Choosing Tank Size

[katiev]

There's a 50g (like the footprint for a 30 gallon, only wider) and a 60g (footprint follows 55g, only taller) at my LFS; same price for tank/stand/hood combo. Here's what I'm thinking: if I were to go with the 60g, I'd probably do a FOWLR -- otherwise, I'd have to get really awesome lighting or only have low-light corals (would like to keep a lot of the upper level open for swimmin' if I did go with a longer/taller tank, because it's so narrow). With the 50g, I'd transfer all my stock from my 10g and do a reef.
I would like to have these fish:
Yellow Watchman (Already have.)
Black Occ. Clown (Already have.)
Foxface
Valentini puffer
Pygmy Angel (Leaning towards Eibli.)
Questions:
1. Would my fish list be acceptable for both tanks?
2. Which tank would you consider to be a better value, in terms of usage (considering they're the same price)?
3. I'd like to hear some lighting ideas for both tanks, as well.
This will be my big step out of nano world, and I want to do it right. Ideally, I'd like to use my 10g as a refugium, or if possible, a sump. I appreciate any input.

 

[rbaldino]

I've seen the 50 you're talking about and I really like it. May in fact be my next tank. I don't really like tall tanks, and the width (front to back) of that 50 gives you a chance to do some really interesting things with the rockscape, certainly more interesting than the fairly standard vertical wall of rocks you see in most 55 gallon tanks. I think it would make for a really cool tank.
The only fish that probably wouldn't work in either tank is the foxface. The rest seem like good choices, and you'd probably have room for a nice small school of chromis. Lighting wise, I'd try and go with something incorporating metal halide for both tanks, mostly because of the depth of the 60 and the width of the 50. If you don't really want to spend that kind of money, T-5s or PCs will probably work fine if you limit yourself to soft corals and pay close attention to where you place things.
One other thing... If you want to use your 10 gallon as a sump, it would probably be best to order either of those tanks as a reef-ready setup, but that will no doubt increase the price. If you're willing to pay for it, that's the way to go.
Good luck.

 

[katiev]

Thanks for the input. I'm leaning toward the 50, for the same reasons you gave.
I've been told by a few others that metal halides are the way to go; any reccomendations for brands/intensity/wattage? In my 10 gallon, I have mushrooms, frogspawn, xenia, zoos, chalices, and an unidentified coral that my mom passed off to me because it wasn't in the best health (it's looking great now) -- the best way I can describe it is yellow-ish montipora, covered with small green heads like the ends of goniopora. I would like to have ricordea, candy canes, open brains, fox, and plate corals, and clams.
As far a fish, I would obviously add the clown and watchman first since they're already in the 10 gallon. I'd like to add the puffer, and then the angel. Since the foxface might be a 'no,' would a fairy wrasse or anthias be an acceptable substitute?

 

[katiev]

Originally Posted by rbaldino
One other thing... If you want to use your 10 gallon as a sump, it would probably be best to order either of those tanks as a reef-ready setup, but that will no doubt increase the price. If you're willing to pay for it, that's the way to go.
Is this because a reef-ready set-up would come with an overflow, and the pre-made holes for the piping from the tank to the sump?
Obviously, my 10 gallon doesn't have any of this equipment, so I just want to make sure I understand. More questions regarding this kind of stuff will come when I actually get the tank.

 

[rbaldino]

Originally Posted by katiev
Is this because a reef-ready set-up would come with an overflow, and the pre-made holes for the piping from the tank to the sump?
Obviously, my 10 gallon doesn't have any of this equipment, so I just want to make sure I understand. More questions regarding this kind of stuff will come when I actually get the tank.
Yes, reef-ready tanks have overflow boxes and bulkheads/fittings for plumbing. You don't need to do anything to the 10 gallon, but in addition to the reef-ready display tank you'll need a cabinet with an opening in the top for the plumbing to go through, a return pump, and all the necessary plumbing. Vinyl tubing is the easiest to use. If you decide to buy a reef-ready tank, talk to the LFS and they'll set you up with everything you need. In my opinion, it's really worth it to go that route if you have the money to spend up front. BTW - if you to decide to use a sump, you might want to go with something bigger than the 10 gallon. I used to have a 50 and I used a 20 gallon long for my sump.

