Stopdrewling
New Member
My wife say I should get a smaller tank so we don't waste money if things don't go right the experts say go bigger it's easier to maintain... What should a enthusiast do?
What size tank should a beginner get?
- Thread starter Stopdrewling
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WaltersMarine&Reef
New Member
I went against the grain and started small, five gallon fluval spec v my first and only tank so far. I have to say it is a daily upkeep with top off and testing and water changes weekly etc. just wanted to put my two cents in to say it can be done by a beginner. A big factor which made my decision was the low start up cost as far as live rock and the actual tank goes. On top of that if you don't have an RODI unit you can easily buy distilled water to use in the tank and the tank is not big enough to break the bank when it comes to actually buying water.
Its a matter of opinion if you ask me, just be prepared to do daily monitoring and top offs with a smaller more low tech tank.
:bounce:
Its a matter of opinion if you ask me, just be prepared to do daily monitoring and top offs with a smaller more low tech tank.
:bounce:
Stopdrewling
New Member
Thx for the help
ARVERLY
Active Member
Depends on your space and how much money and time you are going to invest in the tank. If you do custom tanks, they're a bit more expensive. I've heard that deep blue aquariums are great starter tanks.
Stopdrewling
New Member
Lol that 90 G would def look pathetic in my home w/ one fish looking lonely as ever... I'm scared I might kill it in my first conquest
currentking
Rookie
personally, i feel you should get what you can afford. if you get a bigger tank, it will take more money to maintain and more to fill it up with nice things. If you go small, most want to go bigger if they get the reef itch(yes this is a known and common disease) and unless you got an incredible deal on used equipment, you won't get your money back out of it.
Zero Nitrates
I love chalices
A reef ready 75 is a good size.
500g. Because, if you get a small one, and you stick it with at any length of time, you'll be upgrading your tank roughly every year to 2 years, or at the very least, wishing you did. So, get the biggest you possibly can have room for and be done with it. They are also far more forgiving than smaller tanks.
Wags
Active Member
I would agree with the 40B. Great size to start. Just remember with increased size price goes up for sand, LR, Salt. Also know that withing a few months you will want to upgrade to a bigger system! 75/90 have a great footprint IMO and pen up a lot more stocking options like dwarf angels, anthias, and smaller tang species.
lol See! In all seriouslyness, a 40b is a really good starting point. It has great depth and great length. It's not overly massive, nor is it expensive. If you choose that, I'd recommend a reef ready tank. In hindsight, I wish that I had done that.
smb2415
Community Member
+++ on the 40 breeder as a min size. Id also say if you can try for a 55g as youll have a much easier time keeping good parameters and have room to grow into it.
patience is key and thee is no doubt you will suffer losses at some point thru your own or unknown causes. learn from it and move forward.
patience is key and thee is no doubt you will suffer losses at some point thru your own or unknown causes. learn from it and move forward.
Stopdrewling
New Member
All very good points, they all sound like they go hand in hand... I'm worried about the technical aspect of things also as far as measurements and staying on top of the maintenance, I'm pretty nervous considering I have no experience
Kworker
Tang Lover
As big as space and your budget provide. Don't break your bank account just to afford reef items, but allow yourself to enjoy. In all reality any size tank you start with you will always think about a bigger tank. Even once you upgrade you will probably start thinking about a larger tank.
I think if you are on a tight budget, you can not go wrong with a 40b. Pick one up in a Dollar a gallon sale and drill it yourself. Pick up a 20 gallon to make your own sump as well.
A 120 gallon is much more preferable to a 75/90. Its the larger of the basic 48" tanks and it will cost you the same (for the most part) to light a 120 versus a 75/90. A 120 is a beautiful tank to look at with the 24" depth.
I think if you are on a tight budget, you can not go wrong with a 40b. Pick one up in a Dollar a gallon sale and drill it yourself. Pick up a 20 gallon to make your own sump as well.
A 120 gallon is much more preferable to a 75/90. Its the larger of the basic 48" tanks and it will cost you the same (for the most part) to light a 120 versus a 75/90. A 120 is a beautiful tank to look at with the 24" depth.
Stopdrewling
New Member
Thx I'm def going to do it, the more I talk about it the more convinced the wife is becoming, I'm starting to win this battle w/ everyone's help... I'll make sure to post my starter kit once I get it up and running
