Should I start with small or large tank?

[ReefMagician]

Hey guys,

I am nearly done fixing up my new house. I have always wanted to have a 6 foot long reef tank as a room divider. I was seriously considering that for my new house's living room. I was thinking a 180 galloon tank with a peninsula profile with all the plumbing done in the basement. I have had it planned out for a while, and am ready to fortify the floor to make this possible.

However, I have never had a reef tank before. I have, in the past, had fresh water. I have spent months looking and learning from Bulk Reef Supply's youtube videos.

I was wondering if instead of making such a large investment with the 180 tank, I should start with something smaller tank in my office. I have a corner that is 18 inches by 26 inches where I could fit a small tank. I was wondering if you guys recommend I do something like this prior to making the very large investment that comes with a 180 galloon reef tank. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[maddmaxx]

most will agree. go as big as you can. the more water volume for a rookie the better. this is better cause more water volume leaves more room for error for the newbie. in smaller tanks if your not experienced or dedicated within the hobby. small changes can have drastic affect on smaller systems. whereas in larger systems. those small changes aren't dramatic cause of the larger water volume. so I would recommend largest tank possible
to start with...

[ReefMagician]

Originally Posted by maddmaxx

most will agree. go as big as you can. the more water volume for a rookie the better. this is better cause more water volume leaves more room for error for the newbie. in smaller tanks if your not experienced or dedicated within the hobby. small changes can have drastic affect on smaller systems. whereas in larger systems. those small changes aren't dramatic cause of the larger water volume. so I would recommend largest tank possible
to start with...

Thank you for your reply. My only fear is, if its not something I want to continue.

Is about 3000~4000 startup for a 180 Gallon tank reasonable?

[Dogshowgrl]

Go big! It is way more stable. Even if you decide that Reef keeping is too much (even though it is so worth it) a fowlr (fish only with live rock) is less to manage and will still be quite the piece. If you go big is will feel like less maintenance. I had both, I love this hobby, my small Reef was made into a mantis tank, due to how much effort it took.

[gone fishin]

I personally would start with a something like a 40 breeder and learn the ropes. Yes smaller volumes will change quicker but you will gain valuable experience. If after the tank honeymoon period you still are into the hobby then go to the 180g and make the investment. good luck just my 2 cents.

[ReefMagician]

Originally Posted by gone fishin

I personally would start with a something like a 40 breeder and learn the ropes. Yes smaller volumes will change quicker but you will gain valuable experience. If after the tank honeymoon period you still are into the hobby then go to the 180g and make the investment. good luck just my 2 cents.

I think I might do that. Petco has 1 gallon for $1 up to 55. Might be a good time to grab one.

[gone fishin]

I think a 40 is a good starter size to get your feet wet without spending a large sum. If you continue you will find a few smaller tanks kicking around come in handy. Good luck

[DJasak]

I agree with Tony, yes larger tank volume is way more forgiving, a smaller tank like a 40B will be more forgiving on ur pockets...unless u do decide to stay in the hobby and decide to upgrade, lol. Good luck, this hobby can be quite rewarding!

[ReefMagician]

I'll do that then.

Do you guys have any topics of a step-by-step setup for a 40 gallon reef tank setup? I might use a 29H tank as the sump but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

[rags111875]

Starting with a 40 may be a challenge to keep things stable. If you go that route, i'd recommend a good temp controller. As others have said, bigger is easier to maintain, but start-up costs are an issue. I would recommend go bigger, but start off with Fish only with Live Rock. And then if you decide to add coral, then you can invest in some of the pricier items.
What is your intention in that regard- SPS, LPS, Fish-only, other?

[ReefMagician]

Originally Posted by rags111875

Starting with a 40 may be a challenge to keep things stable. If you go that route, i'd recommend a good temp controller. As others have said, bigger is easier to maintain, but start-up costs are an issue. I would recommend go bigger, but start off with Fish only with Live Rock. And then if you decide to add coral, then you can invest in some of the pricier items.
What is your intention in that regard- SPS, LPS, Fish-only, other?

I'd like something low maintenance that looks great. Most likely LPS. Since I plan to go with a 40, it'll be in my bedroom.

[toothybugs]

I have a 40 and will suggest that good equipment for a 40 will also (or very nearly so, depending) run a 75, which factoring in sump volume, gives you ~30-40% more water volume for chemical stability. Then the 75 itself will make a good sump for a 180 or 220, or even a 300

Plus with a 75 you get that much more space to "seed" a bunch of dry base rock in to live rock for your big upgrade.

Just my 40B-owner-going-to-the-biggest-tank-he-can-own-in-the-apartment's two cents.

[davehead86]

I have a 20 gallon and the thing is NOT HIGH MANTINENCE. While a larger water volume does provide a higher stability rate i wouldnt jump right into a 180 gallon tank or a sump sysytem in the beginning. A 40 gallon tank would be a great starting tank. But you say that you want LPS and no mantinence, thats contradictory. You should start with a Fish Only (FOWLR) tank and go from there. Corals are very specific and require a lot of work and patience and observations. Fish only provides a great starting point to see if you even want to take care of the fish on this level.

You dont need a sump with the 40 gallon tank. You can get a nice HOB filter if you start with fish only. Go from there, see if you enjoy it, then start buying the fun toys and bigger tanks and equipment.


Then you could use the 40 gallon as a sump if you like it and want to upgrade. No wasted money.

[Xxero]

I would agree with starting with a 40g or so, as long as you understand that even a 40 breeder with proper equipment can be a fairly large investment. If you decide that you enjoy the hobby and wish to go larger, then (aside from maybe using the 40 as a sump as others have suggested) you will be purchasing a whole other round of corresponding equipment at a much higher cost (bigger equipment=bigger $$$!).

If it were me, I would start large. If you end up not enjoying things in the end, just sell everything off through your local reef clubs, LFS, or Craigslist. Yes, you will take a small financial loss, but that loss would be much smaller than the amount you spent on a complete set-up for a 40b, only to purge it later down the road.

Have fun and GL!

[sticky polyps]

Tough one. If you do start a small tank and enjoy it as much as some of us do you will want to go bigger. But for your first saltwater tank I would probably recommend starting small and start with used equipment if possible. You will make mistakes on your first tank. Research, experience, and patience... Having experience with the small tank will probably save you money in the long run knowing exactly what you want going into your big tank. Nothing wrong with going straight into a big tank either though.
Sounds like you have done quite a bit of homework. And Ryan on BRS TV does a great job hosting that channel. I've learned so much from watching that channel.
Welcome to the hobby! :-)

[ReefMagician]

Originally Posted by Xxero

I would agree with starting with a 40g or so, as long as you understand that even a 40 breeder with proper equipment can be a fairly large investment. If you decide that you enjoy the hobby and wish to go larger, then (aside from maybe using the 40 as a sump as others have suggested) you will be purchasing a whole other round of corresponding equipment at a much higher cost (bigger equipment=bigger $$$!).

If it were me, I would start large. If you end up not enjoying things in the end, just sell everything off through your local reef clubs, LFS, or Craigslist. Yes, you will take a small financial loss, but that loss would be much smaller than the amount you spent on a complete set-up for a 40b, only to purge it later down the road.

Have fun and GL!

My only thought would be, I could keep the 40 gallon setup as a quarantine tank in my bedroom. The 180 would be in the living room. How much upfront cost do you think for a 40 gallon setup? Do you know of any step-by-step guides of someone building their 40 gallon setup? I'd like to have a sump and such.

Basically my goal is to mimic what I would do on the 180 gallon setup, only smaller.

[RocketEngineer]

I've had a range of sizes over the years. A 30g, 75g, 125g, and 40g. Looking back, the 40B is the best starter tank I've come across and one of my favorites even with the 125g as competition. The small size makes it easy to work in but the 18" front-to-back dimension is crazy for such a small tank. It makes doing a reef tank so sweet because you can get away with simple lighting as it's only 16" tall. In my case, my 40B is at work so I don't have a sump and there are a very limited number of devices on the tank. Here is my build thread for that one which should give you some ideas to consider before you go all out on the big system. About a year after I started work on it, its my favorite of the two reefs I maintain despite being the smaller of the two.

Good luck,

[jj5]

Maybe start with one of the all in one's like the 28 Gallon JBJ Nano cube that incloudes enough to get started. You can always upgrade if you enjoy it. Starting even with a 40 breeder will require much equipment that may not transfer to a larger tank. That said a larger aquarium is more stable. Goodluck. It's a toigh choice. I started small and have progressed through four tanks in the last 10 - 12 years.

[ReefMagician]

Originally Posted by jj5

Maybe start with one of the all in one's like the 28 Gallon JBJ Nano cube that incloudes enough to get started. You can always upgrade if you enjoy it. Starting even with a 40 breeder will require much equipment that may not transfer to a larger tank. That said a larger aquarium is more stable. Goodluck. It's a toigh choice. I started small and have progressed through four tanks in the last 10 - 12 years.

I was considering doing a kit that has everything I need to get started. Honestly, all the requirements are a bit overwhelming for someone starting out.

