Best Larger Tank to get for Beginner

[ScottyD36]

Hi, I have a 13.5 gallon fluval all in one tank that has been running for about 6 months. I am looking to upgrade and get myself a bigger tank. With bigger tanks come some things I am not familiar with at all. What is a good beginner tank that is large between the 50-150 gallon range that has a good initial set up or refuigum, plumbing and all that. I am looking for one that doesn't require alot of upgrades initially and can be done over time upgrading things. I know this is a pretty broad question and answer will vary but trying to create a plan of attack and zero in on a tank and then begin my research on it understanding it before purchase.

 

[medicw131]

From my experience, I wish I would have gone with a 120 (48 x 24 x 24) for my first larger tank instead of a 75. 18 inches is not enough room from front to back, in my opinion, to get a decent scape. BRS and Tidal Gardens have both put vids out saying that a standard 120 is their preferred size for an entry level tank. I think BRS also holds 60 cube (24 x 24 x 24) I high regard as well. More or less, the 24 inch depth from front to back and 24 inch height allows for room to have a nice scape and for corals to grow vertically. If I had my choice, I would go either 60 or 120!

 

[Philly Reefer]

I have a 40B. 36x18x16. With 20L sump
I think it's a great beginner tank if you don't have any tank before. But my dream tank is 120G

 

[DC Reefer]

There are a umber of all in one (AIO) tanks out there that come with most or all that you need. Red Sea and Waterbox are a couple. I have a Red Sea 170 which is a smaller version of what you referenced above but have been happy with it. There are a lot of build threads on here for both tanks and I am sure others also. Keep us posted on your decision.

 

[derekgoude]

I agree with medic.

I've had a few reef tanks and my current tank is a 150g that it 4x2 with a 40g sump. The depth is nice for stacking rock islands. Having less depth forces you to stack rock against the back, which doesn't get flow. It's a good size for me and I don't see upgrading... Unless our next house is some giant sqft monster and I get a fish room. Even then, I'd probably keep this one too.

Having a 29 biocube frag tank has been a ton of fun. I've been toying with the idea of getting a small aio cube for a frag grow out tank. Have it more like a display tank, but it's really a frag to colony tank. A 60g cube!!

 

[A sea K]

From my experience, I wish I would have gone with a 120 (48 x 24 x 24) for my first larger tank instead of a 75. 18 inches is not enough room from front to back, in my opinion, to get a decent scape. BRS and Tidal Gardens have both put vids out saying that a standard 120 is their preferred size for an entry level tank. I think BRS also holds 60 cube (24 x 24 x 24) I high regard as well. More or less, the 24 inch depth from front to back and 24 inch height allows for room to have a nice scape and for corals to grow vertically. If I had my choice, I would go either 60 or 120!

If your a little skiddish on the volume there is also an 80gal that is 48x24 but it is only 16"tall so it is easy on the lighting as well. I have one and I really like it dimensionally. I've also had a 65 (48x13x24) my first marine tank and OK, 210 (72x24x29) too big and too tall for my situation, 30 (24x24x12) awesome small tank, and now my 80 which is by far my favorite. If I ever change things up it will be a custom build likely in a 60x30x20 roughly 150 gallons.

 

[face]

I’d say 6’ is the best. That way you can add lots of nice fish. Id prefer 6’x20”x20” is the ideal size 125g. This gives you room enough for some of the larger fish. Tangs look very cramped in a 4’ especially as they grow. Length is much more important than width and height so you have a far more versatile tank. Also over 20”H is very difficult to reach into and clean. Personally same goes for width 20” is ideal.