We all started somewhere in this hobby and have always heard some variation of getting the biggest tank you can have. Which to be frank, a lot of our tanks are place holder's (that last years) until we have the time, space and finances to upgrade to a larger tank. One of the main reason's people strive for a large size is for more stable water parameters - which is by far is no doubt easier to achieve with more water volume. However, we are all human and have our personal and professional lives and sometimes cannot make our reef a priority. This has me thinking of the following situation below, and perhaps what I would realistically prefer.
A single Achilles tang in a 120G with superb stable water quality OR a school of Achilles tangs in a 800G with relatively good water - however lacks stability and has various minor outbreaks a few times a year.
An SPS dominant system - 40G with immaculate water quality OR an SPS dominant system- 200G with Alk and PH constantly shifting causing some cases of STN/RTN but majority of corals still alive (tips and edges are white)
A mixed reef - 60G that can grow almost any coral you put in - (LPS, SPS, Sofites) OR - 1000G system that only seems to keep Zoa's alive.
In all scenarios, I`m not suggesting that the reefer is not trying to find a solution for their system's problem(s) but they are having a difficult time and cannot dedicate more time/money to truly reach a near perfect system.
A single Achilles tang in a 120G with superb stable water quality OR a school of Achilles tangs in a 800G with relatively good water - however lacks stability and has various minor outbreaks a few times a year.
An SPS dominant system - 40G with immaculate water quality OR an SPS dominant system- 200G with Alk and PH constantly shifting causing some cases of STN/RTN but majority of corals still alive (tips and edges are white)
A mixed reef - 60G that can grow almost any coral you put in - (LPS, SPS, Sofites) OR - 1000G system that only seems to keep Zoa's alive.
In all scenarios, I`m not suggesting that the reefer is not trying to find a solution for their system's problem(s) but they are having a difficult time and cannot dedicate more time/money to truly reach a near perfect system.