Should I get back in? Start small or Start Big?

SaltlifeHokie · Aug 30, 2023

So I am in a predicament and need some advice. I have done saltwater aquariums on two separate occasions with my most recent one being about 2 years ago and we moved houses so when I was moving I broke the tank down and sold off everything. Now I am getting the itch to start back again. Previously I had a 75G tank with sump and the whole 9 yards. What I remember from 2 years ago was a loved it but it was also a lot of time/money/stress. Now that I am considering dipping back into it I am torn with going with a small AIO nano tank to see if I will still enjoy it and not sink as much money in as before or should I go fully in and get a bigger 200-300 tank and spend $6,000- $8,000?

blaxsun · Aug 30, 2023

Only you can answer that question... The larger you go the more it will cost you overall but the less the automation costs based on the number of gallons.

Propane · Aug 30, 2023

Some would say that a small AIO would be harder. Perhaps an IM SR60 would be somewhere in between.

SaltlifeHokie · Aug 30, 2023

For what its worth I would consider myself more of a beginner. I'm not a total newbie since I've done it before but still very inexperienced.

shadow_k · Aug 30, 2023

SaltlifeHokie said:
For what its worth I would consider myself more of a beginner. I'm not a total newbie since I've done it before but still very inexperienced.

I think you should go with the what your comfortable maintaining / can afford I think I good medium is always good 40-60 gallons is in the middle

kevgib67 · Aug 30, 2023

I was out of the hobby for 10 years and currently have a 32g AIO. I find it very easy and enjoyable but at the same time I am constantly googling larger tanks. I keep telling myself it would be a lot more 5 gallon buckets to carry up from the basement, lol.

Colton Yuchnewicz · Aug 30, 2023

if you really enjoy it and miss it, go big. that prevents loss of money if you want to upgrade again. if you're not sure how much you miss it, buy a small tank and see what happens!

shakacuz · Aug 30, 2023

smallest i’d suggest: 40.
largest i’d suggest: 125.

anything smaller or larger is based on preference or budget. the two suggestions above are for optimal results overall

QuickrdenU · Aug 30, 2023

100g IM EXT is probably the perfect tank. For most people.

Reef Devils · Aug 30, 2023

SaltlifeHokie said:
So I am in a predicament and need some advice. I have done saltwater aquariums on two separate occasions with my most recent one being about 2 years ago and we moved houses so when I was moving I broke the tank down and sold off everything. Now I am getting the itch to start back again. Previously I had a 75G tank with sump and the whole 9 yards. What I remember from 2 years ago was a loved it but it was also a lot of time/money/stress. Now that I am considering dipping back into it I am torn with going with a small AIO nano tank to see if I will still enjoy it and not sink as much money in as before or should I go fully in and get a bigger 200-300 tank and spend $6,000- $8,000?

Always go with the biggest you can afford. You will be a lot more satisfied in the future.

ninjamyst · Aug 30, 2023

IMO, 20 gallons or less is easiest for a mixed reef. But you won't have as much fish. I keep going bigger because I want all the tangs. But bigger is more expensive, more maintenance, more problems. With small AIO, you can just do a large water change and that fixes like 80% of issues. Doing a 80% water change on 200g or more is $$$ and pita.

KrisReef · Aug 30, 2023

SaltlifeHokie said:
So I am in a predicament and need some advice. I have done saltwater aquariums on two separate occasions with my most recent one being about 2 years ago and we moved houses so when I was moving I broke the tank down and sold off everything. Now I am getting the itch to start back again. Previously I had a 75G tank with sump and the whole 9 yards. What I remember from 2 years ago was a loved it but it was also a lot of time/money/stress. Now that I am considering dipping back into it I am torn with going with a small AIO nano tank to see if I will still enjoy it and not sink as much money in as before or should I go fully in and get a bigger 200-300 tank and spend $6,000- $8,000?

Are you going to set up another fish tank? What did you learn from the last one? Do you still have the family at home? Perhaps they can give you better advice and encouragment in setting up a tank that everyone will support.

AllYouCanReef · Aug 30, 2023

kevgib67 said:
I was out of the hobby for 10 years and currently have a 32g AIO. I find it very easy and enjoyable but at the same time I am constantly googling larger tanks. I keep telling myself it would be a lot more 5 gallon buckets to carry up from the basement, lol.

This motivates me to stick with my 10g. One bucket done

bakbay · Aug 30, 2023

Certainly depends on not only your budget but also time commitment. Bigger isn’t always better — there are pros and cons and only you can make that decision. One thing for sure: whatever you think your budget is —- double/triple it!

