So I've gotten a lot of equipment together for my first reef tank: a Red Sea reefer 750 xxl. It's a 160g tank with a 40g sump. I was planning on getting a 525xl which is 108g but I got a great deal on this tank so I jumped on it. I'm worried it will be a lot to handle. In your opinion, is 160 too difficult for a beginner reefer? I have lots of freshwater experience.
Is 160g too big for my first reef tank?
- Thread starter Tikosyn
- Start date
RedStangGA
New member
IMO, bigger is better. Easier to keep parameters stable, less impact from dosing something incorrectly, etc...
Basically, bigger is just more $, but more stability too. That being said, I've only had a 29gal biocube and a 60gal cube. The 60 was definitely easier though. Stepping up to a 220, should be easier still.
Basically, bigger is just more $, but more stability too. That being said, I've only had a 29gal biocube and a 60gal cube. The 60 was definitely easier though. Stepping up to a 220, should be easier still.
You'll be surprised how fast coral will grow. Pick a 'type'---softie, stony lps, stony sps, buy lights that work for it (it's particular) at the depth it has (critical) and if you can't afford to light the whole extent of it, put good lights at one spot and let the fishes hang out at the other end. One good light will get you going. Gradually you can add more lighting. Also, for a coral stony reef, don't stint on the skimmer: get a good one.
Ron Reefman
Active member
The size of the tank is much less important to the 'workload' than the stuff you put in the tank. I had a 180g that broke and I replaced it with a 125g Cadlight that looks just like the Red Sea Reefer and I'm really happy with a 20" tall tank rather than the 24" tall.
Have fun and take your time.
Have fun and take your time.
PatW
New member
Having aquarium experience is great.
A larger tank is more stable and hence more forgiving. Remember freshwater environments are subject to change. Marine reef environments are very stable so keeping things constant is a big deal. As long as you have space, a large tank is not that much more to deal with. It also gives you more leeway with stocking fish. A 160 will work well with some of the smaller tangs.
A larger tank is more stable and hence more forgiving. Remember freshwater environments are subject to change. Marine reef environments are very stable so keeping things constant is a big deal. As long as you have space, a large tank is not that much more to deal with. It also gives you more leeway with stocking fish. A 160 will work well with some of the smaller tangs.
SALTYwaterDOG
Member
Larger take= more lighting ,bigger return, bigger skimmer ,more salt basically more money. Up side you get a larger stalking list
Chicagoreef2016
New member
Larger tank, more money, but maintenance level is probably not much more than a 60 cube for instance. You still have to do all basics. While I wanted a bigger tank, starting with a 60 gives me a chance to try things out and learn. Knowing what I know now 1 year in, I would do my rock work differently for instance on my next one, for coral and water flow reasons. My goal is to get that same 750XXL, but not for another year. I figure if I can't get this one looking pretty good, then imagine my frustration with a much larger tank and much more invested.
newbie2014
New member
^THIS.
IMO, the last sentence makes a lot of sense. Big boats require big sails.
If you have a lot of experience and know you're in it for a long run, go big. Otherwise, pick something that's more manageable for your trial-and-error learning process.
Johnsreefer
New member
Go for it!
monkeysee1
Member
NEGATIVE!!
I only wish my tank were that size - but the size of my living room will have none of it ( I live in a 1000 square foot house!)
:lol2:
