do I...?
- Thread starter Mitternacht
- Start date
You can use any size you want. Bigger is better though. Keep in mind that it is hard to aquascape a 55.
First off I wouldn't spend a dime at Petco. Most all Petcos are known for horrible saltwater people. Only in it for the money, not for the benefit of either you or your wallet. I have heard of a few Petcos that do have knowledgeable staff but they are few and far between.
My point about a bigger tank is that 'only bad things happen fast' especially in a smaller tank. That being said, I started with a 20g. A 55 would be fine but like I said earlier, they are hard to aquascape. The length is fine. The width is only 12". Not much can be done without the 'rockwall' look.
I upgraded my 20 to a 55 so I do have experience in what I am talking about. I now have a 75 and couldn't be happier with it. Of course, it took me 3 yrs. to figure it out. I have had the 75 since May of "05 and now would like to upgrade to at least a 120.
Just remember the bigger the tank, the more lr and ls you need. That isn't cheap!!!!
My point about a bigger tank is that 'only bad things happen fast' especially in a smaller tank. That being said, I started with a 20g. A 55 would be fine but like I said earlier, they are hard to aquascape. The length is fine. The width is only 12". Not much can be done without the 'rockwall' look.
I upgraded my 20 to a 55 so I do have experience in what I am talking about. I now have a 75 and couldn't be happier with it. Of course, it took me 3 yrs. to figure it out. I have had the 75 since May of "05 and now would like to upgrade to at least a 120.
Just remember the bigger the tank, the more lr and ls you need. That isn't cheap!!!! 
You can do a small tank as your first, but be aware that the water chemistry will change much faster than in a large tank, which is why larger is typically considered easier for someone new to the hobby. N and P build up faster, regular topoffs are a MUST to prevent major swings in salinity, and take it from me, it's really easy to overload a tiny tank. That said, if you have the discipline to keep up with maintenance and not overstock and you're on a budget, you could always start with a nano. Check out www.nano-reef.com for lots of ideas on just how much you can do on a small scale
I started with the typical 55 but moved on. You will fight yourself for spending the money on the smaller system.
You will not be as limited, but if space is an issue than smaller would be better.
If it is money be patient and look in the paper. The other month someone posted about a 200g with everything but good lighting and an umm not so good skimmer but I fight myself for not having the room. The price was 500 dollars, selling because baby is on the way. The live rock for that system cost more than he was asking..
You will not be as limited, but if space is an issue than smaller would be better.
If it is money be patient and look in the paper. The other month someone posted about a 200g with everything but good lighting and an umm not so good skimmer but I fight myself for not having the room. The price was 500 dollars, selling because baby is on the way. The live rock for that system cost more than he was asking..
