I am getting ready to set up my 100 gal DT but I started my 30 gal QT first. The larger the tank, the easier to maintain quality because tiny changes don't wreck havoc on the water like a small tank would does. Think of it this way... (though this may not be exactly right, it makes sense to me and helped us decide what size DT we wanted). If you have a tank that has a million ounces of water in it, and something raises one part per million that means one ounce has that effect in it. That means there is 999,999 ounces that doesn't, so it much more easily dilutes that change. If you only have a hundred ounces of water in it and something raises one part per million, that means one ounce has that effect on it, but now there is only 99 ounces to dilute the change. Much more drastic change for you with the same amount of rise. I hope that made sense. I know the math doesn't work out exactly, but I hope it helps to explain the difference in size and the effort to make it maintain an environmental balance.
Our QT had a rough time getting started. It will not be anything like balanceing and cycling the DT. It took 7+ weeks to cycle our QT, and I expect a similar timeframe for my DT (because we are seriously considering cycling with LS and LR (as opposed to shrimp) and so we are setting everything up now.
I know the idea of a large tank (over 55 gal) is a little daunting, but with SW it really is much easier to set up and run a larger tank. The little ones may look simple, but the maintainence is pure unadulterated headache for those less experienced and less
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dedicated. You must be nearly OCD about testing the water (as compared to a large tank) with the smaller (nano) tanks. But you also must balance this with your comfort level and amount you want to spend.
THerefore, all in all (this may have been said already) buy the largest tank you can afford that you have space for.
Also, in my personal research I have found multiple comments here and elsewhere that state the shape of the tank is important for gas exchange. The longer (as opposed to taller) tanks have better surface area for gas exchange (although people have very sucessful with tall tanks as well).
Best of luck in your new adventure. This group of people are very knowledgeable and helpful. They also are willing to give you unbiased advice, so keep an open mind as you read the comments and replies to your messages and you will get helpful advice from vast amounts of experience.
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