System Size Considerations

[Mattrg02]

Hello,

I’m planning a tank upgrade soon. I thought I was set on the Red Sea reefer 250, with a 65g system capacity, but am now heavily leaning towards the 170, with a 43g system capacity.

I’m coming from a 17g tank, no sump, with maybe 14g of actual water. I’ve had nothing but problems with acroporas and feel it’s the small tank size magnifying the stability problems.

Will 43g total be enough to make a difference here? I’m considering using my current 17g tank to replace the 9g sump tank that comes with the Red Sea reefer for a small boost in water capacity.

My reason for the 170 over the 250, aside from price, is that I reall only want a few fish. Some anthias, my current clown, and maybe a goby or wrassse.

I’m focusing on acroporas and other sps. So, should this 34g (43g total) give me enough of an upgrade, or should I really bite the bullet and plan for the 250 instead?

Thanks!
Matt

 

[BoomCorals]

I’d go with the 250 if I were in your shoes. More volume = more stability.

 

[Rufus’ goofs]

Also, if you go bigger, you have more room for those beloved acros as well as increased stability to back them.

 

[Tautog]

Your tank size is important. Stability is key, and larger volumes of water give you room for error. Larger tanks give more room for corals. Your tank maturity is everything. Think big, with lots of room to grow. Think long-term. Buy quality equipment once. My best advice: KISS - keep it simple stupid.

 

[Mattrg02]

The thing about going bigger is that I’d need to buy new lights, powerhead, and heating. So, it’s not just the tank itself, it’s all the support equipment. For example:

The 250 glass thickness takes me out the the mp10 range and right into the mp40 range - $300 used
The 250 is 36in long vs 24in - Need another light - $350 plus hanging kit

So, does the extra grand (250 is $400 more) im looking at truly buy me THAT much more stability?

When I got my Porsche Boxster, I made up my mind that I needed the S model, only to find out that the base is plenty fast and the S is rediculously fast. S set me back another $10k though.

Edit: I know it seems like I’m asking to be convinced into the 170, but I’m not

I like to overconsider everything. So, if the 250, why not the 350?

 

[Tautog]

I run a 200 gal system, and the added water volume makes a big difference. I recently started dosing with a doser and purchased a ATO as well. Recently, my Tunze ATO, $200.00, failed, and added 2-3 gallons of R/O to the system. I use 5 gallon containers for R/O, and both 2-part solutions. I’ve added as much as 4 gallons with a air hose once with no ill effects.

 

[Mattrg02]

I run a 200 gal system, and the added water volume makes a big difference. I recently started dosing with a doser and purchased a ATO as well. Recently, my Tunze ATO, $200.00, failed, and added 2-3 gallons of R/O to the system. I use 5 gallon containers for R/O, and both 2-part solutions. I’ve added as much as 4 gallons with a air hose once with no ill effects.

On my agenda of things to do, for the future, is a reef controller to limit how long a dosing pump or ato can run.