Go big or go...20?

[anonomous09]

First post here, but I've been lurking for quite some time. I have had plenty of reptiles in the past and a freshwater tank. However, I want to step into my first reef tank. I have an area in my living room where a 48x20x20 peninsula tank would fit perfect. I seem to be getting cold feet and thinking of starting out with a IM20 tank and eventually stepping up to the larger tank. Whichever route I go, I will use a skimmer, Neptune controller, ATO, etc. I have already talked with Crystal Dynamic who I would have build the peninsula tank. I understand I will most likely lose some money when I switch tanks. Would you guys say I would be better served to "learn the ropes" on a IM 20 gallon? Or should I jump right in to the 83 gallon peninsula?

 

[HairyGary]

WELCOME TO Reef@Reef!

What do you want to put in the tank? Let's start with that. For instance if you want a blue tang, a 20 gallon IM will not work.

I started with an IM 20 as a reboot after being out of the hobby for a few years but that last about 2 years and was always planning to go bigger. I say go with the 83 gallon. It may seem daunting but there is more margin for error with a bigger tank. Plus with what you are listing, it does seem like money is not much of a concern?

 

[Maacc]

As long as your budget isn't terribly stretched, I would strongly recommend the larger. Some of the components will carry over but most won't. You will probably find the larger more stable and easier to manage.

 

[anonomous09]

I wouldn't say unlimited budget, but I have accounted for all of the costs and can swing the optioned peninsula and all supporting equipment. As far as fish are concerned, I would like to do a clownfish pair, standard clean up crew, anemone, and some basic corals. I have been trying to read through the differences between all of the different LPS and SPS corals. I am not looking to constantly collect frags, just establish a clean setup and watch it grow.

 

[HairyGary]

I wouldn't say unlimited budget, but I have accounted for all of the costs and can swing the optioned peninsula and all supporting equipment. As far as fish are concerned, I would like to do a clownfish pair, standard clean up crew, anemone, and some basic corals. I have been trying to read through the differences between all of the different LPS and SPS corals. I am not looking to constantly collect frags, just establish a clean setup and watch it grow.

I would still go bigger. Once you get it up and running, you will want to add fish and coral to it. I find my stocking list always changes. Good luck and start that build thread!

 

[AlexStinson]

There is never a guarantee for success, but at 80 gallons you have a lot more stability than at 20. It also shouldn't increase your costs too much given some of the gear you would be purchasing anyways.

 

[Jesterrace]

First post here, but I've been lurking for quite some time. I have had plenty of reptiles in the past and a freshwater tank. However, I want to step into my first reef tank. I have an area in my living room where a 48x20x20 peninsula tank would fit perfect. I seem to be getting cold feet and thinking of starting out with a IM20 tank and eventually stepping up to the larger tank. Whichever route I go, I will use a skimmer, Neptune controller, ATO, etc. I have already talked with Crystal Dynamic who I would have build the peninsula tank. I understand I will most likely lose some money when I switch tanks. Would you guys say I would be better served to "learn the ropes" on a IM 20 gallon? Or should I jump right in to the 83 gallon peninsula?

As someone who upgraded from a 36 gallon to a 90 gallon in less than a year, here is my take on it. If you do the 20 gallon keep it as cheap an simple as you possibly can (ie no sump, skimmer, ato, etc.) Why? You are going to need to re-buy all that equipment within 12-24 months when you upgrade as almost none of it will transfer over. From my 36 gallon setup, I transferred exactly one powerhead and 40lbs live rock. I understand the initial trepidation of not wanting to commit to a large setup due to the additional learning curve of additional equipment, but from a financial standpoint it just makes good sense to go with the tank that you ultimately want. The loss I took on the upgrade was right around $1K if that helps you on your decision.

*EDIT* and one other factor, tank transfers are never as easy as they sound and are very stressful on the livestock and the owner. I breathed a huge sigh of relief ONLY after a week of the new tank running and everything was still stable.

 

[JoshH]

I don't entirely agree with things mentioned above... Yes the general rule of thumb is bigger is better to start with. And I would have gone bigger as well BUT don't think that things aren't transferable or better yet that you can't find a purpose for everything if you did go with the 20. If you did want to start with the 20 I would say skip the skimmer, get a decent light, ATO, controller ETC. Just purchase things with a bigger tank in mind, if you want an extra powerhead, get one large enough to work on a larger tank same goes for lighting, ATO and controller are always transferable.When you do upgrade, transfer what you would like but keep the lights and tank for use as a frag tank, QT tank, a spot to put an unrulely fish and so on. There's nothing truly wasted if you know in advance you will upgrade and plan appropriately. And with what you have listed for livestock you shouldn't have any problems being successful in a Nuvo 20.

 

[anonomous09]

After considering everyone’s comments I started to lean towards getting the larger peninsula tank. Then after talking with Zoya at Crystal Dynamic, I confirmed the 8-10 week wait. Which will probably work quite well with the timeline I had planned on. I will be placing a deposit in the next two weeks. Now to decide on the sump and get a livestock list! Any recommendations? I personally feel that the tanks with a ton of frags just look cluttered.

 

[Jesterrace]

For the sump, honestly I'd recommend hitting your LFS and see if they have either a used one or one they made in house. Saves a ton of time and money. As for the livestock options?

With your dimensions you have quite a few options with the larger tank:

Dwarf Angels (just be aware they can be coral nippers and stick to just one)
Small Tangs (Yellow Tang, Kole Yellow Eye Tang, Two Spot Bristletooth Tang, Squaretail Tang, White Tail Bristletooth Tang and keep it just one Tang)
Anthias
Any Peaceful and a few of the semi-aggressive Wrasses and you can do multiple of the wrasses if you change up the parent species (ie Halichoeres, Fairy Wrasses, Flasher Wrasses, Wetmorella Wrasses, Leopard Wrasses)
Any Cardinalfish
Any Blenny
Any Goby
Clownfish (although I would stick to Occ ie Nemo or Percula varieties)
Any Dartfish
Orchid Dottyback (many of the others are just plain mean)
Most Basslets
Damsels (just be aware they can be mean to tank mates and will challenge larger fish as well)

If you were doing FOWLR you could also do some of the smaller butterflyfish, but it sounds like you want corals so that isn't recommended

 

[anonomous09]

I definitely want to get a small tang, clownfish pair, a goby, and maybe a filefish to start? From what I gathered there aren't too many smaller schooling reef fish correct? On the sump the tank includes a trigger systems sump, they recommended going with the Triton sump so that the overflow plumbing lines up well. My main concern is with the Triton sump and the skimmer not fitting properly.

 

[Jesterrace]

To start I would say the Goby and Filefish would be okay (although keep in mind that most filefish eat corals), you will want to add the Tang last and the clownfish towards the end since they are the more aggressive ones on your stocking list and won't take kindly to new additions in many cases. I also forgot to mention that the Tomini Tang is an option for you.

 

[PatW]

I would suggest that you go big. A large tank is more stable. Many of the maintence issues are the same big or small. Testing is the same, feeding is the same, glass cleaning pretty much the same and so on. A large tank gives you more options for fish and more places to stick corals.

 

[00Barracuda00]

Looking forward to seeing your tank build pics!

 

[anonomous09]

Thanks for all the help guys! I am about a week away from heading down to Crystal Dynamic to put a deposit on the tank. Going with a peninsula 83 gallon with bean overflow, trigger systems sump, blue/grey plumbing, and electronics area. Also have talked with Dave at Nanobox to build a custom light in White with walnut ends to match the decor of my house. Just need to pay the invoice. Last thing on the short list is to confirm that I will be able to open up my floor and run the ATO, water change, and Apex lines downstairs to the garage.

 

[JonPhillips]

83

 

[anonomous09]

Nanobox has been paid!