My second aquarium is smaller

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Trever

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They said go big because you'll always want bigger.

My first is a 33 gallon cube, 38 gallons of water total in the DT plus sump.

Now I'm building a species specific 20 gallon long that will have shy of 25 gallons in the system - more like 21 - 23 gallons.

Regardless of budget (I can afford to get what I want), I feel like I want a huge tank like I want a hole in the head, and I feel like I love the hobby and what I'm doing. Yes- our living situation is a bit temporary and when we settle down I could see getting a big enough tank for some of the standard algae eating big fish who can be mesmerizing to watch swim around. Corals? I just don't get it. Why would you need a big tank for that? More like types and specifies emphasis makes sense to me there too. But if this species specific tank (initially will be a FOWLR) does it for me like I think it will, a big tank may never be something I want. I could more easily see yet more species specific tanks, though we'll see how the husbandry goes. Two tanks seems to offer options (backup etc.), after that, I'd probably want no more than two independent water systems, however many DT's there are.

So much for the conventional wisdom? I doubt I'm that unusual....

Will my future self keep saying this? Only time will tell... but so far, after a year, this where I'm at.

Also: I watch hour upon hour of tank tours on YouTube. There are some gorgeous big tanks. But my favorite tanks always seem to be the small ones that have some hook to them. And without a doubt, the most eye catching tank at all the LFS's around here is a 10 gallon water box. That thing is a looker and everyone ooo's and ahhhh's over it.
 
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I’m pretty similar in my thinking. I admire large reef tanks but for myself I would prefer a 20-40 gallon reef and a 200-300g FOWLR setup. That’s my dream. Although in the big tank I would consider adding cheap soft corals and gorgs just to add a little character to the tank
 
Whatever floats your boat. Big tank recommendations let you keep big fish. I got a pair of beautiful maroon clowns in a 20g that are happy and cozy.
 

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

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