What's the ideal Tank Size?

[Custom05Taco]

Just wanted to know what MR thinks is the perfect size tank. A tank that you can enjoy and don't have a crazy amount of maintenance. Where its more of a job then a hobby. A good balanced tank.

 

[jaa1456]

That all depends on what you consider a lot of Maintenance and how your system is set up. I have seen automated 500 gallon tanks that take less time to maintain than a 125 does. But I would love to have a 500, but it might be a fowlr if I ever get the chance.

 

[Custom05Taco]

I guess I should of said on a budget. I would love to have an automated 500 gal tank too but that has to be expensive to upkeep

 

[nanoreefer22]

Without knowing the budget, it's hard to make a recommendation.

If you have a 1k budget, I think you could do a pretty nice 40g with sump.

Tank & Stand used - $100
Lights - $200
Skimmer - $150
LR & LS - $100
Sump - $50
Return - $50
Plumbing - $30

That brings you to $680 and then you use the rest for stocking. It's a really simple set up, but it's pretty much what I've got now and it works great for me.

 

[jackson6745]

120gal. Big enough to looks as good as large reefs, small enough that you don't spend your weekends maintaining it.

 

[tosiek]

I've always liked 20g-60g cubes and the 40 breeder. Its the perfect balance between havign a good amount of coral/rock able to replicate the look of a larger reef but small enough where you take the time to look at zoa's, shrimp, smaller things in the tank. And it fits in where your not going broke on equipment or maintenance.

Im a big fan of the smaller things, its really something when your looking at a tank and then out of nowhere notice a porcelain crab under a coral filtering the water or notice you have a barnacle in the middle of your montipora.

 

[Custom05Taco]

120gal. Big enough to looks as good as large reefs, small enough that you don't spend your weekends maintaining it.

Thank you that's really what I'm trying to get. I dont think I was clear enough. This is not a budget discussion just wanted to get opinions. I just mentioned the budget to keep it realistic for most people are on some kind of budget.

 

[piranhapat]

90 gallon is perfect size not big and not small. Perfect hobby tank....

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

It's based on many variables:

Situation
Space available
Goals for the tank (DESIRED FISH then SPS, LPS, SOFTIES then Equipment such as wanting LEDs over T5 or MH as well as custom stand/retail market then _______)

My goal for next year?

In wall
Marineland DD 200 or Custom Miracles w/External Coast to Coast tied into 50/75g fuge + 20g CustomKing Frag Tank + External Skimmer + APEX + multiple mp40s
LED setup which will probably be 4xMaxspect Mazzara P-series and eBay LED for the frag tank.

Now toss in fish + corals, LR + LS, Heaters, RODI, Reactors, Pumps, dosing kit, ATO, etc.

I believe my setup is going to cost me close to 5-6k if not much more!

 

[House of Laughter]

the differences between 90 and 120g is pretty dramatic with fish type and size. You have more latitude with a 120.

I agree with Jackson - 120 is ideal to keep a good species mixed reef.

A 90g initial buy costs are less, but generally speaking the upkeep, maintenance and electric costs are generally the same.

HTH,

House

 

[Custom05Taco]

I've always liked 20g-60g cubes and the 40 breeder. Its the perfect balance between havign a good amount of coral/rock able to replicate the look of a larger reef but small enough where you take the time to look at zoa's, shrimp, smaller things in the tank. And it fits in where your not going broke on equipment or maintenance.

Im a big fan of the smaller things, its really something when your looking at a tank and then out of nowhere notice a porcelain crab under a coral filtering the water or notice you have a barnacle in the middle of your montipora.

That's a really good point. When I had my 150 set up I missed all the little things that I notice in my nano now.

 

[Gabe]

I just moved into a 75 g. And I'm happy, fish and coral seem happy (they told me . Not too much work and it looks like a big tank. Even tho it isn't.

 

[44santababy]

love my 120 TALL. Easy to maintain and able to hold a good majority of livestock out-there...this is my perfect size tank

 

[beerfish]

Just wanted to know what MR thinks is the perfect size tank.

This:

http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/exhibits-and-galleries/ocean-voyager.aspx

At 6.3m Gallons, I think it's perfect.

 

[evoIX_Reefer]

Even better....this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Barrier_Reef

 

[piranhapat]

The difference from 90 to 120 for fish in my opinion is about same. Since fish need length. Both are 4ft in length were 120 has 6 inch more in width. In my opinion you still can't keep big fish in both tanks. The big Fish should start no smaller 180 gallon...... My 2cents".....

 

[Custom05Taco]

This:

http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/exhibits-and-galleries/ocean-voyager.aspx

At 6.3m Gallons, I think it's perfect.

I'd like a whale shark in my living room. That tank is amazing that's on my bucket list. I just don't know what else I would do in Georgia to get the wife to go. It would probably cost me another Louis Vuitton bag to talk her into it.

 

[sjsoto]

If space is not an issue the perfect size is 120, if you wanna go smaller go 50breeder. I prefer the 50 even though is a foot less at 36''. With the 50 you can still house 3 to 4 large species with adequate filtration and they'll do just fine. My perfect size is the 50 breeder for its asthetically looks.

 

[jawwad2004]

Would def agree with Jackson on the 120g (standard 120 48*24*25). The 24" width does wonders.

 

[fishman7789]

i 2nd the 120 movement. recently went from a 72 to a 120 and what a world of difference it is. i could not be happier, and maintenance is about the same. if you have the space and cash definitely go 120