Best Size Aquarium For an Entry Level Reefer?

AndrewJ · Mar 23, 2018

I recommend a 120 gallon, 48 x 24 x 24 inch aquarium, either drill it yourself or buy it reef ready.
The reason for my recommendation is that many LED lights will cover a 24" x 24" x 24" area. For example , you can hang two Radion XR15pro s over it. This way you are maximizing your available surface area of water, while getting the most coverage from LEDs.
It's also a good water vokume, and the stand enough will give you a decent amount of space to have a good sized sump and equipment.
If you are going to go larger because you want certain fish, like tangs, I would recommend that your increase in size is based on dimensions not water volume. Increase the size if the tank by another 24 x 24". You would need one more light.

van7271 · Mar 23, 2018

I like anything from 40 to 75.

George Lopez · Mar 23, 2018

mjanko said:
In my planted tanks I’ve always found that tanks that small depth wise are hard to work with, stuff like driftwood always seems to cause a problem, is it not like that in reefing? Also, after reading through a ton of build threads I’ve found a reoccurring pattern of people upgrading after a few months, if this is such a popular thing isn’t it best to just go dream tank right off the back and learn from there?

First off WELCOME!

The problem with dream tanks is that once you start you always go bigger. I stayed with a 13 tall then after some time I converted my 44 corner to reef and now I'm going 90. Its been less than 2 years since the 13 , but unfortunately the 90 is the largest I can go in my current house so I'm building it to last (minus expensive lighting and controllers... im not rich) but i dry start with the 40 and see if you really like it and are willing to deal with some headaches that come with a reef tank.

Plus latest on you can use the 40 as a frag tank or quarantine if you do get heavy into the hobby

Kodock · Mar 23, 2018

I would start of with a 35g biocube, buy a used 90g setup (need an rodi)

or....
man up and buy a 75+g AIO (red sea reefer or waterbox) with some ocean revives, bare bottom, marco rocks, a maxspect gyre, bubble mag skimmer, tunze ato, rodi..

Best tip: buy the rodi, no exceptions..

DomerTom66 · Mar 23, 2018

I have a 150 gal with probably 40 gal sump in the family room. Fairly new house (30 yrs). Tank sits across beams. Not really a problem. If I would go bigger would probably add supports under beams in basement.

DomerTom66 · Mar 23, 2018

And as a few people have said, I want a larger tank with more fish and corals.

Tautog · Mar 23, 2018

Welcome to Reef 2 Reef
Go big. It’s better when it’s bigger!
I have a 180 gal., 2 x 2 x 6
Greater water volume gives you more room for error. Reef tanks are long-term projects that need to mature. The large tank advantage comes into play when room, tank water volume, and husbandry conditions need to work together for this closed system

captainsmitty · Mar 23, 2018

Ahoy there and welcome to a great place to learn and be entertained.
My 2 cents.
Figure out what space you have to work with. Make sure that you include space for more than just the tank and sump. Water storage is very important. Both RODI water and salt mixed water.
I have just moved and am in the process of setting up a 120 with sump. I will be useing my basement under tank for water storage (fresh and mixed). My tank backs up against a wall in my laundry room where I will be able to have all my toys for the set up.
I will pose a thread on its build. But unpacking takes presidents.
Good luck

imustbenuts · Mar 23, 2018

120 48x24x24

Ian M · Mar 24, 2018

I would say take your time and really think about what you want in it and make a list. Plan your build on what you come up with as a sure fire list of coral or fish that you intend to keep and that will all live peacefully together. Once that is done, list all of them by tank size requirements and there is a good starting point. Like I said, take your time because you don't want to regret dropping money and finding out you cant get what you want.
Happy researching.

Forsaken77 · Mar 24, 2018

mjanko said:
In my planted tanks I’ve always found that tanks that small depth wise are hard to work with, stuff like driftwood always seems to cause a problem, is it not like that in reefing? Also, after reading through a ton of build threads I’ve found a reoccurring pattern of people upgrading after a few months, if this is such a popular thing isn’t it best to just go dream tank right off the back and learn from there?

