Good first tank size

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by blunce, Jul 14, 2011.

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  1. rocketmandb

    rocketmandb Ocellaris Clown

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    I agree with everything insane said, with one exception and that is on the tank size.

    I am a huge fan of, and highly recommend a standard 120.

    Reasons:

    - It is a "big" tank as far as volume goes, but has a number of "small" tank advantages that I will outline below.

    - It is 24" wide. I am a huge fan of wider tanks, especially for a reef. You can make cooler aquascapes, give more depth of viewing, etc. I will never set up a large reef tank again that is less than 24" unless there is an insurmountable space issue. Conversely I will strive for the widest tanks possible. My current are 30 and I wish they could be 36. Another big advantage of a wider tank is that the overflows do not impact you as much as they do on an 18" or slimmer tank.

    - A 120 is 4' long, meaning that less expensive lighting options are available.

    - A 120 is about the biggest standard tank size for which you can do a water change with a single 35g Rubbermaid trash can. Don't underestimate the value of this. Filling two for a water change is a pain.

    If you can at all afford it, I think a 120 is the perfect sized "large" tank you can get.
     
    rocketmandb, Jul 15, 2011
    rocketmandb, Jul 15, 2011
    #11

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  2. BoBo65

    BoBo65 Torch Coral

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    +1^ ;D coming from the guy with the nicest 2 175g tanks ever!!! haha
     
    BoBo65, Jul 15, 2011
    BoBo65, Jul 15, 2011
    #12
  3. insanespain

    insanespain Ocellaris Clown

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    My gf has a 120 and I agree it is a sweet size. The depth is nice.

    Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
     
    insanespain, Jul 15, 2011
    insanespain, Jul 15, 2011
    #13
  4. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

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    iv got a 20, 55, and 75 and defitaly say that the bigger the better but only as long as you can afford it.
     
    rc_mcwaters3, Jul 15, 2011
    rc_mcwaters3, Jul 15, 2011
    #14
  5. BoBo65

    BoBo65 Torch Coral

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    I can't wait till I can upgrade my 55 to a 75 :p I need the extra depth
     
    BoBo65, Jul 15, 2011
    BoBo65, Jul 15, 2011
    #15
  6. insanespain

    insanespain Ocellaris Clown

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    At that point, just go with a 90. Wouldn't be much cost difference

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    insanespain, Jul 15, 2011
    insanespain, Jul 15, 2011
    #16

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  7. BoBo65

    BoBo65 Torch Coral

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    Im not to sure I would want that extra height but then again hahaha I say that now!!! I think Id really have to c a side by side comparison before I bought one over the other
     
    BoBo65, Jul 15, 2011
    BoBo65, Jul 15, 2011
    #17
  8. rc_mcwaters3

    rc_mcwaters3 Clown Trigger

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    got the 75 gallon tank for a steal and just built the stand around it LOL besides once I have had all the fun I can have on this one im going to a 220+ gallon tank ;D
     
    rc_mcwaters3, Jul 15, 2011
    rc_mcwaters3, Jul 15, 2011
    #18
  9. BoBo65

    BoBo65 Torch Coral

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    lol well when your done with your 75 toss it my way and ill help you with all the work transferring to the 220 :D
     
    BoBo65, Jul 15, 2011
    BoBo65, Jul 15, 2011
    #19
  10. elwolfe

    elwolfe Coral Banded Shrimp

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    +1 That's what I was thinking too.
     
    elwolfe, Jul 15, 2011
    elwolfe, Jul 15, 2011
    #20
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