New! and needing advice. Big difference between 50 gal vs 65 gal?

[Kzang]

Hey all! This is my first post. I'm currently new in the hobby with a 32 biocube. I'm looking to upgrade, and I need your help if possible!!

Is there a big difference between a 50 gal vs 66 gal tank? Especially when it comes to fish I can stock? Most of the iconic fish like tangs, can't fit in either a 50 or 65 gal tank. So, is that 16 extra gallons worth the extra cost? Tank wise, it isn't that much more, but I'd need more lighting which costs quite a bit more to the overall tank.

I'm looking at a SC aquarium's starfire 50 gal with one hydra 26 LED vs SCA 66 gal with 1 hydra 26 LED OR 2 hydra 26 OR one hydra 52. (I really like the hydra's for lighting)

50 gal with 1 hydra 26 is 1,100ish. 66 gal with hydra 52 is $1700ish. I'm not sure if the extra 16 gal is really worth the additional cost? Red sea with two hydras with auto top off, and etc is $1,900, but it is only 54 gal.

The 50 gal with a hydra 26/arm, for $1,119 is an amazing deal. I'm totally not sure if the extra 16 gallons would be worth the additional cost. More water is always better, but $600 for the 16 gallons and extra/bigger light is quite a difference in price.

Could I get away with the 66 gal with just 1 hydra 26?

The SCA starfire are plug and play that include the bulkheads, return pump, glass sump, and etc.

I also found the Cadlight Versa II which is 68 gal that includes an ATO. However, it seems weird to have the overflow on the corner instead of middle. I'd probably need to add another powerhead to make sure of good flow.
https://www.cadlights.com/index.php...id=360&zenid=9c84903892ad194b44b9bd0f2a651527

Edit: Weight is a factor, as I live in a 3rd story apartment.

 

[sfin52]

Not that much. It will give you a few more selections fish. It will help water stability. The biggest is the amount of coral that you can keep. More room for more coral.

 

[Heliarc19]

I have a 65 mine is the same footprint as a 50 48”x12”, you are going to want 2x AI 26’s for sure

 

[jsker]

The cadlight look pretty good with all the goodie one get with it.

 

[TangingOut]

I have a 65 mine is the same footprint as a 50 48”x12”, you are going to want 2x AI 26’s for sure

The aquariums OP is looking at are more cubed shaped. The SCA 66 is 32 x 24 and depending on what type of corals they're planning on keeping if corals at all, they can totally get away with one Hydra 26 or 52.

 

[Heliarc19]

The aquariums OP is looking at are more cubed shaped. The SCA 66 is 32 x 24 and depending on what type of corals they're planning on keeping if corals at all, they can totally get away with one Hydra 26 or 52.

Sweet, I didn’t realize the dimensions. I agree you could get away with one on a 32x24

 

[Kzang]

I think I am just going to hold off for right now. I'm still on my 1.2 month of ownership of a biocube 32. I might just buy the hydra and arm now, then tank later? Since the hydra would work on my biocube. I'm trying so desperately hard not to rush into this...I might move in about 4 months, too.

 

[Reef-junky]

I would go with a 40 breeder or a 75 because of the width of the tank. It's easier to aquascape. A 12 inch wide tank is really hard to work with.

Edit it looks like they make a 65 tall that's 19 inches wide. If your really set on a 65 then I would go with that.

 

[Reef-junky]

By the way not sure where your getting those prices from. A $1000 for a Hydra is a rip off. Brs has them for $350.

https://aquarium.bulkreefsupply.com/search?w=hydra 26

 

[Oldreefer44]

Just like boats, houses, airplanes and a many other things.......bigger is always better. whatever size you think will be big enough......won't be.

 

[Kzang]

By the way not sure where your getting those prices from. A $1000 for a Hydra is a rip off. Brs has them for $350.

https://aquarium.bulkreefsupply.com/search?w=hydra 26

I'm not sure where you're getting $1000 for a hydra? I never stated such.

 

[Reef-junky]

I'm not sure where you're getting $1000 for a hydra? I never stated such.

I see what you were saying the tank plus the light. Miss read it.

 

[Reef-junky]

By the way petco $1/gal sale up to a 55gal tank is the way to go for the size tank your asking about.

 

[AlexStinson]

By the way petco $1/gal sale up to a 55gal tank is the way to go for the size tank your asking about.

He is looking at non-standard tanks that are more cube shape. Additionally, I believe Petco removed the 55's and even the 40's this year for the $1/gal.

 

[Kzang]

I bought one hydra 26 +HD for my biocube, as I wait to see what I want to get. I'm leaning toward the SCA 50 or 66 gal. I've heard bad things about cadlight's stuff?