Optimum Tank Size for Beginners?

[Umbriel]

I know perhaps this is a subjective question, but what is the optimum tank size for beginners to aquarists?

Well, perhaps I'm not a beginner, as I did run a BC14 for a couple of years before I had to take it down, but I wanted some personal opinions/experiences before I decide to buy a new tank (which will be down the road, but I don't mind doing my research now).

It seems as if sources say different tank sizes, so perhaps my question isn't something that's easily answered somewhere else.

Thanks for whatever thoughts or experiences you can provide!

 

[reeferstace]

The smaller the tank the more narrow the margin of error with water chemistry. Really large tanks take a bit more maintenance (larger water changes, possibly dosing, etc.). A tank in the average range (75g-120g) might be be the best of both worlds.

This is really a subjective question. You have to ask yourself what kind of fish you want, how much money you have to spend, how much time do you have to work on the tank, how much space will your significant other let you take?

 

[divinedragon13]

For me when I pick tank I use these rule. What fish, where it be put, is there a sump, am I going have move it, how much will floor hold with out bowing.
To me if 90gal out of the question it be a 40gal breeder they still give good choice of fish and equipment for them not as extreme bigger tanks can cost. My favorite is 125gal.my 2 cents

 

[Mavrk]

As big as you can fit and afford. Not just the cost of the tank tough. Larger tanks mean larger equipment, so the cost goes up. Also realize that some people start this hobby and don't continue. So factor that in to the "afford" section. The big issue with small tanks is that for a beginner it can be frustrating because bad things happen fast and you are limited on what you can put in the tank.

On the small side, I would say a 40 breeder with a 20 long sump is a nice combination. Again, you are going to be limited on what you can keep, but the depth (front to back, not depth of the water which is really height) is really nice. Also the shorter height means that light penetration is good.

On the larger size, there are a few things to consider (all personal preference as to what is important). First is the height. A 90 is a tall 75. This means more water, but less light penetration. The light penetration thing can be good or bad. You can keep lower light stuff towards the bottom and higher light at top. At the same time, things that need light and sand can be challenging.

Second is depth. A narrow tank front to back makes rock work harder to make look nice. A lot of people have great looking narrow tanks, but it is just easier to accomplish with the added depth. I had a 55 that I liked for the size in terms of how it fit in my apartment at the time and was perfect for that situation. Now that I have had a bigger tank, I think I would feel too limited.

Third is length. The longer the tank, the less limits you put on fish you can keep. Longer also means that you have to have more powerheads (or better ones). It also means you can spread your corals out better so they are not so close together where you have to worry about them touching as they grow (so you can keep more).

What this all means is that Reeferstace has the correct answer, I just wanted to elaborate a little. Just as a side note, for standard tank sizes I love the dimensions of a 180. But I have a 90 gallon and a 40 breeder.

 

[steelwrap]

I say go with something that has an 18" front to back width like a 40b or a 75 You'll be glad You did. I have a 55 and the 12'" width is very limited

 

[discus510]

i agree with what marvk said go with a tank size ur wallet can afford and have a place to put it of course if u can get a 500 gallon tank go for it but u know what they say its going to cost about 10/per gallon... y get a small tank and upgrade later like everyone does??

 

[albano]

the smaller the tank the more narrow the margin of error with water chemistry. Really large tanks take a bit more maintenance (larger water changes, possibly dosing, etc.). A tank in the average range (75g-120g) might be be the best of both worlds.

+1...75-120g