All in one tanks Tanks

[Shamf]

Hi everyone,

I am new to RC and to the hobby.

I haven't purchased my tank yet and was wondering what size tank to start with? I have gotten several different opinions and am unsure which way to go.

I was looking at some of the smaller all in one Innovative Marine tanks they range in size from 4 gal. and up.

Is it best to start out with fish only or can you start with fish and corals?

Thanks

[ghellin]

The smaller the tank the harder it can be. With a small water volume things can go south in a hurry. The more water you have the more if a buffer you have before the feces hit the fan.

[santanzchild]

yesh 4g marine tank youll have a crab and a shrimp in that thing and it will be at capacity.

[thegrun]

I would start at a minimum of 30 gallons, but something in the 40-60 gallon range would be better. With tanks under 30 gallons there is so little water volume that it makes keeping your water chemistry stable difficult. I would start with fish and a few hardy corals provided you have sufficient lighting and read up and understand the needs of corals. Start by reading through the ***SETTING UP: HOW TO!!! Comprehensive list of articles for the newbie aquarist!!!*** stickys at the top of this forum.

[Shamf]

Thanks for the info. I will read those articles.

I want to do it right from the beginning all the help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

[Rob6311]

You can start with a fish and coral but I would suggest that you get all your fish in there before trying coral, just to get a feel for everything. And as for the tank size that is very much up to you, just keep in mind that the bigger the tank the more expensive it's going to be, for ex, bigger power heads to get the right flow, more salt needed to fill it and then for every water change, more rock you'll have to buy more sand, I think you get it, it's an expensive hobby and if you have the money then that's more power to you i just wanted to tell you that because I know that tanks themselves are relatively cheap and I know so many people that have bought a huge tank and then realized that everything else had to be big to make it run efficiently

[Shamf]

Rob6311

Thanks for the advice. You are right about the bigger the tank the bigger the $$$. When I first started looking at getting into this hobby I was told the bigger the tank the easier it was to keep things in check. When I looked into a big aquarium I quickly found out that spending thousands was what it would take to do it right.

I decided to go with a smaller tank to see if I will be able to do the saltwater hobby.
I know if it all works out I will go with a bigger tank as soon as I feel comfortable with the small tank and it gets full!! I love salt water reef tanks. I have had freshwater tanks for many years and have been successful but I know saltwater is completely different.

Thanks for your suggestions. I welcome them.

[SloppyJ]

I have a IM 30g tank. It was my second tank. I've since upgraded to a 93g. I would recommend the 30g to start with.

[Shamf]

Thanks Sloppy J. How do you like your IM tank?

[SloppyJ]

I've had nothing but good luck with it.

[Sk8r]

RE tanks: a 100 gallon would be ideal for a beginner, and a 75 not too bad, when it comes to keeping a variety of fish. A 50 with high lighting makes a good stony reef, with very tiny fishes, and you can do a good softie reef in a 30. Knowing what you want to keep is key. Try to form some specific I-want-to's and we can give you better advice: best save for the system you want rather than have to rebuy if it turns out to be too small.

[indyjaco]

A 29 Biocube would be a fair tank too. Just do plenty of research. I would do fish only for 3-6 months to learn then you can start to add coral or possibly upgrade.

[Shamf]

Sk8r and Jacob,

Thanks for the good info.

[Roger30]

Originally Posted by SloppyJ

I have a IM 30g tank. It was my second tank. I've since upgraded to a 93g. I would recommend the 30g to start with.

I agree the smallest tank should be 30 gallons! It's a good size to get your head around this hobby.

[Zer0.]

I started with a 180 gallon...

[Shamf]

Thanks for your help

[Gagonzalez]

I have had a 28g Nano AIO Mixed reef for 2 years now. With all said and done, I have spent thousands so far. It is NOT CHEAP! Make sure you buy quality and DON'T CUT CORNERS! You will pay for it in the end if you do.

If I could start over, I would start with at least a 40 Breeder tank and Sump.

Good Luck

[Shamf]

Thanks for the good info George.

[DEFCLONE80]

75g or bigger is best

[Booboobear259]

I started with a 29 gallon although people typically recommend a 55 gal. But I haven't had any problems regarding the equipment and such. I got the 29 gallon setup from tetra fin with the hang on the back filter and I am doing great. I have no sump, no fuge, no skimmer, and no live rock. For aeration I have the filter and an air stone I have two clownfish and a tailspot blenny. I have not bought any new lights and my fish are happy.

[Gagonzalez]

Booboobear259,

Your the exception to the rule. 29g with 3 fish in there is fine for now but what are your levels at?

Ammonia?
Nitrite?
Nitrate?
Phosphate?

Your running your tank like a QT tank with only a HOB filter. How often do you do water changes and how much? Do you use Tap Water? Amquel? Have algae issues? Wipe your tank down often? What lighting do you use? With no live rock or at least a skimmer, you would not be able to keep basic corals for any significant amount of time without dying. In your case, 3 fish are fine for now. And if you keep up with water changes and cleaning Gunk that falls to the bottom of the tank then just like a QT Tank, it will keep them alive.

It works, but it's not the proper way long term.

[Liba]

I started with a 14 gallon biocube. I got the 17lb nano package from gulflive rock. It's even great not one problem just started slowly and did water changes through the cycle to
Ensure the life on the rocks survived.

[whosurcaddie]

Get a 4 foot 120.

[Shamf]

Thanks everyone. I greatly appreciate the info you are sharing with me.