What’s yalls thoughts on this?

codygarner08 · Jul 25, 2019

Im thinking of setting up another 20 gallon tank. I currently have one 10gallon and one 20gallon, so this will be my second 20 gallon.

Do you guys think it’s time for me to go bigger like a 40, or 60? The only issue is that I’m kinda nervous about having such a big tank due to living in apartments and moving so much.

What’s yalls thoughts?

Cell · Jul 25, 2019

Purely personal preference and livestock driven.

ZoWhat · Jul 25, 2019

jtl · Jul 25, 2019

Go larger, it might be more work to move several smaller tanks than one larger one. Also less duplication of equipment, less to keep clean, more room for fish and more....

Adventures In Reefing · Jul 25, 2019

If you are planning on moving in the next year than yeah another 20 would be fine. but if you plan on being there a few years BIGGER IS BETTER!

vetteguy53081 · Jul 25, 2019

Go by weight, not by size. You can have a 90 gallon at about total 880# or a 60 gallon cube at 500#

Adventures In Reefing · Jul 25, 2019

This is what happens when my wife says maybe we will get a bigger tank next year.

Devaji · Jul 25, 2019

my 2 cents...

all depends on what you want to do with the 2nd 20. I like the 20L you could do 2 different types of tanks sps in one then LPS or even a macro tank tons of options.

that said i do love me a 40BR easy to move by one guy cheap and a great foot print.
only think sucks about them is lighting a 3' tank ( I would go with 2 AI primes.)

if you wand to mix your current tanks I would do a 40brDT with a 40BR sump easy to build the sump even could build in a ATO res. if you like.
stands are easy to build or get a cheap one from amazon or even home depo.

in the end I think it would be cheaper to have on 40br than 3 tanks going with 3 of everything. but if you wanted noncompatabile fish/corals or just try something different another 20 could be fun!

codygarner08 · Jul 25, 2019

Thanks for all the input you guys. I really enjoy the nano tanks. I will definitely be thinking about this for a while. It’s going to be hard not running to the store and getting it...

Devaji · Jul 25, 2019

good luck i know making the choice can be hard...1st world problem eh? lol

Flippers4pups · Jul 25, 2019

40 breeder is a great size for a reef tank.

jaxredsoxfan · Jul 25, 2019

Yeah tough call here. I think it would be cool to have 3 tanks with different focused, like an sos dominant and an lps/softies but the equipment costs are real. Keep us informed what you decide

Jay Z · Jul 25, 2019

Small tanks have benefits just like larger ones do. It’s your own choice for what you like.

Small is easy to maintain and transport. Cost is minimal for up keep, equipment is affordable.

Large are more stable (power loss, accidents and such, big price tag for equipping one properly.

I also prefer the smaller tanks. I have a 6,14,45 and a pair of 40’s coming tomorrow. 6 is my favorite by far.

I run them all off one sump to keep dos, equipment, and top off easy.

I’m sure what ever you choose will make you happy.

codygarner08 · Jul 25, 2019

jaxredsoxfan said:
Yeah tough call here. I think it would be cool to have 3 tanks with different focused, like an sos dominant and an lps/softies but the equipment costs are real. Keep us informed what you decide

I’ll definitely let you guys know.

vangvace · Jul 25, 2019

How often and how much more are you going to move? There is a point where a slightly larger might be better than an additional tank as well.

codygarner08 · Jul 25, 2019

I think I’ll always be moving around, i have 3 more years of grad school left.

vetteguy53081 · Jul 26, 2019

In your case , small makes sense for portability in moving around and tank management while in school

codygarner08 · Jul 26, 2019

Okay, I’m going to get another 20 gallon tank. I think having a larger tank would be too much for me to handle at this moment. I also was thinking of transferring one of my clown fish to this system and do a SPS LPS reef. I also have never owned any SPS. Should I be worried about mixing the two? In my other aquariums I have a mix of all kinds of soft and LPS corals. They all seem to get along.

ScottB · Jul 26, 2019

Jay Z said:
Small tanks have benefits just like larger ones do. It’s your own choice for what you like.

Small is easy to maintain and transport. Cost is minimal for up keep, equipment is affordable.

Large are more stable (power loss, accidents and such, big price tag for equipping one properly.

I also prefer the smaller tanks. I have a 6,14,45 and a pair of 40’s coming tomorrow. 6 is my favorite by far.

I run them all off one sump to keep dos, equipment, and top off easy.

I’m sure what ever you choose will make you happy.

@Jay Z has nailed it IMO.

Connecting multiple small tanks to a single sump will make your maintenance better, water quality/stability better, and -- given that you may need to move again -- portability a little better. Dosing/testing/ATO on multiple tanks is just too much work. One system; multiple tanks.

Just make sure that sump is big enough to handle the back flow when the power goes out.