opinions wanted

[send help]

I want to start a reef tank but I'm contemplating what size to get. What is the best size tank to get for a starter? Under 75g, I cant go over 75g because of space issues.

 

[DeniseAndy]

Well, I can tell you that the largest you can get is always fun. However, the smaller systems are always exciting too. I happen to love them both. I have 210g, 40g, 20g, and a 6g. So, go figure.

First, I would find a good footprint and look of the tank you want. Then look at the space you want to have it in. Then, Think about what types of animals you want to keep. This will be a huge impact on size of tank.

Small or large, they are all challenging and very full of life.

 

[code4]

First decide what you want to go into a tank. This helps decide how much space you will need for the inhabitants. Then decide if you want a sump or not. If so keep in mind how tall a stand must be to be able to do so. And how tall the equipment you are going to put under it will be. This is a personal decision. I currently have 3 tanks. I like the sump under the tank the best. I would prefer one in a separate room though. I have a 140 for my fish. A 65 for my clownfish and their buddy. And a 40 breeder for my coral. Good luck.

 

[Greatdane]

or a biocube would work thats a great begginers tank

 

[send help]

First decide what you want to go into a tank. This helps decide how much space you will need for the inhabitants. Then decide if you want a sump or not. If so keep in mind how tall a stand must be to be able to do so. And how tall the equipment you are going to put under it will be. This is a personal decision. I currently have 3 tanks. I like the sump under the tank the best. I would prefer one in a separate room though. I have a 140 for my fish. A 65 for my clownfish and their buddy. And a 40 breeder for my coral. Good luck.

I would probably make a stand for my tank

 

[vetteguy53081]

Buy the biggest you can afford while accomodating the space needed and the total weight requirements.

 

[Weasel1960]

Welcome to R2R. You will get a lot of different answers here to help you make an informed decision. You may want to do some homework here on the site, check out info on YouTube or at BRS to get other info as well. Been here 6 months and just now dialing in on what I want to do. Good Luck.

 

[Rmckoy]

Welcome ..

I was always told to go as big as you can afford and for space .

that in mind I was always led to believe bigger is a little easier to maintain in terms of stability
ex: on my 230 Evap is roughly 5-7 gal/week

in a 20 gal tank that’s 25% of the water volume but in a much larger volume tank that’s barely enough to notice the difference .

that was just a example.

 

[Ravsta]

Welcome!

Personally I would go as close to 75 gallon as you can. My personal experience has been better stability and you get to keep more corals and fish.

 

[send help]

Well, I can tell you that the largest you can get is always fun. However, the smaller systems are always exciting too. I happen to love them both. I have 210g, 40g, 20g, and a 6g. So, go figure.

First, I would find a good footprint and look of the tank you want. Then look at the space you want to have it in. Then, Think about what types of animals you want to keep. This will be a huge impact on size of tank.

Small or large, they are all challenging and very full of life.

I'll probably go for a 40g I think that will be a good starter for me to get into reefs that way I can easily fit it in my space and still have quite a few options, I will buy used from a fish store I have locally. I was there not too long ago and they had a ton of used stuff.

 

[PghReef]

My own personal opinion, I hate how squatty 75s look. Go as big as you can which sounds like is 48x18. A 90 gallon is the same footprint but taller and looks much better. Avoid the super tall tanks like a tall 150 which is the same footprint as a 75 or 90 but too tall to ever comfortably work in or really aquascape.

 

[Jeffcb]

Bigger is better and maybe more forgiving.

 

[sp1187]

My own personal opinion, I hate how squatty 75s look. Go as big as you can which sounds like is 48x18. A 90 gallon is the same footprint but taller and looks much better. Avoid the super tall tanks like a tall 150 which is the same footprint as a 75 or 90 but too tall to ever comfortably work in or really aquascape.

my opinion. spot on except for the comment about the 150 and your perceived issues.

my first tank was a 110 tall. 48x18x30
my current tank is a 150 tall. 48x24x30
I'm 5'9", I don't have unusually long arms like an orangutan.
get creative. it's very doable.

 

[Doglips56]

I want to start a reef tank but I'm contemplating what size to get. What is the best size tank to get for a starter? Under 75g, I cant go over 75g because of space issues.

It is easier to start with a larger tank only because the chemistry swings are not as fast as in a smaller volume of water. We started with a 125 ten months ago and are already looking for more .

 

[ReefRusty]

Welcome, if you want to stay under a 75g look at a Red sea reefer 170 or a 200xl and or a Waterbox 70.2 or if they do 70.3 in your area this would be nice. But it also depends on your budget. Always double it.

 

[PghReef]

my opinion. spot on except for the comment about the 150 and your perceived issues.

my first tank was a 110 tall. 48x18x30
my current tank is a 150 tall. 48x24x30
I'm 5'9", I don't have unusually long arms like an orangutan.
get creative. it's very doable.

I also like tall stands, usually I build them around 36inches. That with a tall tank ia doable but ladder required for evening and soaked armpits unless you use a tool. I'm sure they look though, just more difficult in my opinion.

 

[Peace River]

Somewhere in the 40g to 75g is a great starting point for many people. Good luck with your new adventure!

 

[PghReef]

Somewhere in the 40g to 75g is a great starting point for many people. Good luck with your new adventure!

I do agree on a 40gal. If you truly want a smaller tank then a 40 breeder is an excellent size, very easy to work with and on.

 

[send help]

I'll probably go for a 40g I think that will be a good starter for me to get into reefs that way I can easily fit it in my space and still have quite a few options, I will buy used from a fish store I have locally. I was there not too long ago and they had a ton of used stuff.

I've thought about it more and I will probably go with a 65 because they are 36in instead of 48 which is way better for my space

 

[send help]

I want to start a reef tank but I'm contemplating what size to get. What is the best size tank to get for a starter? Under 75g, I cant go over 75g because of space issues.

I am going with a 65 because they are 36in which better fits my space