29g vs 75g

[Tankerblade]

So been reading a ton lately and planned on setting up a 29g with sump. Had most of the system figured out, except lights and inhabitants and a few other little things. But came across a deal for a non drilled 75gal tank for $150. Brand new never used. I don't think it's any kind of special star fire glass or anything of the nature but regardless it's a good tank.

So my question, besides the standard benefits of size, water volume, etc. what kind of additional cost is a 75 vs 29? I'm on a tight budget, and nothin will really happen until middle of next year, so bits and pieces will be bought along the way until then. If I could get a rough guesstimate that would be awesome.

P.S. I think I'm trying to convince myself for the 75g!

 

[Denbf58]

you would be better to have the 75g it will be more forgiving when you make a mistake not to mention you ill be very limited on the fish you can keep in a 29g I have both a 75g and a 29g the 29g only has a pair of clowns and some soft corals.

 

[GMay]

I would argue that the smaller tank would be a better learning tank. If you have not done SW before, you will benefit from learning with a smaller tank. 10% weekly water changes are easier and help maintain a good environment. This is harder to do with a larger tank unless you have all the bells and whistles.

While you are limited to live stock in terms of fish, you can keep a variety of corals and still have a good looking display. Ask yourself if you want fish or a reef display, then decide. But I would still go for the smaller tank if you have never kept SW.

 

[ReefPony]

I agree with GMay. I've learned a lot about good husbandry by running a fairly basic 36 gallon setup - no sump, no reactors, etc. Just a HOB skimmer and a HOB filter with some carbon in it.

The other thing that stood out to me was the part about a "tight budget". It's hard to set up and maintain any reef aquarium on a tight budget but a biocube is a lot more cost effective to set up since it's basically turn key unless you want to turn it into a purel sps tank. The 75 gallon? Not so much - I think it would be hard to set up a 75 gallon reef for less than $2,000 when you factor in sump, plumbing, appropriate sized skimmer, lighting, rock, etc. That's not going to be kind to a tight budget especially when you throw in the fact that maintenance costs on a 75 gallon are going to be about twice what they would be on a 29 gallon (twice the salt used, twice the RODI water, etc).

A bigger tank is definitely ideal but it's not always practical when you look at the costs.

 

[Tankerblade]

Interesting point reefponey. I guess I should clairify what I mean by tight budget. I'm definitely not the type of guy who's gonna try to set this up for some low dollar amount. However I'm definitely not going to be going out and getting the most expensive items either since I don't make that much. Given I won't be able to actually start a tank until at least July of next year, I'm hoping to spread the start up cost from now till then. Which I'm hoping should spread the cost of the bigger purchases of lights skimmers etc over time resulting in better equipment since I know you get what you pay for. I will also be buying a number of things used where I can, to help with the cost.

My main goal is to create a tank that's done right. I do not want to cut corners, so I will be incorporating ideas and systems that are convient, useful, and cover my butt. I.e. Ato, rodi system, fail safe drains, proper lighting, proper skimmer, fans in certain locations for cooling, controller with certain probes, etc in hopes the extra cost now will prevent some disasters later on.

 

[RocketEngineer]

I would recommend against a 30" tank (the typical 29g is 30" long). Most lighting comes in 12" increments so either go 36" or 48".

My first tank was a 30g that I already had. I found it to be very cramped and additions were a challenge to fit into that small a footprint. My 75g was a huge improvement, much easier to work in and all the equipment was hidden in the stand.

If I were to do it all over again, I would do much what you describe on my 75g. I would make a few tweeks to the overall setup (BeanAnimal drains would have been nice) but the tank size was perfect for my first true reef.

 

[BlueFyre]

my 65 gallon was actually way more challenging than my 25 cube.

I say start smaller, equipment will be cheaper, water changes are easier and it will be a great place to start.

 

[igot2gats]

I would argue that the smaller tank would be a better learning tank. If you have not done SW before, you will benefit from learning with a smaller tank. 10% weekly water changes are easier and help maintain a good environment. This is harder to do with a larger tank unless you have all the bells and whistles.

While you are limited to live stock in terms of fish, you can keep a variety of corals and still have a good looking display. Ask yourself if you want fish or a reef display, then decide. But I would still go for the smaller tank if you have never kept SW.

I second this.

Another reason for starting small: if this hobby ins't for you, then you're out A LOT LESS money than a 75g (or insert any 55G + tank) in there...

Is it harder to stay on top of water params with a smaller tank? Of course, but that's one of the most important things you have to learn anyways.

Smaller tanks are the way to start out, if you ask me.

 

[Tankerblade]

So for those that say the bigger tanks are more difficult, what are your reasons?

 

[FDdragon]

I started with a 30gallon and quickly realized that it wasn't as difficult to maintain and wanted more livestock....so I setup a 125g. I am happy with my setup and isn't as hard as people may say (either that or I have been lucky on all 3 of my tanks)

I bought a lot from the forums and have spent roughly $400-500 on tank, stand, return pump, skimmer, sump tank, initial water setup, plumbing, T-5 lighting and red sea salt.

Spending money on the water for water changes depends on you....and whether you have more frequent changes, where you buy, etc.

can find great deals on the forums and save a lot. Plus a minor error on a big tank does not make as big a difference to the livestock as it would in a smaller tank. I really don't see a big difference in maintaining the bigger tank except that I do slightly less frequent water changes.

That's my 2 cents

 

[Tankerblade]

Any more advice or comments?

 

[malawinovice]

40 breeder is the best starter.
5 gallon water change in a bucket every other week.
Large enough to be forgiving on the newbie!

Don't need skimmer if twice monthly water change.
Best of both worlds.

 

[mandarin_goby]

40b is an amazing tank - great dimensions being 3 ft long and 18" front to back. I love mine...it's everything I wish my 55 was. I went without a skimmer and sump for a year and it did great. My 40b is definitely more forgiving than my 12 gallon long tank and I love having more room and choices for livestock.

A 20 long is a pain being 30" long - it's so difficult finding a light (if you go with fluorescent), same as a 29 gallon (also 30"). I had a 29 freshwater tank and the aquascaping was such a pain (it's 1 foot front to back) and finding a light fixture was frustrating.

55s are too narrow front to back at just 1 foot....my freshwater is a 55 and it's such a pain aquascaping it.

75s are great in that it's 4 ft long and 18" front to back, but yes, equipment will cost more - 4ft fixtures are more than 3 ft ones, skimmers rated for 75 gallons cost more, as do heaters and pumps, etc. I don't think a bigger tank is more difficult, but it is more expensive, without a doubt. About 60-70 lbs of rock for a 75 vs 30-40 lbs of rock for a 40b? That's a big price difference right there. Also 60-70 lbs of sand vs 30-40 lbs of sand.

If you upgrade from a 40b to something bigger, you could get a 57 rimless - just use your equipment from the 40b and you're set since it's also 3 ft long (my future plan), or a cube.