How big is too big?

[SallyWho]

For someone who has never done saltwater before, how big a tank would you say is too big for a first timer? I've been planning to start with a 120g, knowing that if I start smaller I'll want to upgrade in six months. But there's a decent looking 72 x 24 x ? (they posted length and height, but not width) tank for sale in my area that's tempting me! Granted, I haven't contacted the seller because I'm not actually ready to buy, but it got me to wondering if I'd be biting off more than I could chew with a tank that size for my first reef. What do you think? Would something like a 180- it looks about 24" wide- be too ambitious?

 

[Salty1962]

That's a lot of tank for a first go around. I'd recommend something around a 90G tank. It also depends a lot on your budget, while larger tanks are desirable for consistency, they do require more $$ for operations. I've had them all and now have a 65G that's perfect for my lifestyle and budget. Just a thought!

 

[Saltybubbles288]

I just started with a 30" cube, the total system is just under 150 gallons, I've serviced reef tanks before so I have a good idea of what to do. I have always heard 100 gallon minimum has a rule of thumb for beginners. It's honestly going to be more of a budget thing as you get bigger every other cost grows. Lights, the tank itself, rocks, sand, water, salt, etc...

 

[sbash]

All tank sizes have their own set of challenges.

72 x 24 x ? is likely a 180, but could be a 220. As a starter, I would recommend a 180 over a 220, simply because the depth of the 220 (DEPTH, not width, lol) is really intense and could create some unneeded frustration to a newb...

This is a great question, we always recommend to get as much water volume as possible to newbs in the hobby. However, a 6 foot long tank is much more expensive thank a 3 or 4 foot tank. You essentially need more and bigger of everything. Which also means, there is more and bigger expenses when things start going wrong. I doubt the maintenance routine would be very different than a smaller tank (under 100 gallons); but there would be larger maintenance items to deal with. Just the water changes and water top offs is a lot of water. My 220 probably evaporates 20 gallons a week; do you have the space for such a reservoir? Likewise with the saltwater, you would need to make 20 gallons of salt water for each water change...

Once the tank matures, you will need to consider dosing, when your LPS or SPS gets semi-large (and if you are having coral, you will have a lot of it to fill the ridiculous amount of space), it will really start to suck back the nutrients, you will need to figure out how to dose to keep things in check. For me, this meant several 8-10 gallon reservoirs (which I will upgrade to 20 gallon each soon enough), and that only lasts 2-3 weeks...

Another thing to consider is nuisances. If your 65 or 90 gallon gets some hair algae, it is easy enough to pull the rocks and scrub them a couple times. When this happens to your 6 foot tank, it will not likely be as easy to pull the rocks, scrub them and place them back properly. Nuisances (algae, aptaisia, etc) are a great way to destroy your ambition and zeal for the hobby. For the new folks, they really suck the joy of out things...

Although my general advice is to get the largest tank you can fit in the space you have for it. This usually means a 4 foot tank (for most people). I do not mean to sway you away from buying a large tank for your first run... It sound like something I would do, lol... 100 gallons of total water volume is a great place to start.... But if you are really up to the challenge and go through with it... We will be with you every step of the way

 

[SallyWho]

That's a lot of tank for a first go around. I'd recommend something around a 90G tank. It also depends a lot on your budget, while larger tanks are desirable for consistency, they do require more $$ for operations. I've had them all and now have a 65G that's perfect for my lifestyle and budget. Just a thought!

I thought about starting with a 90, but then I realized I was already planning on how to upgrade to a 120, and I figured "why not just start with the 120?" Eventually (if I can find a way to fit it in my house) I'd like to upgrade to the 250-300g range.

And in terms of costs, I tend to save my money fairly well and wait for decent deals before I spend it. And because I can't actually get going on it until spring, I have plenty of time to slowly accumulate the equipment I'll need, which will spread out the cost. For instance, I'm keeping my eye on the equipment for sale forum to get an idea of how much used equipment goes for, and I'm definitely going to hit up any available Black Friday sales for things I want to get new!