 

[rbaldino]

Originally Posted by katiev
Thanks for the input. I'm leaning toward the 50, for the same reasons you gave.
I've been told by a few others that metal halides are the way to go; any reccomendations for brands/intensity/wattage? In my 10 gallon, I have mushrooms, frogspawn, xenia, zoos, chalices, and an unidentified coral that my mom passed off to me because it wasn't in the best health (it's looking great now) -- the best way I can describe it is yellow-ish montipora, covered with small green heads like the ends of goniopora. I would like to have ricordea, candy canes, open brains, fox, and plate corals, and clams.
As far a fish, I would obviously add the clown and watchman first since they're already in the 10 gallon. I'd like to add the puffer, and then the angel. Since the foxface might be a 'no,' would a fairy wrasse or anthias be an acceptable substitute?
As for lighting, any of the major name brands will probably be fine. I'd try to get something that combines halides with PCs and lunar lights. As for fish, I don't know much about wrasses - just not a big fan, I guess - but anthias like to be in groups, and they have a reputation for being delicate. So unless you just want to add a school of anthias to the two fish you already have, I'd go with something else. And based on the corals you say you want, you'll probably have to leave any dwarf angels off your list, too.

 

[katiev]

Thanks for your help. I knew I'd have to be wary of the dwarf angel around my corals. I was going to give it a shot, but if some coral-munching started happening, I already have a good home for the angel to go to. I'm also aware that the valentini puffer might pick at corals some, too (inverts -- eh, that's ok with me...maybe he'll take care of those pesky blue legs for me). We'll just see how it goes. Perhaps I'll do this instead:
Yellow Watchman, Clown, Valentini Puffer. We'll see how things go after adding the puffer. If all goes well and everyone seems comfy and content, I'll add probably add a sixline wrasse or a fairy wrasse of some kind.
I've had mixed answers regarding the anthias. I know they're best kept in groups, but I've also been told that the smaller, hardier ones will be fine on their own. Ideally, I would like to have three bartlett anthias, but I know they wouldn't be happy in the 50 gallon.
One last question: Thanks for the lighting suggestions. Is there some kind of formula for choosing the appropriate amount of light for a tank? I know clams require high intensity lighting, for example, but I'm not sure what the ratio would be for intensity:gallons.

 

[rbaldino]

Originally Posted by katiev
Thanks for your help. I knew I'd have to be wary of the dwarf angel around my corals. I was going to give it a shot, but if some coral-munching started happening, I already have a good home for the angel to go to. I'm also aware that the valentini puffer might pick at corals some, too (inverts -- eh, that's ok with me...maybe he'll take care of those pesky blue legs for me). We'll just see how it goes. Perhaps I'll do this instead:
Yellow Watchman, Clown, Valentini Puffer. We'll see how things go after adding the puffer. If all goes well and everyone seems comfy and content, I'll add probably add a sixline wrasse or a fairy wrasse of some kind.
I've had mixed answers regarding the anthias. I know they're best kept in groups, but I've also been told that the smaller, hardier ones will be fine on their own. Ideally, I would like to have three bartlett anthias, but I know they wouldn't be happy in the 50 gallon.
One last question: Thanks for the lighting suggestions. Is there some kind of formula for choosing the appropriate amount of light for a tank? I know clams require high intensity lighting, for example, but I'm not sure what the ratio would be for intensity:gallons.
The basic rule of thumb for lighting is to aim for 4-5 watts per gallon, though you also have to take into consideration different color temps and tank depth. That's why I'd go with a MH/PC combo. For instance, Coralife makes a 36" fixture with 1 150w MH and 2 65w PC bulbs with lunar lights. I've seen it online for under $430. Just do a search for Coralife Aqualight Pro Lighting Fixtures.

 

[katiev]

Thanks!