tank size for an enthusiastic beginner

[ZAPCOnj]

So after some debating.... I'm torn between a 36 bow or a 60 gal rectangle tank to get started with.

on one hand the 36 would be a good starter size but the 60 gal is just that much more impressive and i think would give me more room to build the reef and the ability to add more fish and coral over time....

cost wise.. the 36 bow and stand would run me roughly $280 the 60 gal and wood stand would run me roughly $350.

Should i just go with the bigger tank now and save the hassle of upgrading later? or go the smaller route as the beginner?

I have 2 LFS that i have for "local" assistance if needed. both have been around for 20+ years and have specialized in saltwater since their beginnings. So i feel confident that i will be able to get "technical" guidance and assistance if i need it. Plus there is the forum!

what are your thoughts?

[Woodstock]

Yes, go with the larger 60 gal tank. You'll quickly outgrow the 36 gal

[Anselth]

And to add to what Doni said, the 60 will be more forgiving of any water quality issues you may encounter. In general, you want to go with the largest tank you can reasonably afford and have room for.

[Varga]

yup, 60 or 125 if its practical at the moment

[ZAPCOnj]

Originally Posted by Anselth

And to add to what Doni said, the 60 will be more forgiving of any water quality issues you may encounter. In general, you want to go with the largest tank you can reasonably afford and have room for.

not to get off topic but have you heard anything about a shop in Egg Harbor Township called Ocean Aquairum? they're on the black horse pike near the parkway entrance.

They seem like a nice shop but everywhere i go and mention that shop no one seems to know anything about them or their reputation.


back to topic:

I guess i'll go with the 60 then.. the price isn't the issue nor is space.. i just wanted some seasoned advice on what you guys recommend.

how much LR do you think i'll need in there?

[corrado007]

Just my 2 cents worth-
I'd suggest a 60 or 75 gal tank to start with.
It would offer you the water volume to be forgiving of any water quality issues as Adam mentioned above and would give you room to grow. Also, anything larger requires a bit more effort to maintain as your water changes become a bit more work (large volume of water to move around) and anything above a 75 gal gets a bit harder to reach to bottom and back of for cleaning and aquascaping (depending on the length of your arms and dimensions of the tank).
My point is that a 60 or 75 is just just large enough to start out with but not hard to maintain.

[travis127]

I deff would say the 60! I started out and got a 26 gal bow front but I returned it before even using it and upgraded to my 42 gallon hex tank and now that is up and running (still cycling though- DAMN NITRATES) I wish I went with over 60 like around 75! someday though!!!!!!!!

[PEMfish]

You sound awfully ready to do as the LFS says .

[Anselth]

I don't know anything about Ocean Aquarium, I seem to remember hearing some decent reviews, but EHT is a bit out of my driving range (Philly area). Check out njreefers.org, lots of reviews on LFS's across the state in the forum section.

[Anselth]

Oh, and to the second part of your post: You want 1.25-1.75 lbs per gallon of water in your system. So if you include a sump, add that water volume in. More porous rock requires less, denser rock requires more.

[ZAPCOnj]

Thanks for the info Anselth. I'll have to remember that...

Originally Posted by PEMfish

You sound awfully ready to do as the LFS says .

I tend to bounce my questions off a number of sources and make my decisions based on what i've gathered/learned. It's just good to have a local shop that you trust to a certain extent in the event that i cant find the answer i need online or though friends. the shop i feel the most comfortable with at the moment has serviced a number of friends reef tanks and has a pretty good rep locally and on line so far (aside from pricing on some items).

I value all the info i can get...

[SJS]

My 2 cents - yes the bigger you go the easier to maintain water levels and more fun to aquascape and more room to add inhabitants - however along with that comes more $$$. Both in equipment and electricity. Dont get me wrong, I have a big tank and wouldn't trade it for anything smaller, but thought I would remind you of the $ reality!!
IMHO - a 60 would be a good size tank, when looking at stands make sure there is room for a sump (you will eventually want one!) and keep in mind that you will need to be able to reach to the bottom of the tank from time to time, so either get a low stand or buy a ladder!
As for LFS's please remember they are there to make $$. That doesn't mean they aren't nice people it means they are in business to make $$. Nothing wrong with that - just keep that in mind and use several sources of information for getting ideas, recommendations and advice. The people here are RS are here because we are enthusiasts with nothing to gain but the satisfaction that we helped a fellow enthusiast build a great tank!
Hope this helps!! And welcome to a great obsession!

[travis127]

I think SJS nailed it head on.. PROPS

[ZAPCOnj]

Thanks guys.. picked up the 60gal today and will be filling it and adding rock and sand this weekend....

cant wait to get started!!!

[corrado007]

Be sure to post lots of pictures along the way.