2.5 FT vs 4 FT Length Tank

[albertski]

I was pretty set on getting the IM EXT 50 (30" Length), but after hearing that you get so many more fish options with a 4-foot tank, I’m now considering these:

• IM EXT 100 Gallon (47.3" Length - It's cheaper than the 50)
• FijiCube 76 Gallon Ext (47.24" Length)
• Waterbox Marine X 110.4 - 79 Gallon (47.2" Length)

I’m worried that with even more volume, maintenance costs (more work) will go up, and the cost to stock the tank will go up a lot.

Although this is my second tank (I left the hobby two years ago), I’m still a beginner and want to keep things simple. I’m not sure if I could get away with doing a 5-gallon weekly water change for all of these. AI suggested I should stick with the IM EXT 50. What do you all think? Any other tank recommendations? (If there were a ~60-gallon system with a sump ]that’s 4 foot wide, like a 60 breeder, that would be perfect.)

 

[mfinn]

I don't think I've ever heard someone say ( after setting up a new tank) "darn, I wish I had gone with a smaller tank."

 

[JumboShrimp]

Just a thought-- even if you go with IM 100 gallon, you could still keep it lightly stocked at first. Then when you have more to invest in fish, the tank size is there ready-and-waiting. Also if the tank is lightly stocked, it might cut down on initial water-change frequency. (Have you considered a FOWLR; I rarely do water changes on my two 150 gallon FOWLRs. Best wishes!

 

[get-salty]

I have the WB 125.4, its a 4' tank
You dont have to stock it up to the rim. just do what you can.
I used to do 5gal WC weekly but the tank is matured and stable now, so im doing a bi-wk WC instead.
I'm running a VERY simple setup with two 7" filter baskets using filter floss that i change out twice a wk.
Along with dosing ALK, Cal, and mg.
I run my skimmer 24/7 plus a refugium, so my po4 is low ~ .1

 

[exnisstech]

Other than more salt I don't find maintenance cost much different between small and large tanks. I've had tanks from 8g to 330g with some in between. Keep things simple and it can be easy and affordable. I do weekly 25g water changes on my large tank because it's heavily stocked and I feed a lot.
I moved from a 36x22x22" tank full of SPS to a 48x22x22" and am running it the same as previously. I did random 2-4g WCs not even on a schedule. I did WC mostly to remove detritus. Even an SPS tank can be simple if you want. I ran this one for 3 year. The first 2 years I manually dosed and had a roller. No skimmer, reactors or anything. The last year I put AFR on a doser and added a skimmer with an outside airline to get a pH bump. I didn't empty or clean the skimmer.
People get caught up in gear and testing which is fine if that works for them but IMO most isn't needed. I only test N, P, and alk with calcium every few months. I've run tanks with nothing but light and flow with no filtration. Simple for the win. Add cool stuff later if you want or feel the need.
As far as stocking just take it slow as time and funds permit. No need to be in a rush. Too much too fast ussually doesn't end well or there are regrets in stocking choices.

The simple SPS tank I mentioned above.

Shorty after starting

And before I had to break it down and move after 3 years

PS l like larger tanks personally because I like the fish I can keep in them. I always struggle with nuisance algae in smaller tanks that I can't keep a tang or two in.

 

[kevgib67]

As mentioned above you can make any tank as difficult or easy as you want.

 

[mfinn]

• IM EXT 100 Gallon (47.3" Length - It's cheaper than the 50)
• FijiCube 76 Gallon Ext (47.24" Length)
• Waterbox Marine X 110.4 - 79 Gallon (47.2" Length)

Before you make the final choice, make sure you can get the tank in a reasonable amount of time.

I have seen a thread or two complaining on how long it takes to get a Waterbox tank.
Not sure if they were stock tanks, or special order, but I would check first.

 

[NYCBOB]

Innovative Marine will take 3-4 months.