What size reef tank should I start with
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shakacuz
hang loose, cuz
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smallest i'd suggest: 40g.
largest i'd suggst: 125g.
anything smaller/larger/in between is just preference. the two suggestions above are great starting points based on budget and what you want to keep.
largest i'd suggst: 125g.
anything smaller/larger/in between is just preference. the two suggestions above are great starting points based on budget and what you want to keep.
1112-425XL
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The largest you can fit. If you have room for a 5 or 6 foot tank, you'll be happy with the decision. IMO nothing less than 100g DT.
The biggest you can afford. And expect your total investment in the first year to be at least 2 to 3 times what you have estimated.
buruskeee
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The largest you can fit and afford in the area you are planning on placing it. It's very common to start small, spend lots of money, and then wish you went bigger. If you want to keep bigger fish like tangs, go at least a 4ft tank, but preferably a 5ft (or larger if you have room and the budget).
Also, the more volume, the more margin you have because there's less swings.
Also, the more volume, the more margin you have because there's less swings.
gbroadbridge
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A 75g is a good size that is not too expensive and reasonably stable.
It may all you ever want.
When I say not too expensive, it'll still end up costing a lot.
This is not a cheap hobby.
It may all you ever want.
When I say not too expensive, it'll still end up costing a lot.
This is not a cheap hobby.
Gundy
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Larger tanks are what reefers usually end up upgrading to. However, the bigger the tank the more money you will spend. What kind of tank are you interested in having? A tank with minimal corals with lots of fish will need to be larger, like a 100-125 gallon and 4-5 feet to accommodate larger fish. If you are interested in lots of corals and fewer fish and not not having larger fish, then a 40-55-75-100 gallon would be good. Larger tanks will cost so much to fill with coral so really research what exactly you want.
Also, you will spend probably 2-3 times what you think you will spend if you are wanting to automate and have really nice equipment. Do lots of research here on R2R and see what tickles your fancy. My advice has alway been to buy quality equipment and buy it once so decide tank size first.
Also, you will spend probably 2-3 times what you think you will spend if you are wanting to automate and have really nice equipment. Do lots of research here on R2R and see what tickles your fancy. My advice has alway been to buy quality equipment and buy it once so decide tank size first.
Pickle_soup
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Only you can answer this question. Identify where you see yourself going in this hobby, and how much you can afford when it comes to equipment, salts, additives, food, life stock, test kits, liverock, etc...
mike550
Valuable Member
I started with a 120G and really no regrets. A few quick points about this.
- 120G tank chemistry moves slowly so your parameters won’t swing as quickly.
- 120G is really heavy — figure 1000 pounds for water alone. Take the weight of any tank into consideration.
- Costs on a larger tank are typically higher than a smaller tank — just think of salt costs as an example of a higher recurring cost. Some one time costs like lighting and pumps are also higher for a big tank.
- It’s a big tank so take your time filling it with fish and corals
- Get a small 20G quarantine / isolation tank to process your fish and corals. Last thing you want is disease or something like that in your tank
alannasfishies
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I started out with small tanks (10-30gallons) and got my first “large” ones later on. After having a large tanks, I will never ever go below 40 gallons ever again. For me it’s not about the ease of water quality but about seeing the fish swim around. you also will be able to have more livestock. I just can’t imagine fish being happy in a really small tank.
I would recommend starting with a 50-60 gallon. It’s small enough that the initial fill, buckets, salt mixing, and sand rinsing won’t break your spirit early haha but large enough that you can stock it with a variety of creatures. There’s less that can go wrong and more room for a mistake. In a very small tank, a snail or two could die and the ammonia would be a problem or affect the quality, while the consequences of this are diluted as you up the size of the tank.
I think it’s also important to be able to have room to be creative and I think there’s a lot more constraints on a small tank. Just being able to have more fish is always a plus.
