Good tank size for newbie

Tikidude

Tikidude

AC Members
Jun 12, 2007
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Hey there everyone. I know the general rule of thumb for setting up a new marine tank is to go as large as you can afford, but I have never had a marine tank and don't want to set up a large one if I find that it just isn't for me. (I'm almost sure I'll love it, but I have been told no by the other half.heehee)

I saw a 5 gallon tank by Ocean Treasures that comes with everything built in. I know that this is a really small tank and I'm afraid that the upkeep on it will be significantly more than something a little larger.

My question is this, what size tank do you think would be a nice starter for someone new to the marine world. I'm thinking fish and live rock would be a nice way to start.

I'm open to any suggestions but have to keep in mind size and shape. I don't have a lot of room so something a little more vertical would be better.

Thanks for any suggestions.

TikiDude!
"Tikis rule....just as Bobby Brady"
 
As you pointed out, many people recommend to start with the largest you can afford. But I agree that it is not a great idea for a newbie to start with a very large tank. Cost aside, the amount of effort to get setup and running smoothy and things that can go wrong with a very large setup can be overwhelming to someone who is new in the hobby and trying to absorb all the information they need to maintain a successful saltwater tank.

But on the other hand, small saltwater tanks are not best to start with either because it is difficult to maintain stable water conditions with such a small volume. Daily evaporation top offs, additives supplementation and water changes will need to done more frequently and can become a chore. Small mistakes will have greater effects.

In my mind, the ideal tank for a complete newbie to start with is a 26 gallon bowfront. Fairly small, compact and manageable but larger and more stable than a nano tank.
 
I'm new to the hobby myself, about 3 months in, with a 55g and I can stay that I already wished I had started with a 75g or 90g tank. Those sizes seem huge when you're first starting out but they're really not. Some of the things I've found are:

1. The larger volume of water will make your water quality easier to control.

2. Expenses on a 55 gallon vs a 75 aren't really that large of a difference.

3. You'll have more choices in what you can stock.

4. You won't have to upgrade so fast as the addiction sets in...and it will set in.

My advice for you at this stage are to:

1. Investigate which fish you want to keep. Then decide if you can afford to house them properly and if so get that size tank.

2. Read The Conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert Fenner. Best price I've seen for it recently is at: http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=BKCMAS

3. Go to sites that sell fish online to browse what you might want to keep and then go research them. A good site for browsing is: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/categ.cfm?pcatid=15 I'd not pay attention to what they say are good beginner fish but rather just look through all the fish to see what catches your eye.

4. Read as much as you can on sites like this, as well as http://wetwebmedia.com/ That site isn't great on looks but it is great for information and the author of the book I recommended above contributes to it.

5. Check to see if you have a local reef club. If so you will find a good source of information, local tips, discounts, workshops and more. Joining mine was the best move I've made in this new hobby.

6. Read. When you think you've read enough, go read some more.
 
craigslist is also a great source to pickup aquariums or even entire setups at a discount price. Also, this is counter to what you already mentioned you are looking for, but I believe that longer and deeper tank dimensions are more important that taller. Fish need room for swimming horizontally and you need front to back room in the tank for effective aquascaping. As Grins has probably already realized, it's difficult to aquascape for a reef tank with the standard 55 gallon size (12 inches front to back) although the 55 does provide great swimming room to keep some larger fish for its size.
 
I'd suggest starting with a 20 gallon tank, but buying a filter that is good for up to 50-60 gallons... the tank will be big enough to have fun with, and if you decide to upgrade, the filter is good to go. if you are thinking you might be into plants, the only drawback to this approach is that lighting will be different sizes based on the tank shape, so you may need to upgrade your fixtures down the road... unless you are crafty and use hanging lights or clip ons.


edit: sorry, I thought this was in the freshwater section, and I know nothing about saltwater tanks... you should probably ignore my comments.
 
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I could have sworn it said fw also........:laugh:
 
A great tank layout for reefs, IMHO, starting out are the tank series that has a 36x18 dimension. Most people don't know that this is available when they buy the common 48x13 55. There's 50, 55, 65. The 65 being my absolute favorite for tanks 75 and under. There's also 40 breeder and I think 30 breeder in this size, but those aren't suited for a reef as they are too shallow. (For coral propagation they are great, but that's another topic altogether)

That said, I think your choices fall into three categories:

5-15 gallon
20-40 gallon
50-75 gallon

The larger capacity tanks are going to be easier to maintain and are a bit more forgiving with a higher margin for error. There's probably only two things that are going to be GREATLY different in price; lighting and live rock. Filtration increases will have the largest jump from the smallest to the largest, but incrementally there's not going to be that much.

Pick the range that suits your budget and then go look at tanks and see which layout you like.
 
Also, a major part of your success will depend on reading, research, and most importantly Patience.

I started with an 85g 10 years ago. I was impatient and didn't prepare well enough. I had Ich outbreaks and cyano everywhere. It failed miserably. 4 years after that I started a 10g nano-reef, but this time I read more, and researched more, and prepared alot more. I took my time and it ended up being more successful and easier to take care of than my 85g ever was. It's still running to this day.

Now I'm starting the 85g again, but this time hopefully it will go better.

Good Luck.
 
I am new to the wolrd of marine. I have a 55g. I started about 4 months ago, inherited the tank from someone who had it setup for 5 years. I already wish I had a bigger tank. Decide what fish and corals, and other stuff you want in the tank then decide if small or big is better. If you are ever going to want any bigger fish, tangs included, you want bigger.
 
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