Trying decide how to jump

[mark Prieto]

hi,
I would love some advice on how to get started , I am going to retire soon so I will have time to devote to a tank, I am wondering if I should start with a small tank or go all in and get a 200gal + tank? I just had a new house built and had a room in my finished basement for filters and all assorted stuff need for a tank , the filter room is 8’x8’ has sink with running water , a floor drain ,and 4 - 20 amp circuits for all electric needs , I have also run a direct fan outside to get rid of any excess humidity . The floor is tiled and walls a tiled to deal with any water . Now I am not sure to go big to start or start small? Any suggestions are most welcome I am looking at a mixed tank with LPS & SPS corals with and fish . I am leaning toward a bare bottom so sand is not blown around and lots of rock for corals and a refugium. So for the long post but would like one advice from all the nice people here, thanks Mark

 

[GThompson]

IMO after the initial cost , bigger is better. You have more time to correct issues with the added volume a larger tank offers. Plus there is a lot more to look at in a larger tank after it’s stocked. Good luck with your build

 

[domdeutz]

Hey - If you are sure you want to be serious with the hobby I definitely would go with as bis as possible.

In case you are not sure if you will enjoy the hobby inn the long run start with a decent sized tank just to checkout if you got addicted after a while - like we all did [emoji23]

Dominique

 

[Tuffyyyyy]

I get the idea of going large, but I wouldn’t go bananas with your first tank. This hobby is a large investment up front regardless of tank size, but going 200+ gallons for your first tank seems like it could be troublesome.

Maybe start with a 40 breeder or 75-80 gallon to make sure you like the hobby, any tank in those sizes will be easy to repurpose later on if you decide to upgrade.

 

[Westside Guy]

Perhaps you should consider tanks like the Red Sea 425 or 525? The 425 is 47 inches wide & 88 gallons in the DT and the 525 is 59 inches wide & 108 gallons in the DT and either one will present well in your finished basement. It sounds like you have the space so I would lean towards the 525. Both models have a heavy duty levelable plywood cabinet and if you select their white cabinet it will really "pop" the room with its beauty. If you want to make your life easy go with their deluxe models which come with the new RS lighting system.

https://www.redseafish.com/aquarium-systems/reefer/#DELUXE

 

[Matt Carden]

If you decide to go with the large tank, you can always cheap out on powerheads, pumps, lights, etc. Which can be repurposed once you know you want to stick with it and decide to buy the top of the line.

 

[JoshH]

Hey Mark,

First of all, welcome to the wonderful world of reef keeping and R2R!!!

I would say before you purchase anything, take a good hard look at what your goals are. More specifically stocking wise. Your first tank atleast IMO should be a decent size to help mitigate those first timer boo boos (And you will have them, we all have). But not sooo big that right off the bat the hobby seems like one big chore, especially since you're stepping into retirement (Congrats to you for making it into retirement!).

Taking a look at all the livestock especially fish wise goals you have can have a huge influence on an appropriate tank for you. If you're unsure about what fish you would like to have than I might suggest as above a Red Sea Reefer 525 would be an excellent tank to get started with. If you know you're going to want some larger fish (Tangs etc) it might make more sense to step into something with a 6' length. Now in saying that, a 6 footer does not have to be 200+ Gallons or even close to it. Red Sea and waterbox both offer 6' models that sit around the 160ish mark. This size will give you the most flexibility when it comes to livestock choices and will most likely last you a long time without the need to upgrade.

You could also go the custom route and get a 6 footer with even less volume but might be a bit expensive for your first go around.

I started out with a 30 Gallon myself and the itch to upgrade came pretty quick. I'm now looking at a 125ish Gallons 5' tank that while still in the setup phase. I'm very happy with and it will last me quite some time as well. Though I have no real interest in dealing with a 200+ gallon tank it still gives me some flexibility.

If you are looking in around the 75-150 gallon mark I will also throw Innovative Marine into the mix for manufacturers to have a good look at. To my knowledge they do not have a 6' model but I could be wrong. They do have some really neat larger models one being 4' L x 3' Wide(Deep).

 

[EmdeReef]

Welcome to R2R!

Great advice above.

