I really want to have a saltwater tank and I have a 10 gallon freshwater tank which has been running very smoothly. However, I did research and found out I should have a big starting saltwater tank but I don't have the room or money for a 75 gallon tank. The max I can go is like 20 gallons. Is it possible to start out with a small saltwater tank?
Is it possible?
- Thread starter Carmal
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Mjrenz
2500 Club Member
Don't go smaller than 30 gallons, it's too hard to keep stable. Check out the 32 gallon biocube, it's a really nice aio starter tank with a small footprint.
Mastiffsrule
Where ever you go, there you are, so be nice 2 you
I agree that larger tanks are better for consistency, but I would not say don’t go smaller, nothing implied mj. I like your tank.
While they can be harder to keep consistent the benefit is easy to fix issues with water changes. But, MJ makes a good point, if you can get a 20 long I assume, his tanks footprin may work well
While they can be harder to keep consistent the benefit is easy to fix issues with water changes. But, MJ makes a good point, if you can get a 20 long I assume, his tanks footprin may work well
Mjrenz
2500 Club Member
The main thing I like about the biocube is the lid on it really helps to reduce evaporation while still allowing some for gas exchange and temperature stability.
Mjrenz
2500 Club Member
That's a nice looking tank!A 20 long will make an excellent tank. Put no more than 2 nano type fish in it.
WVNed
The fish are staring at me with hungry eyes.
My second tank. That pic is from 2009.
My first was a Nanocube a friend at work gave me free. I fixed it all and made it work. After that I never wanted an AIO again.Tiny back chambers my hands wouldnt fit in. Heat. Proprietary lights. Getting the lid off and back on.
It was tough to keep. slightly less than 8 gallons once the rocks, sand and equipment went in.
I think the best first tanks would be a 20L or a 40 breeder in smaller tanks. I ran that 20L above just like I am running my 75 now. It had a 10 gallon tank for a sump with a skimmer and 3 maxijets, 2 for flow and 1 for a return pump. I made the overflow and it worked. The light was a 2 tube T-5.
I did a closed loop on it for a while. You can get lots of stuff for smaller tanks now.
I am up to a 75 now and have a 280 ordered.
My first was a Nanocube a friend at work gave me free. I fixed it all and made it work. After that I never wanted an AIO again.Tiny back chambers my hands wouldnt fit in. Heat. Proprietary lights. Getting the lid off and back on.
It was tough to keep. slightly less than 8 gallons once the rocks, sand and equipment went in.
I think the best first tanks would be a 20L or a 40 breeder in smaller tanks. I ran that 20L above just like I am running my 75 now. It had a 10 gallon tank for a sump with a skimmer and 3 maxijets, 2 for flow and 1 for a return pump. I made the overflow and it worked. The light was a 2 tube T-5.
I did a closed loop on it for a while. You can get lots of stuff for smaller tanks now.
I am up to a 75 now and have a 280 ordered.
TriggerFinger
2500 Club Member
I have a 29 gallon running while I get my 90g ready. It’s been up for 6 months and it’s gone pretty smooth I feel. I have 1 small starry blenny, a couple shrimp, some hermits, 4 snails and a few mushrooms.
Softhammer
Valuable Member
I kept a stock sized 10 gallon on my kitchen counter for many years. Stock equipment and a upgraded light for corals. Just watch for salt creep on power cords and be neurotic with freshwater topoff if you intend to keep fish. Temperature can be a bear to manage as well. I had a 50w heater and one of those old school thermoelectric chiller probes. Heater ran at night at with PC lighting chiller ran all day. No need for a skimmer, you can do water changes with used milk jugs. HOWEVER, don’t expect instant success and no problems. It is a good way to learn inexpensively. (Which will drive you to either quit or buy a 75)
flchamp89
Valuable Member
Everyone above has some good advice. I think you arm yourself with sound education and the biggest tank you can afford. It is hard to beat the biocubes as dollar for dollar they may be the most reef ready out of the box.
