Tank size

Broonsa · May 9, 2020

Hi
I recently just sold my freshwater tank and am about to buy a marine one.
I have been looking at the Red sea300. However, a friend suggested buying the bigger 425l might Help Me by compensating for any newbie mistakes that will I Inevitably make
so it the 425 just to big for a beginner

thanks in advance
Ally

Webslinger · May 9, 2020

if you have the room/ $ go bigger

Spare time · May 9, 2020

It is true that more water means its easier to make less mistakes. Red Sea tanks are pretty and they really don't make any "bad" products so I like them as an option to go with. I guess it just depends if you want to spend the money on a bigger tank or not

Spare time · May 9, 2020

PS watch Bulk Reef Supply videos to help you set up the tank.

LDog74 · May 9, 2020

Think about what you want your tank to look like and the coral & fish you would like to keep. Then get the biggest tank you can. It will save you money in the long run

New&no clue · May 9, 2020

If you have the room and the money go bigger. You will be happy you went with something bigger, it will mean more variety of fish, more corals, and equipment will be similar between the two. Plus as your friend pointed out bigger will help with newbie mistakes, and also give you time to correct normal issues that will come about.

Broonsa · May 9, 2020

LDog74 said:
Think about what you want your tank to look like and the coral & fish you would like to keep. Then get the biggest tank you can. It will save you money in the long run

In terms of additional equipment ie Wavemaker etc that I am going to buy since I’m starting from scratch, is there much difference in cost between the 300 and 425??
Apologies in advance if these are basic questions but I’m very much a newbie

dreamcatcherr9 · May 9, 2020

New&no clue said:
If you have the room and the money go bigger. You will be happy you went with something bigger, it will mean more variety of fish, more corals, and equipment will be similar between the two. Plus as your friend pointed out bigger will help with newbie mistakes, and also give you time to correct normal issues that will come about.

+1

TheStricklins · May 9, 2020

I wish I could afford a bigger tank! I've always heard that starting with a bigger tank was easier but I haven't had any problems with my 20 gallon. The only problem I had was thinking my cycle was finished before it really was. Oops

New&no clue · May 9, 2020

Broonsa said:
In terms of additional equipment ie Wavemaker etc that I am going to buy since I’m starting from scratch, is there much difference in cost between the 300 and 425??
Apologies in advance if these are basic questions but I’m very much a newbie

No there is only 11" difference. The big thing with power heads is what type of corals you want to keep. Soft corals, or Hard. And from there LPS or SPS. Soft corals will need the least amount of flow and SPS will need the most.

Broonsa · May 9, 2020

New&no clue said:
No there is only 11" difference. The big thing with power heads is what type of corals you want to keep. Soft corals, or Hard. And from there LPS or SPS. Soft corals will need the least amount of flow and SPS will need the most.

Think I’ll start with the softies and possible 1 or 2 of the easier LPS
Then possibly in a few years with more confidence try the SPS

New&no clue · May 9, 2020

Broonsa said:
Think I’ll start with the softies and possible 1 or 2 of the easier LPS
Then possibly in a few years with more confidence try the SPS

That is a similar path that I went down. Here is a good article on Flow rates for a tank which can help when picking your power heads out. What you'll want to know is how many gallons per hour(GPH) it moves, along with your return pump.