Which tank size is best for a newbie? :)

Cooper32803 · May 25, 2012

I am thinking of getting into saltwater now that I have been successful with my freshwater cichlid tank and my brackish puffer tank for over a year now. My question is which tank size would be better for me? A 90 gallon (which is easier to find on craigslist) on a wall where I would still have room left for a bookshelf or something OR wait for a 125 gallon that would take up the whole wall and look great but is harder to find on craigslist. Are the two much different in work I would have to do for them? Or should my first saltwater tank be even smaller? I have heard the bigger the tank the more room for error there is and being my first saltwater tank I will most likely make some mistakes... Thanks!

saltwater bob · May 25, 2012

Hi. I just joined here too. Haha. I just got a used nano tank 24 gallons. If I were you I would get the bigger one. I aalso heard that the bigger the tank the more room room for error. I would get a bigger one myseld by I dont have the room. LOL Good luck with deciding and building it.

Cigar Sherlock · May 25, 2012

I would go with a smaller tank, I'd say under 40 gallons for your first saltwater experience. The reason for my opinion is that you are going to make mistakes, it just happens. Mistakes in a big tank will not ripple as much because of the water volume, but the big tanks tend to make you lazy with water changes. IMO water changes are one of the most essential practices in saltwater aquarium husbandry. Water changes tend to be from 15% to 30% and vary from 1 week to up to 3 weeks (I do weekly). If you are comfortable making 20% of a 125 Gallon tank up every week, then go for it. I tend to think unless you are an experienced reefer and know what equipment works for your setup the best, a smaller tank allows you to experience saltwater without taking out a second mortgage on Sumps/Predrilled tanks/large pumps/Large protein skimmers/MUCH more lighting/plumbing etc. My two cents.

feh · May 25, 2012

The bigger the better really. Its a matter of what you can afford in reality. But the larger water volume the more room for mistakes in a round about way. Best thing is research. See a tank you like. Read up on what they do to make it happy. Nano tanks can happen but you're dealing with a smaller volume of water so you have less room for error with adding things like Alk or Calcium. Read all you can before you make any decisions. Think about the future. Once you get into this hobby you'll see lots of animals you will want with different needs and compatibilities. Don't buy anything on impulse. Spend a little more up front and get equipment that will at least prove you have reliable means to care for the animals you do end up with. Those animals can get expensive themselves and you want to provide them with the best means to make them thrive. So again research is your best friend. It might seem a little more expensive up front but in the long run it can save you tons. Once you get your feet wet you'll understand more but definitely research anything you plan to buy.

REEFKEEPER10 · May 25, 2012

I would go with the 125g because for a few reasons. One you want run out of room as quick. Two you have more water volume for stability. Three you have room for fish. A 90g is good to though. It's good that your going with a bigger tank right off the bat which means you have did some research already.

Saltgator · May 25, 2012

Cooper32803 said:
I am thinking of getting into saltwater now that I have been successful with my freshwater cichlid tank and my brackish puffer tank for over a year now. My question is which tank size would be better for me? A 90 gallon (which is easier to find on craigslist) on a wall where I would still have room left for a bookshelf or something OR wait for a 125 gallon that would take up the whole wall and look great but is harder to find on craigslist. Are the two much different in work I would have to do for them? Or should my first saltwater tank be even smaller? I have heard the bigger the tank the more room for error there is and being my first saltwater tank I will most likely make some mistakes... Thanks!

I believe either would be a great start. A 90 is nice sized, but a 125 gives you lots more. I started 55, 2 55's, 120, 125, now a 240. You'll always find a reason to upgrade. I'm hoping (the wife more than me) that the 240 is the last upgrade (maybe a salt pond?!!?). The room for error is "kinda true". The kinda is (IMO) that you have a bit more time (small window) to catch whatever might be outta control before panic mode sits in. With a 90 vs. 125, I'd always go 125. What comes from the bigger tanks is the bigger equipment and water changes. Just keep in mind what you intend to keep down the road. If larger fish ( a couple tangs) are in your mind, a 125 might be the way. If a few wrasses, clowns, and tons of coral, either one would be great. I centered my tank around sps, clams, tangs, and at least 1 angel. This required me to give them the 240. Plus, I'm the guy that likes to go big or home! GL and any questions are welcome.