Thanks for the input, guys! Because my floors aren't yet reinforced- the wall where the tank will go is parallel to the floor joists and up against a non-loadbearing wall, so I'm going to be abundantly cautious- the new electrical outlets aren't done, and I don't even have an RODI system yet, this tank will probably sell before I can nab it. But this is definitely good advice for the near future!

 

[Clinton]

This is my first tank 150g bow front... I'm already thinking how I can go bigger and it's only been 4 months. However, a lot of this system is all custom where with smaller units it seems easier to find affordable plug and play equipment and stands.

 

[madweazl]

My advice is to get what you want the first time and avoid spending money twice. If you want a large tank, do it from the beginning. The only caveat I have would be your desire to actually remain in the hobby; if you're testing the waters, something smaller might be a good thing as the potential cost would be lower if you decided it wasn't for you. My only other recommendation, wider is better; something with a width 50% the length (36x18, 48x24, 60x30 etc.) makes for a lot of aquascaping options with a nice balance. I prefer tanks with a depth of 24" or less for ease of maintenance.

 

[SallyWho]

My advice is to get what you want the first time and avoid spending money twice. If you want a large tank, do it from the beginning. The only caveat I have would be your desire to actually remain in the hobby; if you're testing the waters, something smaller might be a good thing as the potential cost would be lower if you decided it wasn't for you. My only other recommendation, wider is better; something with a width 50% the length (36x18, 48x24, 60x30 etc.) makes for a lot of aquascaping options with a nice balance. I prefer tanks with a depth of 24" or less for ease of maintenance.

Oh yeah, I definitely prefer the 24" depth. A 24" depth and a non-tempered back panel are must-haves as I keep my eye out for used tanks!

 

[Clinton]

Oh yeah, I definitely prefer the 24" depth. A 24" depth and a non-tempered back panel are must-haves as I keep my eye out for used tanks!

Light penetrates better and you can drill the back. I like it

 

[Bj’s Reef]

Get what you like. You are the one that will be paying for it. Just take your time, everything will come together with time and work.

 

[PatW]

A 6' tank has upsides and downsides. On the plus side, it will handle small and medium sized tangs and most other small and medium fish. A 4' tank is just a bit limited there. So it is a decision there. The larger tank is more of a production. Larger skimmer, larger volume, more dosing, bigger water changes. But it isn't that much bigger and the increased scale has advantages.

 

[cpbartak]

One thing I would say, price out all of the equipment you're going to be getting before committing to a particular tank and stand, so you aren't turned away due to sticker shock. Equipment in this hobby can be very expensive. I've been saving up for and gathering equipment for my current build for a long time (almost 2 years). Austin Lefevre had what I thought was some good advice in his recent MACNA talk. Whereas most people say you should get the biggest tank you can afford, he argues that you should determine the biggest tank you can afford and then get something half that size. Because you should be spending at least as much on the equipment as you do on the tank if you're doing things right.

 

[SallyWho]

One thing I would say, price out all of the equipment you're going to be getting before committing to a particular tank and stand, so you aren't turned away due to sticker shock. Equipment in this hobby can be very expensive. I've been saving up for and gathering equipment for my current build for a long time (almost 2 years). Austin Lefevre had what I thought was some good advice in his recent MACNA talk. Whereas most people say you should get the biggest tank you can afford, he argues that you should determine the biggest tank you can afford and then get something half that size. Because you should be spending at least as much on the equipment as you do on the tank if you're doing things right.

I rather agree. I'm keeping my eye on used equipment of good quality in good shape, knowing that the equipment is just as important as the glass box. Actually, I just purchased a BNIB Jebao DCT-8000 for $25 today! Whether I wind up with a 120 or a 180, I think that pump will be able to handle it. And I'm getting quotes on electrical work this week, and next month my floors will be getting reinforced. After I get that infrastructure stuff taken care of, I can consider finding a tank, but I'm not likely going to get it wet until next spring. I do need a new roof before I need a reef tank.