First tank suggestions

[Pudgeshambley]

I have never had any sort of aquarium at all. However, I really want around a 75 gallon with fish and coral. Is this a bad idea? Should I start with something smaller? I don't want to get in over my head but also don't want to spend a lot on something smaller and then want to upgrade. Any suggestions?

 

[Sean Clark]

Sounds like a great idea. Welcome.

 

[Kennya]

Welcome to R2R. Start with the biggest you can.

 

[glency]

I agree with the comments so far. Buy as big as you can afford. I started with a 15, then a 35, then a 91G within six months. If I could do it all again, I’d jump to the biggest manageable. Good thing is I didn’t buy cheap gear; most of it has transferred to the new tank.

 

[PeterC99]

Welcome to R2R!

Start with the largest aquarium that you think you can realistically handle.

 

[Pudgeshambley]

Should I start with an AIO ?

 

[Pudgeshambley]

I agree with the comments so far. Buy as big as you can afford. I started with a 15, then a 35, then a 91G within six months. If I could do it all again, I’d jump to the biggest manageable. Good thing is I didn’t buy cheap gear; most of it has transferred to the new tank.

I agree with the comments so far. Buy as big as you can afford. I started with a 15, then a 35, then a 91G within six months. If I could do it all again, I’d jump to the biggest manageable. Good thing is I didn’t buy cheap gear; most of it has transferred to the new tank.

Which kind of tank did you start with?

 

[SeaworthyAquatics]

75 is a pretty good size to start with. The AIO tanks can be a bit tougher to clean and maintain. Reef ready tank with an overflow and sump is always better imo. Welcome to Reef2Reef!

 

[A Young Reefer]

Hello and welcome!

 

[Billldg]

Welcome to R2R!!! I started with a 120 gal tank.

 

[Jimbhoy13]

Welcome to R2R and the salty world. Pros and cons for starting small or large. Space, finance and time for starters. Personally I would say go big. But take things slowly. Lots of research first. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to Reef2Reef! IMO a 75g with a sump is a good option, but there are many other solid choices.

 

[Pudgeshambley]

75 is a pretty good size to start with. The AIO tanks can be a bit tougher to clean and maintain. Reef ready tank with an overflow and sump is always better imo. Welcome to Reef2Reef!

Any suggestions on which brand of tank?

Welcome to R2R and the salty world. Pros and cons for starting small or large. Space, finance and time for starters. Personally I would say go big. But take things slowly. Lots of research first. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

Welcome to R2R and the salty world. Pros and cons for starting small or large. Space, finance and time for starters. Personally I would say go big. But take things slowly. Lots of research first. Lots of knowledgeable and helpful people here who will support and advise you when needed.

Thanks

 

[PatW]

Bigger tanks tend to be more stable than small ones. So bigger is good. I once heard a local fish store owner say that 55 gallons was the smallest tank he recommended for a beginner.

Quite a few things in operating a tank don’t change much with increasing tank size. So a bigger tank is not that much more work. Of course, that does have a limit. It is more $$$. And it does take up more space.

A 75 gallon is usually a 4’ tank. Included in that length range is the 120 gallon (24 by 24 by 48). You could go with one of the all in one sort of tanks like the Red Sea series which have different dimensions.

A 4’ tank would allow you to have a tang or two in your tank and tangs are really nice.

 

[Reeferjunkie]

Welcome. To r2r and 75g is a great idea

 

[Fred2482]

Welcome! 75 is a good tank depending on what you want. I have seen beautiful 20 gallon tanks and beautiful 1000 gallon tanks.

 

[adittam]

Any suggestions on which brand of tank?



Thanks

Brand recommendations depend totally on budget.

 

[adittam]

Also, do you have a preference of rimmed vs rimless? Rimless has a more modern, clean look, but they’re also generally a lot more $.

 

[Projects with Sam]

I had a 75 with external overflow for my freshwater setup. When I changed to SW I got a used 120 with internal overflows and the footprint is the same as my old 75 because I can push it right up against the wall.

My equation going into it:
More water = more stability.
More stability = higher likelihood of success.
Larger tank = less happy wife.
Larger tank = less tank envy later.
Larger tank = more time before your inevitable upgrade.
4'++ side to side = tang(s) possibilities

 

[tharbin]

Welcome to R2R!

I don't feel size matters as much today as it used to. With all of the quality equipment available any size can be successful. If I were to recommend a size for a first tank it would be between 20 and 75 gallons. Too small is harder to keep stable and too big can be overwhelming for a first tank. An AIO is fine, most of today's better ones are almost bulletproof (Waterbox, Innovation Marine, Red Sea, Fluval EVO, JBJ etc.). If you decide to go larger than 36 gallons I would go ahead and get a sump. Your best bet is to go with a full system like Red Sea, Waterbox or Cade as the plumbing can be hard to grasp at first. Those systems come with all of the parts and instructions to get the sump up and running.