Which size of tank should I use

[Eric88]

I have 2 tanks and I am trying to decide on which one to use. One is a 25 gallon 48x11x11 acrylic and the other is a 40 gallon breeder. The most fish I will have is probably 4, clowns and gobies. Mostly LPS coral with hopes of some SPS. I am open to any and all opinions.

 

[Frop]

I have 2 tanks and I am trying to decide on which one to use. One is a 25 gallon 48x11x11 acrylic and the other is a 40 gallon breeder. The most fish I will have is probably 4, clowns and gobies. Mostly LPS coral with hopes of some SPS. I am open to any and all opinions.

I'd do the 40 gallon if it was my choice.

 

[Tautog]

I have 2 tanks and I am trying to decide on which one to use. One is a 25 gallon 48x11x11 acrylic and the other is a 40 gallon breeder. The most fish I will have is probably 4, clowns and gobies. Mostly LPS coral with hopes of some SPS. I am open to any and all opinions.

Bigger is always better, if your not moving anytime soon , use the 25 as a QT, use the 40 for your frags or sump, but I would want a bigger sump, big as possible for the main DT, a 180, bigger than that really can cost you bigger bucks all around

 

[johntdaballa]

If your new to the hobby bigger the better!! Like what Tautog said use smaller one as QT tank. Huge necessity in the hobby

 

[Devaji]

all depends on what your goals/desire are. as you know both will make a great setup. to many factors here to tell you what you should do.
IMHO go with the 40br then get anther for a sump and run a 40/40 system give you about 65ish gal of water volume. in a nice small foot print, with more aquascaping options and fish choice over the 1st one .

 

[vanpire]

The 40 gallon breeder will be easier to aqua-scape and maximize the use of lights. 48 x 11 x 11 is an unusual shape.

You could get a 2' x 4 bulbs or even 6 bulbs T5 if you want high light. You need a large fixture for the 48" but the 11" width cause a lot of light spill.

But in the end, do your heart is set on. Mine would be the 40, no question.

 

[trevormass7]

I'd go 40. I have a 30g tall and lighting was an issue at first because of all the spill that wasn't actually hitting the tank

 

[Eric88]

Thanks for all the help! What are some ideas for lights? I was looking at AI Prime HD

 

[Frop]

Thanks for all the help! What are some ideas for lights? I was looking at AI Prime HD

What types of corals? What tank are you planning to use? What is your lighting budget?

 

[Eric88]

I will start with LPS and want to eventually have some SPS as well

 

[Tautog]

I will start with LPS and want to eventually have some SPS as well

To start cheap LEDs will be fine for mostly everything but Acros. Unfortunately I made that mistake, LEDs, but as you learn, second guessing, and listening to this, that and everything you read, water quality, stability, and becoming more consistent to grow Acros and the LPS (on bottom and sides), buy once, invest in ATI T-5's. You could get crazy with a ATI combo, T-5's and LEDs, but bottom line is always buy a better skimmer, lights, and the largest tank, 6 feet long will give you something to really create. After 2 1/2 yrs in, I'm ordered and waiting on a new light, ATI T-5's 8- bulb only 5 footer, plug in and go, no more second guessing, and use the equipment the best vendors, LPS, and top reefers use.

 

[Eric88]

thanks for the advice. I have heard t5 bulbs need to be replaced every 6 to 9 months. Is this true?

 

[Tautog]

Well, that's what you would say if you were selling them, remember these vendors are here to make $$$$$$, that's why you need to spend the extra money, buy quality, you won't be disappointed. As far as replacement, bulbs are bulbs, multiple bulbs will take care of your requirements, but guys will change out stuff because someone said to, like when I had one bad tire, and the tire guy says I need 4 new tires or the transmission will fail, 'cause they need to cover their a.....