Second tank downsizing

[ckirby]

I know the general agreement in this hobby is that bigger is better but has anyone else gotten a smaller tank for their second go? and what are your thoughts? Not two tanks at once but a true downsize. I went from a 30 gallon with sump, stand the whole thing and I personally found it very overwhelming. With my second tank I have gone down to a 15gal Aio and I have found the experience much more enjoyable thus far.

 

[Fish Fan]

I believe the whole "bigger is better" has been blown WAY out of proportion

Yes, in theory a large volume of water is more resistant to rapid changes in water chemistry. Fine.

But, the maintenance on a larger tank is so, so much more than a smaller tank. Just think about the time spent scraping algae off a 10 gallon vs. a 100 gallon.

If the chemistry of a 10 gallon tank gets out of whack, you can easily do a 5 gallon water change with nothing more than a 5 gallon bucket, a small heater, and a little circ pump. To do the same on a 100 gallon tank requires a dedicated water change station, with expensive pumps and plumbing.

I believe it is much easier for the average, beginner reefer to start with a small tank, I think 15 to 40 gallons is just about perfect

I hope this helps!

 

[ckirby]

I believe the whole "bigger is better" has been blown WAY out of proportion

Yes, in theory a large volume of water is more resistant to rapid changes in water chemistry. Fine.

But, the maintenance on a larger tank is so, so much more than a smaller tank. Just think about the time spent scraping algae off a 10 gallon vs. a 100 gallon.

If the chemistry of a 10 gallon tank gets out of whack, you can easily do a 5 gallon water change with nothing more than a 5 gallon bucket, a small heater, and a little circ pump. To do the same on a 100 gallon tank requires a dedicated water change station, with expensive pumps and plumbing.

I believe it is much easier for the average, beginner reefer to start with a small tank, I think 15 to 40 gallons is just about perfect

I hope this helps!

I hear you! That’s probably why those sizes are the most popular!

 

[mmorrison55]

A lot of people start bigger because a lot of people start small, then buy a 50 gallon only to want to upsize soon again, so before you know it, you’ve bought 4 or 5 tanks to get to your “dream” tank.

If you are satisfied downsizing and don’t feel the need to upsize, co sides yourself lucky. You can save a lot of money and maintenance time.

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Personally I've never agreed that bigger is better, not when it comes to aquariums anyway. You have to get the tank size suited for your life style. I find small tanks very easy to maintain, thats why I have 4 of them (10, 15, 32, 40 gallons)