Starter SW tank size

[Delapool]

We had a SW presentation at the local meeting which was really interesting. They suggested a starter tank of minimum 150 litres (40 gallons) and Red Sea tanks as a good all in one package.

Was wondering if that made sense. I know larger tanks would be great but was thinking of just a small tank just on space.

 

[bribo12]

I’d say 20-29 gallons is a good starting size. Red Sea tanks are super $$$. Honestly setting up your own first tank and not buying an aio system first is the way to go. You can learn more on how the system works that way.

 

[Delapool]

That sounds great. We have a couple of SW shops here that could help.

 

[Sniperhank]

A 40 breeder is a great starter tank.

 

[speedy51]

A 40 Breeder is a nice started tank but if you can go bigger I would do it. The more water volume you have the better it is. A larger water volume is more foregiving if you make a mistake. Smaller volume need more attention to keep your parameters on point. I keep 100 Gallon Mixed reef tank at work and I used to keep a 300 Gallon at home. My 300 took less work than my 100. Just my .2cts

 

[Delapool]

True, true - it’s just that space is going to be a problem most likely. Not too small but will have to be small which is going to be a real shame but might get something going in SW for something different. Especially if I have to pack away the 150gal high-tech planted. One of the guys was doing pico tanks around 5 gallons I think - definitely not that small [emoji854]

 

[coralbandit]

A 40 Breeder is a nice started tank but if you can go bigger I would do it. The more water volume you have the better it is. A larger water volume is more foregiving if you make a mistake. Smaller volume need more attention to keep your parameters on point. I keep 100 Gallon Mixed reef tank at work and I used to keep a 300 Gallon at home. My 300 took less work than my 100. Just my .2cts

^^^ THIS ^^^
Upgrading a marine tank size with stock already in the old tank is a totally different animal then freshwater switch overs...
If you have corals or inverts already you are not going to enjoy having to upgrade..
More water ,more fun...

 

[Brookster123]

I'd say go as big as you can afford/space allows. Incorporate a sump for added volume. These things have a tendency to snowball into larger projects

 

[Delapool]

Great idea - I clean forgot about a sump. Ok, will keep an eye out for going as large as possible on tank. Less work and being able to upgrade sounds attractive as well [emoji106]

 

[Pandicorn]

Depending on where you live, if price is a concern, I would consider going on craigslist. I'm live close to a fairly urban area, and have found some crazy deals, including a 55 with stand, tank, and live rock for 175, and a 60 with tank stand, fish, live rock, skimmers, etc for $150! With a little bit of patience and maybe some time to drive a bit, its definitely a way to save money.

 

[Barliman]

Was wondering if that made sense. I know larger tanks would be great but was thinking of just a small tank just on space.

Make sense to me, but bear in mind I've never kept a marine aquarium. But I gather stable water chemistry is even more important on the salty side of things, and the larger the volume of water, the more resistant to sudden change it is. A 40 seems to be a good compromise between size and "still fits in your apartment."

Those Red Sea all in one units are very tempting.

 

[Delapool]

Yes, it will be a trade off I think. Be so nice to do though. Especially if I can get a second hand one.