I would stay away from the 125 because it's too thin and you'll have a tough time finding equipment to go under the stand. A 120 is a nice 4x2x2 tank. But also consider that the bigger the tank, the more expensive all of the equipment will be to handle a bigger water volume. I would recommend a 90 or 120 gallon to see if you're into it. And a 90 is a good size also.

You'll need a much bigger sump, a bigger protein skimmer, a bigger return pump, more powerheads, ect... If bought at cheap prices, those things alone are well over $1,000+ for quality stuff (on top of the tank & stand). And with a bigger tank you really don't want to cheap out on crap equipment.

Don't get me wrong, you can get decent gear for reasonable prices if you know what you want and what your setup will encompass. Also sales at certain times of the year, if you're not in a hurry, can save you a lot.

Some will say to buy used to get cheaper deals. I prefer to never go that route simply because I don't want to inherit someone else's headache.

Bulk Reef Supply has a rewards program where you sign up for free and get 5x's points for every dollar spent as a "Preferred Reefer." These points will be added to your account immediately after you pay. So you can buy 1 expensive item, get $50 in rewards back (an example) and immediately apply it to another purchase. They also have days or certain manufacturers that they will offer 10x's rewards. For example, I needed 2 return pumps for a dual overflow tank. I bought the first at full price with 10x's reward points and then bought the 2nd pump on a separate purchase with a $50 discount of rewards 5 minutes later.

Marine Depot also has these rewards but they aren't added immediately.

xPhilx · Mar 24, 2018

Welcome to R2R!! I'm new here too. I started with a 24 gallon a few months ago and I already wish I had gone bigger. It has been good though to get me started, learning about corals and fish as well as maintaining water parameters. I've already picked out my next tank which is 59 gallons and has the full sump set up. I'll still keep my first tank and probably move it to my bedroom. I find the whole hobby to be very relaxing.

I agree with Forsaken on Marine Depot. I wish I knew about them from the start. Great selection and decent pricing. That's where tank two is coming from. Keep us posted on what you decide!

Zwogle · Mar 24, 2018

It depends on what your goals are, if you want larger fish you'll need to take that into consideration. Smaller tanks may be a little more touchy on keeping params in check, but it really isn't that bad with some patience and consistent maintenance. For me i'm happy in the 30gal range (5gal water changes are great) Started mine as an aio, which was fine, but added a sump during a move. I would definitely suggest if possible get a sump, so much easier not to have worry if a skimmer will fit, or where to hide the heater...

BradB · Mar 24, 2018

My first tank was a 120. I have a 270 now. Mostly depends on money and commitment. I can see starting with something like a 40 gallon if you aren't sure you want this hobby, or don't have cash on hand and can't wait. But easier, cheaper and better to start with the 120. 180 is good too, I wouldn't go much bigger.

I do have floor braces. I don't remember if I had them with the 120 or not. They are there to keep everything perfectly level. I wouldn't worry having 3 times the weight without braces for a month, but I do wonder if something bad might happen after a few years. And just because most homes are fine doesn't mean yours is. Lots of buildings collapse under their own weight, although rarely in the USA.

If you have a well made house, I'd just add the tsnk. If you notice the water level indicates the floor sags away from the supporting wall, a floor braces is cheap and easy, why not use one?

I went 17 years in the hobby doing mostly manual water changes. Very glad I got an ATO, but tried various valves and such automating this and gave up or had problems. Technology came a long way.

I still don't have an Apex, but it is on my wish list.

Lighting is your most important decision and my biggest mistake getting started. Whatever you pick, stay committed to it for years. Metal halide guys can be very convincing this is the way to go, same with LED and T5. Whatever you pick, the grass will always be greener on the other side, and it will be tempting to spend a lot of money to switch. Flow and alkalinity are a lot more important and you can keep almost anything under 200 Par or less.

vetteguy53081 · Mar 24, 2018

40 breeder but I recommend at least a 90 gallon. You will find it get addictive and as your system matures, you want everything under the sun but then have no space/room. Higher volumes also entails less maintenance as you have the larger water volume. It also does not eat a lot of room within a room, but is yet generous for a nice display.
My tanks are larger and I learned this the hard way Many years ago. Since then, I had owned a pet store for 11 years and my happiest customers were the ones with larger systems.

mjanko · Mar 24, 2018

BradB said:
My first tank was a 120. I have a 270 now. Mostly depends on money and commitment. I can see starting with something like a 40 gallon if you aren't sure you want this hobby, or don't have cash on hand and can't wait. But easier, cheaper and better to start with the 120. 180 is good too, I wouldn't go much bigger.

