Bigger tanks better for beginners, but can you have too big?

[nointernet]

Hi,
I'm just getting started out with setting up a tank, doing a lot of reading and researching. I know everyone says the bigger, the better for beginners and saltwater tanks. But does it get harder if you go too big? I was thinking of doing 100 gallon tank. Is that going to be too big for beginner?
Thanks for the advice.

 

[lexluethar]

I think that would be perfect. The only issue with a larger tank is the cost - but if you can affod a 100 gallon get a 100 gallon. The issue is stability, and larger tanks are more stable (obviously b/c more water volume) so if you mess up a water change, or overdose something it isn't a huge deal because it takes a lot larger messup to actually effect the tank.
Take this with a grain of salt though, because you shouldn't sacrifice equipment quality / amount of LR for a larger tank. Just because i can afford a 150 gallon tank, doesn't mean i should get it, but i realize that i could only progbably put 50 lbs of LR in it because i'm poor. And because i could only afford water changes once a month because of the cost. Also realize that the larger the tank does also mean more time is spent on husbandry, water changes, cleaning the walls, etc will be more time consuming.
Larger tank = more stability, but it also means more money and time.

 

[clowntang]

my first salt water tank was a 125 AGA, i wouldn't say it is any harder then a smaller or larger tank, just more costly, the bigger the tank the more the cost of equipment is going to cost ie. the filter/sump, lights, heater, skimmer, pumps, rock, ect. I would advise to any new hobbist to get a idea of what they are wanting to have in a tank long term and decide on a size from there. yes bigger maybe better due to the amount of items u can have inside of it, but for a bigger i think a huge tank would lead them to try to fill it up to fast also. I had several trials and errors when i first started into the hobby with my 125. but i slowly learned (with lfs's help). and got better at it. Most of all when picking a tank i suggest looking or getting a idea of where u want to put it and how much room u have for it that u will not need again soon. Once u have a tank setup and running, moving it is not such a good idea, and moving it if it is a large tank is difficult when empty little loan setup and running. lol well just a few thoughts for you

 

[acrylic51]

I would buy as big as your wallet can afford IMO.....But with that statement comes the bigger you go the more costly the equipment and quantity increases as well.....The theory or idea about bigger tanks being easier for beginners is because the bigger the water volume the more room for error without being a major issue.

 

[nointernet]

thanks for all the feedback. the main reason, i'm doing a larger tank is because the residents i want in the tank require a big tank. the fish i really want is porc puffer (which i know needs). other fish i'm considering:
1 Comet(marine betta)
2 clown (ocellaris)
1 - 2 cardinal (banggai)
1 hawkfish (longnose probably)
1 dottyback (springer)
1 wrasse (bird or sunset)
1 angel (maybe)
I really would like a set of schooling fish
chromis (blue or green)
gobies (neon)
i know not to add these all in right away.
my plan is fowlr.
So, since I've chosen my fish, I'm now on to the equipment. It seems that the 100 gallon tank for some of these fish (esp puffer).
Now, I need to start researching skimmers, sumps, filtration, etc. to figure out the total costs.
Thanks again

 

[rotarygeek]

i dont know about bigger is better really. as long as you have a good handle on what your doing (read" lots of research before hand) then you should be fine with a smaller size. my first take is a 30 gallon and is moving along great. admittingly i stated out all wrong, but i read up on it and changed what i was doing wrong. and the patience thing is easy to do if you just dont have the money to do anything. so just do lots of reasearch and have patience and you should be good to go.

 

[curve]

My first saltwater was and still is a 150. Buy big at first if you can afford and then you won't have to worry about being one of the guys you see upgrading for a long time.

 

[luvmybizz]

Wat everyone is saying is wat i have always heard!Now i just wish i had the money to set up a 125!

 

[florida joe]

I have a 110g never had a tank under 90g so I am a fan of “go big” but there is something to consider IMO if going with a smaller size tank mean you are financially able to get the best equipment available opposed to middle of the road for a larger size then I say go smaller

 

[stdreb27]

I don't know if we are the right people to give you objective advise on the size of a fish tank. It is classic fox guarding the hen house.
But go bigger, if you know you are ready to make the plunge. And this isn't a fad. It will be worth it. I'm not a huge fan of those mean old bird wrasses. You might see if you can't decide on a nicer one. It is kind of 50/50 with em.

 

[iluvswfish]

SW fish get alot larger than you realize and need alot of space plus water volume for the bioload so bigger is better. As for your list, some of these fish are not compatible. Puffers, hawkfish, and the wrasse will possibly eat or harass the clowns, cardinal, gobies, and chromis. The comet is in the grouper family and is not aggressive but will eat anything that fits in it's mouth. A friend of mine had one eat a pair of onyx clowns.
the fish i really want is porc puffer (which i know needs). other fish i'm considering:
1 Comet(marine betta)
2 clown (ocellaris)
1 - 2 cardinal (banggai)
1 hawkfish (longnose probably)
1 dottyback (springer)
1 wrasse (bird or sunset)
1 angel (maybe)
I really would like a set of schooling fish
chromis (blue or green)
gobies (neon)