What made you decide...?

The size tank you currently have?

Was it available/limited space? budget? A deal too good to pass? any others?

Ive noticed quite a few members on here, myself included, that own a 75 gallon standard tank. being a 4 foot by 18" footprint its not too big, yet it still is a lot of liquid. 90 gallons being right up there as well, 125, and 120s, 265's. etc. Its no surprise that with a larger system, comes a larger equipment list/price tag, and some may not have the leisure to shell out a few grand to get in the hobby.

My first tank was a 20 gallon and i bought it just because i didnt have the cahones to shell out $$ for a big one when i knew zip about the hobby. found it on Craigs list for cheap and there began the journey. As most know, smaller water volume is a little tricky to maintain, and keep stable as larger volumes, but most ppl think, oh smaller tank less water hey it must be easier right? less space it takes up... etc. (thats what i was thinking at the time i got the tank boy was i wrong lol.) It can be done, but i feel in some cases a bigger tank would help some "mistakes" that may be made during the process of educating ones self on the hobby and its correct practices.

What are some things about your tank size you enjoy? If you could realistically upgrade/downgrade, would you and why? Wish you woulda gone bigger/smaller to begin?


Just trying to help some new comers make one of the biggest decisions faced when entering the hobby. What tank to pick.

I know there are some out there that have very large, custom, dream tanks, but im trying to give your average joe a realistic perspective on what size to chose, any why. But im always interested in your choices as well, specially when a budget is no issue.

 

Would love to dream of the day that budget is not an issue. Just the fish and corals could empty my bank account lol

 

Experience.

My very first SW tank was a 20g. Over the years, I've had 10s, 20s, 29s, and 55s. With the ever-increasing list of aquarium-suitable livestock, the 10s and 20s proved to be too small for my personal taste. The 55s, otoh, requires more filtration to help reduce vacuuming and WCs. It's also too slim for it's height and length for a reef imho. With the 29H, you can have a decent reef and still leave swimming space for fish. It's large enough for a nice selection of corals, inverts, and a few smaller reef fish, yet small enough that it can be done with minimal equipment without turning routine maintenance into a daunting chore. One's preferred stocking list should help determine the size of their tank, of course.

 

iv got a 75 gwllon that became to expensive for saltwater that is now a planted tank but I just started revamping my 20 gallon I like the size for my nano fish but tword the next few months I will probably get me a 40 gallon breeder.

 

My desicion was based on living in an apartment up 4 flights of steps and no lift

my 1st tank was 4ft x 18 x 18 and my friend Jack and I carried it up and in with no issues
my 2nd tank was 5ft x 20 x 20 and it was a bit harder but Jack and I still manipulated it into my home

Jack wants to know if I am considering a 6ft tank
I said "yes"
he replied, " I am busy that day"

 

bump

 

150 gal corner hex

It was the perfect fit in the corner of the finished part of our basement. It sits on a concrete slab so weight wasn't a concern.

I really like the geometry of a corner tank for aquascaping because you get good depth. It was great as a fresh water tank, but I'm starting to find that depth a bit of a problem as a reef tank. Because it's a corner tank, you can only access it from the front. So, you really have to get wet if you're trying to place any corals in the lower, back section of the tank. It also makes access to the refugium and all the necessary auxilliaries somewhat awkward (I have them all packed in the stand under the tank). I think it is a great geometry for a FOWLR or a predominant fish tank with a few easily placed corals. The jury's still out on how this will work as a reef tank (only been at it 4 months), but I would likely go with a rectangular or cube shaped tank if I was to do it again.