It’s exciting & glad that you’re coming back to the hobby. YOLO — happy reefing!

Cichlid Dad · Aug 30, 2023

SaltlifeHokie said:
So I am in a predicament and need some advice. I have done saltwater aquariums on two separate occasions with my most recent one being about 2 years ago and we moved houses so when I was moving I broke the tank down and sold off everything. Now I am getting the itch to start back again. Previously I had a 75G tank with sump and the whole 9 yards. What I remember from 2 years ago was a loved it but it was also a lot of time/money/stress. Now that I am considering dipping back into it I am torn with going with a small AIO nano tank to see if I will still enjoy it and not sink as much money in as before or should I go fully in and get a bigger 200-300 tank and spend $6,000- $8,000?

38 Gallon Peninsula Rimless AIO Nano Aquarium PRO Series

Fiji Cube PRO Series-- Meticulously Designed, Hobbyist Approved Ultra-clear low-iron glass with beveled edges Dual weir design for efficient surface skimming and circulation Built-in All-In-One three-stage filtration system 200 micron nylon filter sock included Modular media basket included...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

I'm looking at this for my office,

air_run · Aug 31, 2023

What stands out to me the most in your post, is you mentioned stress. This hobby should be enjoyable, challenging yes but, not stressful. There is a lot of good advice here but, I would highly recommend at what @shakacuz mentioned. I have a custom 45g that is really enjoyable and doing very well. You also mentioned 200-300 gallons at roughly $6 - $8K. What you spend is all up to you. I'm right at $30k for my 220g and that's not including a new, more efficient HVAC with large custom dehumidifier and a whole home generator. I'm actually a little ashamed to publicly admit that but, it's been a hard lesson learned. Money spent does not mean success. I've seen people with nanos and tanks my size and bigger for a fraction of the cost the are magnificent that makes my setup look pale in comparison. It's all about what you want out of it. If I had to do it all over again, I would do things much more economically. Happy reefing and welcome back to the hobby!

tritonpower · Aug 31, 2023

If you will maintain a tank long term you will need a second tank for many reasons. So start with the "2nd tank" and learn on the smaller tank while prepping and planning for the bigger tank. That's what I did. Most importantly don't place the small tank where the big one will go.

Reef Devils · Aug 31, 2023

air_run said:
What stands out to me the most in your post, is you mentioned stress. This hobby should be enjoyable, challenging yes but, not stressful. There is a lot of good advice here but, I would highly recommend at what @shakacuz mentioned. I have a custom 45g that is really enjoyable and doing very well. You also mentioned 200-300 gallons at roughly $6 - $8K. What you spend is all up to you. I'm right at $30k for my 220g and that's not including a new, more efficient HVAC with large custom dehumidifier and a whole home generator. I'm actually a little ashamed to publicly admit that but, it's been a hard lesson learned. Money spent does not mean success. I've seen people with nanos and tanks my size and bigger for a fraction of the cost the are magnificent that makes my setup look pale in comparison. It's all about what you want out of it. If I had to do it all over again, I would do things much more economically. Happy reefing and welcome back to the hobby!

Stressful when there are power outages

SFALReefer · Aug 31, 2023

I'm in the same boat. I decided on two 40B's. One is display, the other a refugium\sump. The equipment used is easily scalable up to a 75, which is what my last tank was. If i decide to go bigger, i'm all set on lighting, pump, skimmer, stand, overflow, etc.

7of9 · Aug 31, 2023

SaltlifeHokie said:
So I am in a predicament and need some advice. I have done saltwater aquariums on two separate occasions with my most recent one being about 2 years ago and we moved houses so when I was moving I broke the tank down and sold off everything. Now I am getting the itch to start back again. Previously I had a 75G tank with sump and the whole 9 yards. What I remember from 2 years ago was a loved it but it was also a lot of time/money/stress. Now that I am considering dipping back into it I am torn with going with a small AIO nano tank to see if I will still enjoy it and not sink as much money in as before or should I go fully in and get a bigger 200-300 tank and spend $6,000- $8,000?

I've only ever had AIO nano tanks, so I can't speak to the experience of having both, but I love the ease of maintenance of my AIO's and the lower costs of having a nano tank. I don't mind that I'm more limited in what fish I can keep because I mostly enjoy the corals. For me, just everything is easier with less water volume once you get used to keeping things stable in a small tank.