How Small Can I Go?

[johnvic]

I am totally new to having an aquarium. I have the Conscious Aquarist as my first book and I read some of the posts on this forum. I live in a NYC apartment and space can be at a premium. I think the biggest I can fit width wise is 36". So I could get a tank that is 30 gal. to 45 gal. depending on the height. My plan is to have FOWLR.
Is that that range of tank sizes doable for a total beginner?

 

[gypsana]

Both those would be fine. The benefit of having a larger tank is that it is easier to maintain the levels, water temp, etc... Some people are successful being new at a nano tank. Starting a tank as a FOWLR is a good way for you to get your feet wet.

Have fun and watch out for the insane addiction that will hit you.

 

[jesse!]

Originally Posted by johnvic
http:///forum/post/2970055
I am totally new to having an aquarium. I have the Conscious Aquarist as my first book and I read some of the posts on this forum. I live in a NYC apartment and space can be at a premium. I think the biggest I can fit width wise is 36". So I could get a tank that is 30 gal. to 45 gal. depending on the height. My plan is to have FOWLR.
Is that that range of tank sizes doable for a total beginner?
Maybe if you wanted to still go bigger it would be easier on you, you could always buy a deeper tank so you can keep more gallons in a smaller space.

 

[saltwaterkitty]

Welcome to the boards. I too am fairly new here and have found the posts extremely helpful.
If you've been looking around, hopefully you know that there is an entire section devoted entirely to nano tanks ... it's great to see what can be done in a smaller tank. Good luck and remember to post a lot of pictures!!
Kath

 

[johnvic]

There is something that I like about nanos, in bonsai sort of way, but I think they may be too tough for a total beginner.

 

[woody189]

W/ 36" space you could go w/ a 46 gallon Bowfront. The front glass is curved so your tank looks deeper.
I too just started (1 yr ago) and this 46 gal tank is my first. I started w/ FOWLR, but just 2 days ago I purchased my first mushroom.
I've read a couple bad things about Bowfronts, but I'm happy w/ mine.
As for the the size, I think any of those sizes is good for your 1st tank.

 

[wfd1008]

one good thing about a nano is every thing you need to get started comes in the set up ( filter, pump, lights), and looking around, you can find a good price on one. you won't be able to keep big, or alot of fish in them, but even with a 40-50 gal, you can keep a heck of alot of fish either. living in an apartment, i would also consider the weight of the tank and what would happen if it did leak. if you're on the ground floor, then i wouldn't worry too much, but if you have someone below you, where is the water going to go? just throwing that out there. enjoy the hobby.

 

[wfd1008]

Originally Posted by woody189
http:///forum/post/2970964
W/ 36" space you could go w/ a 46 gallon Bowfront. The front glass is curved so your tank looks deeper.
I too just started (1 yr ago) and this 46 gal tank is my first. I started w/ FOWLR, but just 2 days ago I purchased my first mushroom.
I've read a couple bad things about Bowfronts, but I'm happy w/ mine.
As for the the size, I think any of those sizes is good for your 1st tank.
mine too was a 46. i love it, but looking back, with the money i spent on it, i could have gotten something bigger for the same cash, but like i said, i love it and yes there are pros and cons, but that comes with any tank. i do like the look the bow front has, and with the size limit, i think that it will be a good started tank also.

 

[woody189]

Originally Posted by wfd1008
http:///forum/post/2970966
you won't be able to keep big, or alot of fish in them,
very good point. considering yours is going to be FOWLR, all you're going to have to look at are fish, and in a nano, you will only have like 2.
If you were going to make the nano a reef, then that's a diffreent story, because you can look at your corals, but for a fowlr, 2 fish is pretty boring (IMO). definitely go bigger
Originally Posted by wfd1008
http:///forum/post/2970973
looking back, with the money i spent on it, i could have gotten something bigger for the same cash
i got it as a gift from my bro. He spent I think $300 w/ metal stand. When he bought it for me, I thought it was HUGE. this was before I even began seriously researching SW. I thought I would be able to get any fish I wanted, eels and all. I couldn't have been more wrong. 46 is a baby tank.
Now I look at the List by Craig, and I see some amazing deals on tanks. My bro could have literally gotten a tank twice as big for almost 1/2 the price.
But I still like my tank.
I think I read somethingabout bows not being as strong or something, but I'm not sure.
May I suggest though, choosing reef safe stuff for your tank. I wasn't planning on going reef anytime soon, but 1 yr later I am. Luckily for me, all my fish/inverts are all reef safe. You may plan FOWLR now, but you may change your mind. especially when your tank is maxed out fish wise.