Best size for a beginner advice isn't right?

[thunderreefer]

Why does everyone say you have to quarantine and fail to mention you need TWO tanks to start!????" THAT DROVE ME UP A WALL, and I can't emphasize that enough. It raised all kinds of questions and made me question so much of what was being said.

So if I got a large tank one day, I'll want something like exactly what I have (33 cube/16 sump), I would think. The only question is whether I'll want separate water systems or combined thru one sump...

But I feel like what I have is a perfectly valid goldilocks size just by itself, no other considerations. And when I think about the learning and things I've already struggled with, I feel glad I didn't get something bigger.
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I quarantine as well, which, for one reason or another, I didn't discover until after I bought my DT, but before I bought my first fish. So it was a surprise/change in my plan, and a bigger surprise to my wife when I said I needed another tank.

Sounds like you did get a "Goldilocks" size and a great analogy that falls right in-line with what I wish I could have told myself. I have a 60g cube DT, which is why I've thought about your question. It's great for my current use, to learn from and fits the current location in my house; however, if I decide to upgrade (which I am thinking about), it's not a great size for me to later convert/re-purpose to a frag tank (I'd want a lower height) or different size QT system (too big to store if I don't have it up all the time). It's essentially a mid-size that if I do upgrade, I'd either keep two DTs (maybe have a LPS and SPS tank to focus in on the different coral needs), or just break it down, transfer what I want to the new tank and sell it to reduce how many tanks I'm trying to maintain. Anyway, at least a point-of-view that I think would benefit anyone new to the hobby to consider.

 

[blasterman]

I used to have a 125 but down sized to 10 gallons after moving to a condo and didnt want to deal with that heartbreak again.

I've owned many various tanks over the years, and personally advise a 20l or 30 standard for beginners. The cash commitment and maintenance over a bigger tank is huge. You can always move the coral. Water changes are also cheaper and easier.

I like the look of cubes but they are strategically tougher to set up vs longer tanks.

I agree with bigger tanks having inherently better stability, but the only coral that I've found really requiring a bigger tank is acropora.

 

[Trever]

@thunderreefer I looked hard at a 60 gallon cube. But for me, it did indeed kind of go over the line to something that was starting to feel like a lot of water, without significant added stability or room for bigger fish to inhabit. But I wanted a cube, and 33 seemed just about right with a sufficiently large sump. So I hear what you're saying, especially as a utility (frag etc) tank.

That said, a 60 gallon cube in my opinion is a very appealing tank size and shape- nicer than the 33 if it's the only tank you have, works for your space, and is a long term tank. It just "looks" right. My 33 is great and I'm always surprised by how big it looks, but there's a nagging sense (geometrically/aesthetically) that it wants to be a bit bigger. That may be especially true when I get the rock and fish in it, I don't know. Sort of the difference between dealing with the water/weight and what looks "harmonic". Had a 60 gallon used been available, I would have probably gone with that.

Also if you've ever seen Meelev's videos, he has a 60 gallon anemone / clown harem tank that's pretty sweet, and I think the 60 would have a lot of post "first tank" options, as a second tank.

I think I've seen questions about oxygenation in a 60 gallon cube because of the dimensions/volumes, but I don't know.

The synergy overflow on my 33 I like a lot, it uses very little internal space, and makes for a "true" cube in that the dimensions are exactly square and all of that space is available for aquascape, etc.