I do have floor braces. I don't remember if I had them with the 120 or not. They are there to keep everything perfectly level. I wouldn't worry having 3 times the weight without braces for a month, but I do wonder if something bad might happen after a few years. And just because most homes are fine doesn't mean yours is. Lots of buildings collapse under their own weight, although rarely in the USA.

If you have a well made house, I'd just add the tsnk. If you notice the water level indicates the floor sags away from the supporting wall, a floor braces is cheap and easy, why not use one?

I went 17 years in the hobby doing mostly manual water changes. Very glad I got an ATO, but tried various valves and such automating this and gave up or had problems. Technology came a long way.

I still don't have an Apex, but it is on my wish list.

Lighting is your most important decision and my biggest mistake getting started. Whatever you pick, stay committed to it for years. Metal halide guys can be very convincing this is the way to go, same with LED and T5. Whatever you pick, the grass will always be greener on the other side, and it will be tempting to spend a lot of money to switch. Flow and alkalinity are a lot more important and you can keep almost anything under 200 Par or less.

What lighting are you running on your system? I saw on the recent poll like 60% of people are running a t5/led setup, why is this? Coming from freshwater I just use t5’s with the occasional led strip but never together, why not just use led’s or just use t5’s

hart24601 · Mar 24, 2018

I don’t like big reef tanks personally unless they are at someone else’s house. 40B seems to be perfect to start. Then upgrade to something smaller.

Plus the cost. I dropped between 10-20k on a 120 reef, around 9k on a 60 cube total. Not that you need to spend that money, but easy to get caught up in it. That’s why I think 40b, good dimensions, decent volume with sump, still solid stocking options and don’t need to go as crazy with equipment.

hart24601 · Mar 24, 2018

mjanko said:
What lighting are you running on your system? I saw on the recent poll like 60% of people are running a t5/led setup, why is this? Coming from freshwater I just use t5’s with the occasional led strip but never together, why not just use led’s or just use t5’s

The thought is the blues of led really pop coral flouresence and color adjustability and longevity and t5 with the spread. T5 can look flat and lack pop to some people (like me) but together it’s great.

Scott.h · Mar 25, 2018

I think you should go with a tank that you know you'll be happy with for years, rather then buying too small of a tank, getting it stable and mature, then ripping it apart 2 years from now. That may be a 40, or a 180. Only you know how interested you are and will be 5 years from now.

Personally I wouldn't go smaller then a 75. I don't like the 90s, although I have one, because I can't reach the bottom without getting my whole arm wet to my armpit. Every time I work on it I have to table my shirt off. Pain. And I need a step stool to work on it. 75s are still 4' but you can work on them from the floor and touch the bottom. It also depends on what fish you want and how big they will get. Also Id use less rock if I started over so I had more room for corals. Ideally (having three tanks) I'm going up upgrade to a custom built tank to fit the space my living room tank is. 6' long, low enough I can touch the bottom standing on the ground, deep enough I can fit all my current rocks in yet have an extra 6" from the rocks to the front of the glass for loose corals. That translates to about a 150. Buy once cry once.

As far as your lighting, it all depends on what corals you want. Led fixtures look better above the tank, but get really expensive for a good light(s). My sps tank is adjustable t5 supplemented my blue LEDs. But that tank is built in the wall so I can cram all the junk in there I want and no one can see it. So it all depends on how much you have to spend and what you want to house.

FrankiePuffer · Mar 25, 2018

mjanko said:
Is there any negatives of starting 100 gal +?

Time and money. The larger the more of each you need. You will want to upgrade if you really like it anyway but you will be able to assess the amount of time and money you are will to put into it You don't want to find you don't have enough of either and then give it up because of that.