at for 55/20 tank/sump setup and what brands should i be looking at?? Im going to be using a DIY sump.
. Ok now about the skimmer?? What size should i be looking at for 55/20 tank/sump setup and what brands should i be looking at?? Im going to be using a DIY sump.
SeahorseKeeper
Where's the mysis?
Just beware with a 55 gallon tank is quite narrow. The can cause issues when you are trying to plan your rock work. I would go with a reef octopus skimmer. I'll have to check the model that I would go with.
Welcome to r2r and good luck with the tank!!!!
Welcome to r2r and good luck with the tank!!!!
Aqua fire/medic
Valuable Member
I agree w/ 55's being a little awkward due to the narrow width. It just depends on your comfort level. If you want something a little smaller than a 40 breeder is the way to go. Looking for something larger. Then 75 or 90 will do you plenty GL and welcome to r2r!
GL and welcome to r2r!
_Alex_
Valuable Member
I started with a 55 and after a year hated it. I would suggest a 75, lot more room from to back and takes up basically the same foot print as a 55. And they are on Craigslist for 250 and less all the time Also will give you more room in the stand for sump and equipment
JSB
Usually Confused
I agree w/ 55's being a little awkward due to the narrow width. It just depends on your comfort level. If you want something a little smaller than a 40 breeder is the way to go. Looking for something larger. Then 75 or 90 will do you plenty
I agree that I would prefer a 40 breeder to a 55. The front to back depth just makes things tougher.