I would start by considering how much time you can invest to properly maintain a tank. While 200-300g will give you more of a buffer in case of an equipment failure or power outages, it’s A LOT of work and can quickly go downhill without proper maintenance.

Second would be what kind of fish and coral you want to keep, and third (because we always find money for this hobby lol) is money. Keep in mind that a large tank investment doesn’t end with upfront costs of equipment. Means more salt, more RODI, electricity, 2 part, gfo, carbon etc etc.

 

[Captain Quint]

Great thread and congrats on the upcoming retirement.

You've got a lot of good info from all responses. And the repurposing idea is good. I've personally used a 75g DT I had and ultimately set it up as a sump/fuge for a 300g I ended up doing. So many good ways to have so much fun. :)

Welcome aboard as well.

 

[lapin]

Howdy
Ipinion;
1) If you really are serious and have some cash get the tank you want. 220 or whatever. Sounds like you already have it figured out and just need a push over the cliff.

2 ) If you are undecided: Get yourself a used tank of about 90 to 125 gallons. Dont pay a lot. Fresh water tank is fine. If it does not come with a sump you can always get a used 55 tank and build your own and get an overflow for it. If you need to buy equipment for it, get things that can moved to the big boy tank. If you find it is too much work or not your thing you can sell it and recoup some cash.

 

[mark Prieto]

Thank you so much for you time and advice I will take this to heart regards , mark

Hey Mark,

First of all, welcome to the wonderful world of reef keeping and R2R!!!

I would say before you purchase anything, take a good hard look at what your goals are. More specifically stocking wise. Your first tank atleast IMO should be a decent size to help mitigate those first timer boo boos (And you will have them, we all have). But not sooo big that right off the bat the hobby seems like one big chore, especially since you're stepping into retirement (Congrats to you for making it into retirement!).

Taking a look at all the livestock especially fish wise goals you have can have a huge influence on an appropriate tank for you. If you're unsure about what fish you would like to have than I might suggest as above a Red Sea Reefer 525 would be an excellent tank to get started with. If you know you're going to want some larger fish (Tangs etc) it might make more sense to step into something with a 6' length. Now in saying that, a 6 footer does not have to be 200+ Gallons or even close to it. Red Sea and waterbox both offer 6' models that sit around the 160ish mark. This size will give you the most flexibility when it comes to livestock choices and will most likely last you a long time without the need to upgrade.

You could also go the custom route and get a 6 footer with even less volume but might be a bit expensive for your first go around.

I started out with a 30 Gallon myself and the itch to upgrade came pretty quick. I'm now looking at a 125ish Gallons 5' tank that while still in the setup phase. I'm very happy with and it will last me quite some time as well. Though I have no real interest in dealing with a 200+ gallon tank it still gives me some flexibility.

If you are looking in around the 75-150 gallon mark I will also throw Innovative Marine into the mix for manufacturers to have a good look at. To my knowledge they do not have a 6' model but I could be wrong. They do have some really neat larger models one being 4' L x 3' Wide(Deep).

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Welcome to the group. Whatever you decide you can do a build thread to watch your progress is always nice.

 

[mark Prieto]

Welcome to the group. Whatever you decide you can do a build thread to watch your progress is always nice.

Hi ,
Thank you and I will and have started taking pictures of my progress

 

[W1ngz]

I'd second the idea of looking used to start. You can get something of a decent size like a 75, 90 or even a 125 if you prefer the 6' length. People dump them all the time on local groups and classifieds when they find that it's more technical then they were prepared for to really be successful. Save the upfront costs now, and you can learn what you do and don't like without being stuck with larger more expensive gear that might be harder to find a buyer for later if you find it's not for you.

It's fine to go inexpensive, but don't go cheap. Like everything, there's a reason the cheap stuff is cheap. One of the first lessons I learned in reefing.

 

[Qasimja]

you could always start with a 55g then upgrade if you decide its something your really into

 

[99Problems]

Welcome. It really depends on your experience level and you're wallet level. I would not dive headfirst into lps & sps. People make it look easy and it is not. It can be done if you go slow though and think everything through.

If its something you've always wanted and you're willing to make it work then go for it. I'm a big tank person so if you're looking to get pushed off the cliff I'm your guy. There's nothing like the wow factor of walking into the room with a big tank.