Lurking and researching...

[dslk820]

Long time freshwater planted tank enthusiast. I've been researching to start a small saltwater tank but read that it's better to have a larger tank for better stability. What's a good tank size to start with?

I also have another question, my friend has a few metal halide fixtures laying around and some new bulbs. He wants to sell them. Where can I direct him? I know nothing about metal halide stuff.

 

[LuciDog]

Buy his lights.... Lighting is one of your biggest investments.

Bigger tanks stay stable because you have more volume. Problems are easier to correct. Smaller tanks... When something goes wrong it happens fast.

Budget will play a role. Obviously. Bigger = more $$$. And it doesn't stop after set up. You still need to mix water, dose, if you plan to keep coral, then what would pack a small tank will still keep a large tank looking bare. Can your floors support a big tank? Lots to consider.

 

[thegrun]

I would start with a 40 gallon tank, although a 60 is even better.

 

[civics14]

I just came from years of freshwater high tech planted w/ discus tanks. I started with a 60 gallon cube, ending up moving it over to a ~70g (36x18x18) w/ a 20g sump, so approximately 90 gallons. Only fluctuation I get is the PH between night and day, set up the whole light thing in my fuge w/ chaeto and live rock, but still a .1-.15 swing at night.

 

[gone fishin]

IMO a 40 breeder is a great starter tank and I would shy away from a 55g due to its narrow footprint. There is a sticky at the top of the forum called "setting up", you will know some the stuff already but some of the topics make be of some use to you. Good luck