Tank size for beginner

[jepuskar]

I apologize if this has been covered numerous times before, but the search function is not working now-- If you could send me a link to another thread it would be much appreciated.

I am just starting out in this hobby with no previous experience what so ever..not even fresh water. I am going tomorrow to get some books from a huge fish store outside Milwaukee as well as pick their brains on what im after.

Right now im thinking a fish and coral tank, 125G 72x18x22.

I have read about live rock, live sand, protein skimmers, lighting, sumps, ammonia-nitrite-nitrate, salinity, hydrometers, temp, etc etc etc..... and i havent even really begun my studies into this...so how it fits into what im after is cloudy.

My basic question is: Is 125 gallons too much for someone like me or will that size actually help me?

Will a 40G tank be less forgiving and harder to maintain for a beginner?

Also, any suggestions on books?

Thanks,

Jason

 

[mapleredta]

from what ive learned on here is that the bigger tank you have, if you lost a fish or two it would hardly affect anything. But im by far an expert im still a noob.

 

[N8ster]

There are trade-off with smaller and larger tanks. Larger tanks can be more stable than smaller tanks, because they have a larger volume of water--temperature changes, chemistry changes, etc, happen more slowly. I would probably say that 70 gallons and up would be in the larger category. Really small tanks can be very neat, but can require more attentive care.

Cost is another factor. A larger tank will hold more live rock, require more lighting, and hold more livestock. $30-$50 per gallon is probably a good starting place to estimate your cost--can easily be higher, depending on lighting, etc. If you want to invest the time and effort, you can reduce some of the cost by building some of the stuff yourself. See the DIY forum.

Another thing to think about as you plan your tank is what livestock you plan to ulitmately have, as this will impact both your design, and your budget.

If you join Reef Central, the search feature will work better--best money I have spent so far.

 

[t5Nitro]

What the above post said basically. If you have the money to do it, go for the 125. I started with a 46 and within a few months I wanted the 125. You may end up paying more in the long run by upgrading tanks. If you can't really afford to go that big, don't try and go really small because the water will fluctuate a lot and limit you to what you can keep in the tank.

If you decide against the 125 and go smaller, try for around 30 gallons or more anyway. Smaller tanks might be a little more difficult.

 

[Victor1046]

I was told that the bigger the tank, the easier as it is more forgiving than say a 20 gal. I started a few months ago with a 10 gallon (by accident) and learned so far the hard way.

We just bought a 110 gallon which has approx 75 to 85 lbs of live rock and live sand. I found a great independent marine store
about 1/2 hour drive from my home who came and set the whole thing up for me and I am learning as I go......

When I posted your question a few months ago many of the answers I got said to go larger than 60 gal. because you eventually will want to go bigger. So get what you can afford now. Go slow and start (I was told on this forum... with a fish only and live rock)

Eventually, then you move into corals. The fish only tank is supposedly easier to maintain for us newbies and more forgiving.

I look forward to getting into the corals also, as a former scuba diver.

Hope this helps and good luck

 

[WaterKeeper]

I vote for the big tank and this will guide you as to why--The New Tank Thread.

 

[xenon]

IMO 75g-90g is a perfect size tank to start with.

Not too expensive to setup and enough water to be stable.

 

[LarryW]

the general rule of thumb is to buy the biggest tank you can afford, and have room for. Take into account the cost of equipment to get it running...

a good skimmer
sufficient lighting for the coral you want
pumps and power heads to create flow
LR, and Live sand.

Plan your tank's layout, settle on your livestock (fish) and make sure they are compatible.

Have patience's, ask plenty of questions, and research equipment before you buy. You don't want to buy a cheap skimmer today, only to take it back next week, for a better one.

 

[jepuskar]

Thanks everyone! I did join RC...it said the server was too busy to do a search.

Everyone here should know the drill...im new, fastly approaching info overload.....i see pics on here of sumps, pvc plumbing etc and I have no idea what anything does in the pic....

i dont want to walk in to the LFS and come out walking sore..im all about information...

thanks again

 

[LarryW]

take a look at the chicago Reef club here on RC. Local members are great in that you can go see how they have their tanks setup, and most groups trade frags as well.

Good Luck!

http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=180

 

[barclayrl]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9555765#post9555765 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jepuskar
Thanks everyone! I did join RC...it said the server was too busy to do a search.

Everyone here should know the drill...im new, fastly approaching info overload.....i see pics on here of sumps, pvc plumbing etc and I have no idea what anything does in the pic....

i dont want to walk in to the LFS and come out walking sore..im all about information...

thanks again

What he meant by join, is become a premium member. It opens up the search function at peak times to premium users. Best money I ever spent also.