Whats a Good Size tank for me?

[Rv5]

This is probably an open ended question with no real answer, or the answer being "go as big as you can", but I thought Id give it a whirl anyway to see what you guys think.

I have a 23 gallon fresh that I was thinking of converting, but decided it was too small for my interests. My main interest is a reef, but I do enjoy the lions tangs and clowns. My space is fairly limited, but do have a tank cabinet that used to hold I believe a 55 gallon. So I wouldnt go bigger then that. My primary concerns with a tank that size are price of the equipment, but whether or not Id need a sump? I was told for my little 23 gallon that all I would really need is a hang on style protein skimmer, a new light, and maybe a powerhead for circulation. How does the equipment model change given a max size of 55 gallon? Would I need more equipment then what was mentioned? I dont want to take the cheap way out, meaning if I cant afford the right equipment I wont do that size tank. What kind of fish would I be able to get with a tank that size? And lastly, what would be different about say a 35 gallon tank as far as fish and equipment as a 55 gallon?

 

[taikonaut]

There is only a small difference between a 35 gal and 55 gal. Most of it is in the price of tank, LR, Sand and maybe double the price on light and pump. You can use your 35 gal as sump. 55 gal is a good start.

 

[Anonymous]

If I set up a 55 gallon, I would get:
enough sand for a 4-5" sand bed
30 lbs of live rock to start
a good skimmer
a couple of power heads
Heater

Basically that is all you need, unless you go with a sump and then you would need a return pump and a overflow unless the tank already has built in overflows.

If you are talking reef tanks, you would need to investigate good lighting options. Which is where alot of your money will end up.

A 55g tank is too small for the tangs you mentioned you like. I even think it would be too small for the Lion fish - but some may argue.

You really can get by on a budget in this hobby. Keep it simple and don't overstock the tank with more fish than it can handle. That's where alot of problems start.

 

[Rv5]

would i need a sump for a 55 or smaller? as taikonaut mentioned, it may be possible to use my smaller tank as the sump, but that seems to me to add a lot of cost and complication to a still relatively small size tank. If I undestand sumps correctly, the purpose is to have a place for the protein skimmer, heater, etc to access the water and to add some extra water capacity which is always a plus. however if i have a good hang on style skimmer and in tank heater, are there any significant benefits to the sump?

 

[Rv5]

bump
anymore opinions on a sump in a 55 gallon? or would a hangover style skimmer be good enough?

 

[Anonymous]

i have a 55 reef goin....no sump is necessary....personally...i would never use a sump unless the tank is drilled with bulkheads....i only buy acrylic tanks

 

[Supergenius74]

I have a 55 gal that was an old freshwater tank and i converted it to salt water, it was a great size to start out in. I only have 4 fish in it but in a year and a half not a single death. I also believe in not over slocking a tank, my fish seem very happy and healthy, no stress. i also have a sump that is 20 gal. I started with a 10 gallon but it wasn't enough. 20 was much better, not only are you able to increase your filtration with a larger sump because of increased flow, you also increase your water volume and I think that helps with keeping levels stable like temp and salinity etc. The smallest tank I have seen a yellow tang doing well in is a 75 gal, but they do much better in bigger tanks, tangs grow to a good size and swim very fast. I pretty much didn't use anything from my fresh water days in my salt water set-up except for the tank itself, the lights are useless, the filter was useless, the heater i used but moved it to the sump and temperature is much more stable. Also don't make the same mistake I did and use tap water when starting out, what worked with fresh water doesn't work with salt water, use RO right away you will thank yourself later. Unless your are into horrible looking algae that grows all over your tanks and kills everything becuase it covers the light up. cyano and green hair algae is truly incredible in its ability to regenerate. I also don't have a skimmer yet and my levels are just fine in the tank. JMO but I think a 55 is great for a beginning reefer.

 

[PopeShawnPaul]

Just go with the 55 gallon. It's not more expensive in equipment really. I use the bak pak 2 on my 55 gallon, which will set you back about 100 bucks. Your current skimmer will prolly work that you described. The sump will be too much trouble for you starting out. There are benefits to a sump, but not enough for you to consider. If your heart is set on a sump for macroalgae or whatever, buy a hang on one. If you go with a true sump, then you need to buy an overflow, return pump, etc. Keep it simple.

 

[Anonymous]

Actually (accept my apologies for being so fresh), a good size tank for you would really depend on your length, breadth, and girth whilst lying down.

Alright, I really am sorry. Carry on.

 

[imsqueak]

I converted my fw chiclid tank 6 mos ago: I tried the moderate/cheaper way: $60 LS and play sand phos.free 4-5" DSB, $80 for 8lbs rock from lfs (rip off), $20 for agro-rock per garf's recipe, $250 for 4X96w pc.s, 30g diy sump $50 w $80 9.5 mag return pump, skilter hob skimmer $50 (before the sump, was told that's all I'd need...). I got cyano algae growth in 2-3 mos and hair in 4-6mos, and happy 8 sm fish ($150). Added Mag 5 for $60 and addtl skimmer ($75). Algae growth continues. DSB seems and still not enough skimming still seems to be the problem after $800 spent to convert to SW and I had the tank and stand.

If I had it to do again, I'd sell the 55 as freshwater and wait for a reefer to put an ad in the paper for $1000 for a +100 with equipment. You'll find them occassionally.

 

[Rv5]

thanks for all the replies. i will go with a size at least close to this. looking forward to starting this bad boy up in the next few months!