REEFKEEPER10 · May 25, 2012

Oh yeah, welcome to R2R. :clap2:

BarbH · May 25, 2012

Hello and welcome to r2r, I would agree to go with bigger if you can afford it. Definitly researching is key, and the size tank you choose can be influenced by what livestock you are wanting to keep. If it was me I woud probably go with the 90g, it is a large enough tank to be able to have options in stocking and at the same time not be so large to not be overwhelmed with setting it up, just my thought.

Poseidon · May 25, 2012

90 is a great size tank, but a 125 if you get the 4x2x25" version is even better. Personally, I am not a huge fan of 6ft 125's though.

The advice of Bigger = Better is 100% Correct in my opinion.

Welcome to R2R!

Alattner · May 25, 2012

I've always heard bigger the better/easier. More water means more consistency when dosing. You have to poor a lot more stuff in to mess up a big tank. With a little tank if you dose something wrong or whatever it just takes a little bit to throw it all out of wack. That's my thoughts. I would do the 125 and safe the hassle of wanting to upgrade in a year
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feh · May 25, 2012

Poseidon said:
90 is a great size tank, but a 125 if you get the 4x2x25" version is even better. Personally, I am not a huge fan of 6ft 125's though.

The advice of Bigger = Better is 100% Correct in my opinion.

Welcome to R2R!

I don't like the 125s at 6ft either. Personally if I was gonna go 6ft I'd wanna do 180 as a min for the foot print. More room to work with rock.

Cooper32803 · May 25, 2012

Thanks for everyone's input and advice! I think I will do more research and see what equipment is needed and price differences for said equipment and workload differences for the 90g vs the 125g... Price Really isnt the issue as I am thinking I will purchase the tank and stand now then in a week or two the filtration and then in a week or two again the lights etc etc... It doesnt need to be set up all at once since I know this is an investment I am making so I want to do it right from the beginning... Anyone know of a good book to read that will help me understand the filtration setup for a drilled tank? That is one area that still really confuses me... Refugium vs canister vs sump vs wet/dry...

REEFKEEPER10 · May 25, 2012

I have a 150g that is 6 ft that I'm working on and love it. The bigger the foot print the better because you get more surface area for gas exchange and more swimming room for fish to get up to speed. But taller gives you a change to build a good aquascape. Imo

SmokeyCFH · May 25, 2012

I started with a 30g system and I wish i would have gone bigger, the evaporation is enough to drive you crazy. Bigger the better as long as you don't break the bank lol

revsgirl · May 25, 2012

Hi there! Welcome to R2R!! Hope you're getting all the help you need!! See ya' around!!

REEFKEEPER10 · May 25, 2012

As far as your filter confusion you will can a sump and refugium. Both a canister filter and wet/dry filter are nitrate factories.

Cooper32803 · May 25, 2012

revsgirl said:
Hi there! Welcome to R2R!! Hope you're getting all the help you need!! See ya' around!!

Thanks! So far I am... But there will be much much more help/advice needed in the coming weeks! :bounce:

Cooper32803 · May 25, 2012

REEFKEEPER10 said:
As far as your filter confusion you will can a sump and refugium. Both a canister filter and wet/dry filter are nitrate factories.

Thanks for the info.. But where can I find good information on how to build these and hook them up? I have never really worked with plumbing before and would need a "Sump/Refugium for Dummies" Walkthrough... :smile:

REEFKEEPER10 · May 25, 2012

Well first you will need to figure out how water is going to flow from and to the display tank. You can use a hang on the back overflow which relies on suction or you can get your tank drilled for a overflow or with any luck you find a reef ready tank that has the over flows built in and has already been drilled. I personally would go with the one of the last two. The first can loose suction during a power outage and when it comes back on your return pump empties your sump into your tank which goes into the floor.

nicodim55 · May 25, 2012

I would get the biggest one you can fit in the spot you want to put it. The reason for my opinion is that from experienced I started with a 20, 40, 50, 100 etc... lol:wink: I ended up with a 150g and I'm happy with it coz you always run out of room. Also, a bigger tank is more forgiving when it comes to mistakes. Save your money for a big tank that way you won't spend unnecessary funds with all the upgrades. You can use the money you save for your equipments. Just my 2 cents good luck with your new adventure and welcome to the best Forum!:clap2: