First tank decision help

[Tinklez]

Hi everyone
I’ve been thinking about getting a saltwater tank for multiple years, and I finally thinking about jumping into this hobby. I’ve never had a salt water taken in the past, many years ago I had a freshwater take for a few years, which was fun. I’m looking to get a first tank. I would love advice on which tank I should get. Ideally, I’d like my first tank to be semi feature proof, where it should last me a few years, but also one that is relatively beginner, friendly, and not to have a significant high maintenance.

I’ve narrowed it down to IM AIO 25L vs 40L vs the 50 gallon lagoon.

Of these three, which do you think I should get? I have a space available that could hold any of those sizes. All three of those are within my budget, primarily thinking of what would be best for a first saltwater tank to have fish and reef.

Thank you!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

The general rule of thumb is that bigger is usually better. The 50g is a perfect size for a starter tank. Gives you plenty of room for livestock, coral, and room for error. In smaller tanks, it's much easier to overcorrect and issue vs a larger tank. I would definitely recommend reading this thread as well!

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is nowhere near simple. This task is going to take patience, a...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[G&B Reefing]

Get the larger tank. I got a smaller one to start and after a yr was itching for a bigger one…

 

[kevgib67]

Go big or go home, do the 50! Welcome to R2R, glad you are here!

 

[Kooma]

I would also say go 50-60. I started small and it wasn’t long before I wanted more.

With that said, I have a rimless 29 gallon biocube that I enjoy, maintenance is simple, it’s cheaper to run and light and has been a very successful tank for me with mostly sps and a mixed reef.

Tank doesn’t really matter as much, just know the bigger it is the more it costs to do everything. Dosing, salt, heating it, lights rock etc.

Start with rock and fish, don’t get into corals for the first few months as you learn to stabilize the tank. Start and proceed slowly. Don’t panic and make sudden changes.

Good luck.

 

[Fish Fan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef! Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[EastonsReef]

Go with the 50 lagoon. You'll be glad you did it and will skip issues that reefers have with smaller tanks.

 

[MC Blowfish]

I'm going to echo the others and say go for the 50.

 

[Tinklez]

Thanks for all the replies, you guys are awesome! Super excited to join the community.

Do you think a 50 gallon tank for an AIO is “too big”? I was reading online that that’s on the borderline of needing a sump, but I think for my first tank I’d rather not get a sump to one limit the amount of cost I’ll need to spend, but also not overwhelm me with too much stuff at first.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Is this the one you have your eye one? It's a sweet tank, for sure!

 

[Tinklez]

That’s the one

 

[Tinklez]

Do you think 50 gallons is too big for AIO?

 

[JumboShrimp]

Personally, I think you'll be fine.

 

[Dj City]

That's a good tank to start with.
For real though,
It's a good tank period!

I'm glad your researching and asking questions before jumping out there.

 

[Tinklez]

Thank you! Yeah it’s a little on the pricey side, but I think it’ll be a lot more future proof that way, and will likely save me money in the long run. I’ve been thinking of getting a saltwater tank off and on for almost 10 years…figured there’s no time like the present to start!

 

[BonnieB]

Get the larger tank. I got a smaller one to start and after a yr was itching for a bigger one…

I got a smaller one to start and after a year I have a 100g & a 70g

 

[Dj City]

As far as controllers go...
I would get the launch over the start.
Hydros launch will take you way farther for not a lot more money.
You can always build from there as your needs increase.

Oh...
Before I forget, AutoAqua of another really good ATO system.
I've used them as well with great success.
But if you go with a controller, that entire task can be automated.
You can automatically have your RO/DI fill your ATO reservoir when it runs low, and have your ATO reservoir auto topping off your reef.