Still in planning mode...

Eleez · 01/15/2010, 01:19 PM

Ok, so I've been researching for quite a while. I was initially planning to go with a 120gal tank with a 55 fuge, but had a hard time with the expense of everything, and also with the possibility of epic failure on a tank that size.

I currently have 3 FW tanks - 75 cichlid, 55 community, and a 30 or 40 cichlid baby tank. I'm starting to think that it might be a good idea take the 40 gal tank, when the babies can be added to the 75, and turn it into a SW display with a 10 or 15 fuge (those are pretty inexpensive).

I realize that the cost of upgrading would be large - but my plan for my ultimate system included a qt and a frag tank anyway (I know myself, and I KNOW I'm gonna go crazy as soon as I start this).

What do you think? Would the learning on the smaller tank be a good idea?

Oh, things I want: reef tank, colorful and/or active fish (but I haven't gotten to that part of the research yet - no tangs in the smaller tank tho!), corals - which I don't quite understand yet, but I think I want a monti cap eventually...

If it's a good idea, which corals/fish would I want to avoid in the smaller tank(besides damsels, tangs, mandarins, and anemones)?

Thanks everyone!

Jstdv8 · 01/15/2010, 01:30 PM

Other than finding a way to finance it, bigger tanks are easier to maintain. the more water volume you have the less liley you are to mess something up while adding new water, suppliments ect.
Same thing with your sump, the bigger the better, 55 gallon on a 120 would be good.
If you can get the money for the bigger tank thats the way i would reccomend you go. keep in mind you have lighting, substrate, LR, corals, bigger powerheads and fish to fill up that big tank not to mention the added cost of salt for your water changes.
GL

stingythingy45 · 01/15/2010, 01:57 PM

I think a 75 or a 90 gallon make a nice first tank.
Small tanks are sometimes difficult.Water parameters and temp can change quite quickly and cause real problems to live stock.In many ways a larger tank is easier,imo,than a small tank.
Biggest expense is lighting with a reef tank.Followed closely by skimmers.

mandingCa · 01/15/2010, 06:14 PM

anything 55 and over would make an excellent starter tank. Why invest double for a larger setup, not knowing what your experience will be like? Look at Garf.org, they have some AMAZING luck with 55g's...it's her favorite size tank.

01/15/2010, 01:19 PM	#1
Eleez Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 34	Still in planning mode... Ok, so I've been researching for quite a while. I was initially planning to go with a 120gal tank with a 55 fuge, but had a hard time with the expense of everything, and also with the possibility of epic failure on a tank that size. I currently have 3 FW tanks - 75 cichlid, 55 community, and a 30 or 40 cichlid baby tank. I'm starting to think that it might be a good idea take the 40 gal tank, when the babies can be added to the 75, and turn it into a SW display with a 10 or 15 fuge (those are pretty inexpensive). I realize that the cost of upgrading would be large - but my plan for my ultimate system included a qt and a frag tank anyway (I know myself, and I KNOW I'm gonna go crazy as soon as I start this). What do you think? Would the learning on the smaller tank be a good idea? Oh, things I want: reef tank, colorful and/or active fish (but I haven't gotten to that part of the research yet - no tangs in the smaller tank tho!), corals - which I don't quite understand yet, but I think I want a monti cap eventually... If it's a good idea, which corals/fish would I want to avoid in the smaller tank(besides damsels, tangs, mandarins, and anemones)? Thanks everyone!

01/15/2010, 01:57 PM	#3
stingythingy45 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: MA Posts: 3,296	I think a 75 or a 90 gallon make a nice first tank. Small tanks are sometimes difficult.Water parameters and temp can change quite quickly and cause real problems to live stock.In many ways a larger tank is easier,imo,than a small tank. Biggest expense is lighting with a reef tank.Followed closely by skimmers. __________________ Bob Current Tank Info: 90 gallon,mixed Reef,2-250 watt Optix 3 pendants(Phoenix 14K)2-54 watt T5 Super actnics ,ASM G-2 Gate/recirc mods,70 gal. basement sump,20L ref

01/15/2010, 01:30 PM	#2
Jstdv8 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wasilla, Alaska Posts: 1,420	Other than finding a way to finance it, bigger tanks are easier to maintain. the more water volume you have the less liley you are to mess something up while adding new water, suppliments ect. Same thing with your sump, the bigger the better, 55 gallon on a 120 would be good. If you can get the money for the bigger tank thats the way i would reccomend you go. keep in mind you have lighting, substrate, LR, corals, bigger powerheads and fish to fill up that big tank not to mention the added cost of salt for your water changes. GL

01/15/2010, 06:14 PM	#4
mandingCa Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 119	anything 55 and over would make an excellent starter tank. Why invest double for a larger setup, not knowing what your experience will be like? Look at Garf.org, they have some AMAZING luck with 55g's...it's her favorite size tank.