[Mandarin12]

U should start off with the biggest tanks u can possibly afford as smaller tanks tend to have lots of drastic fluctuations in temp,pH,kh dh,ammonia,and etc are much more prevalent than in large tanks. Quite frankly ii was taught that no saltwater reef can ever survive in a small tank long term

[Xxero]

Originally Posted by ReefMagician

How much upfront cost do you think for a 40 gallon setup? I purchased everything new from the start with this 40b, and I have purposefully tried my best to go the cheapest route possible without substituting too much quality in regards to basic equipment. Without including any livestock purchases, I have easily spent $1500-$2000 and probably being closer to the $2000 mark.

Do you know of any step-by-step guides of someone building their 40 gallon setup? I'd like to have a sump and such. There's quite a few 40b threads here on RC. (RocketEngineer has a good one . I would just use the search function for 40b and get a collection of ideas.

Basically my goal is to mimic what I would do on the 180 gallon setup, only smaller. Exactly. And it's a great idea. I guess I'm just playing Devil's advocate here because I've been on both sides. My last ride on the "Reef Train" started with a 55g. Once I had everything up and running on that one, I was frustrated with my livestock limitations, so that led to a 75g with the 55 turning into the sump. Well that of course escalated into a 150g RR, etc. etc. etc.! I probably spent upwards of $10,000 that year going from a 55 to 75 to 150, and in hindsight I feel that I should have just started with the 150g from the start.

I also agree with RocketEngineer in regards to the 40b's dimensions. It's a very fun tank to play with.

[ca1ore]

Originally Posted by ReefMagician

My only fear is, if its not something I want to continue.

Well, that's the rub, isn't it .... and only something really you can judge. If you end up a reefing long-timer than avoiding upgrade iterations will save you money; if you give up quickly, then going big right away will mean more of a loss on any subsequent sale. Used tanks (even lightly used) quickly lose their value.

I'd start with something smaller (30L or 40B) that you can reuse as a QT. Once you have a sense that you are going to stick it out, then go big and avoid any interim steps.

[ZeeSparrow]

I was planning on something small to start, then everything I read said "Bigger is better". My plans went from a 10G (which I had on hand) to a 29, then 40B, until eventually deciding to get the 75G - drilled to support a sump. Yes, all the requirements ARE Overwhelming. But honestly, it sounds to me like you've got what you need to succeed. You're doing your research, taking your time, asking questions... and appear to have the patience that is absolutely necessary.

Starting with the 40B, mimicking your intentions for the 180, sounds like a fantastic idea to me. Especially since you can keep that when you set up the 180... and have two! (Or you know, use it for QT...)

[kmbyrnes]

Don't start small. I did and it just made me buy bigger faster.
An all in one can be a good starting point if you are unsure, because it gives you matched equipment that will help you be successful.
But separate pieces will allow you to re-use some components when you eventually go bigger.

[Fishmas]

I am setting up my first reef tank now. I would not go any smaller then 100gal. If you are building it in to your wall *(like I did) then smaller would be waste of time. Set up the room behind the built in tank with all that you need. Put an outlet up high convenient for lighting, and a couple down low for pumps and heaters and such. Put schluter floor system in under tile and floor drain like for a shower stall. Put in a sink and plumb in the adapter to connect to RODI system. When you build your tank dont go too deep. If you want to go deeper then say 30" your budget will be in jeopardy as you will need stadium type lights to grow corals at that depth. FOWLR tank can be deeper then a reef tank for this reason. Budget sounds good otherwise. It should get you higher end equipment for the most part. Buy your lighting last. You will most likely have an extensive cycle time (2-3 months) before fish and longer for corals. Start with the basic T5 type lights you will need for lighting up tank to see and show off corrals and add the high end LED fixtures you will need to grow corals when you are ready. This is the biggest equipment expenditure and time to do your homework after tank set up is needed to make best decision. Time to shop helps once you know what you want you can then keep eye for deals
I went with dry rock. Easy to work with and gives you time to study your rock formations and rearrange. Dry rock (I used Marco rock) is just as good as live rock (half the price) and will become live rock in a few short months. If you can wait I think this is the better way. You will establish your own biosystem and are not going to start with any potential problems from pathogens or other creatures emerging in your tank from someone else's rock

I wish I went bigger already. IF space not an issue go 6' long and 24 wide and at least 24 deep. This would give you a lot of livestock options as some fish need space to spread out and territorial creatures can stake out a safe home. Remember Dory from "Nemo" will be size of dinner plate when mature. Good luck.