First tank suggestions

[vetteguy53081]

I have never had any sort of aquarium at all. However, I really want around a 75 gallon with fish and coral. Is this a bad idea? Should I start with something smaller? I don't want to get in over my head but also don't want to spend a lot on something smaller and then want to upgrade. Any suggestions?

Let your budget help you decide. 75 g is a great size tank. Speaking of size, for a little more money, and for the same 48" length, you can go with a 90 gallon. If you want a little more depth, you can also go with a 120 gallon.
IMO, bigger is better but also gives you more room for fish and coral and longer intervals for maintenance- something to consider.

 

[Pudgeshambley]

First off.. Welcome to the Dark Side...

Now, let me share some personal experience. I have had Fw tanks for most of the last 35 years. When I decided to go with SW I had already spent many months reading, watching videos and learning all I could. I converted my 55g FW tank to SW. I used most of the same equipment on this tank as I had when it was FW so very little expense there initially. New rock, substrate and lights were all I needed.

Later I got a great deal on a used 180G tank. This setup became a Fish only setup as I wanted fish that I knew would not be suitable for a 55g mixed reef.

Later, after several months of success with the 55 and 180, I decided I wanted a nano tank so I pulled the trigger on a 32g Biocube. This tank has been such a major pain in the umm posterior. I am honestly about ready to tear it down and sell it. The enjoyment from it is not outweighed by the extra attention it needs to keep it stable. You might think that 20 gallons difference is minor, but in this case I can say that YES it is!!

The general consensus here on your question is "Bigger is better" I fully concur. Yes, it costs more to set up, but the stability of a larger system will, in the long run, give you the confidence to expand your envelope. If you get a smaller tank, and spend all of your time battling stability issues, you will very likely become discouraged and quit the hobby.

This hobby is challenging in its way, but it is also quite simple as well. As an absolute beginner of any aquarium system, my advice is to not add to your challenges by trying to start with what is inherently an unstable system right out of the box.

Thank you

 

[Fish Think Pink]

I have never had any sort of aquarium at all. However, I really want around a 75 gallon with fish and coral. Is this a bad idea? Should I start with something smaller? I don't want to get in over my head but also don't want to spend a lot on something smaller and then want to upgrade. Any suggestions?

Welcome! Glad you joined.

+1 vote sounds like great plan for size

Have you considered starting your build thread? I found its a great place to document my tank's evolution for myself. I wish I had started while still in planning stages, like you sound like you are at right now. Instead, I started tank first then joined, so I'm still finding myself going back collecting pictures & updating historically as well as current state. Once you create your first post in your thread and link it to your account, they will give you build badge (look left, under my ID)

This is a good reference book type online article I still review (#31 post also mentioned):
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.84/

 

[Thetankdoctor]

Go big size matters .... I have a 1000g tank now and when I move to Florida in a few years I already have plans for a 15000g tank.
GO BIG....;)