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.
Second tank downsizing
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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!
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!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!
mmorrison55
Valuable Member
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.
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.
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