Which tank is better?

Bulldog39 · 10/22/2017, 08:56 PM

For a brand new beginner which is better a 40 gallon breeder tank or a 75 gallon tank?

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krusieski · 10/22/2017, 09:02 PM

dont know if theres ever a better tank depends what you want and are willing to put the time in for either setup and your goals fish coral etc

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Ryan Darilek · 10/22/2017, 09:15 PM

The larger the tank, the more stable it is, so I'd say the 75

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mannyo_09 · 10/22/2017, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Darilek

The larger the tank, the more stable it is, so I'd say the 75

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+1

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nereefpat · 10/22/2017, 09:55 PM

Both have an excellent footprint. If you have room for the 4' tank, I would do that.

WLachnit · 10/22/2017, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Darilek

The larger the tank, the more stable it is, so I'd say the 75

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I would also agree with this.

mcgyvr · 10/23/2017, 04:33 AM

IMO the 40B is the best choice..
More water/size also = more work/more cost,etc...

You can get a 40b for $55 at the petco when they are on sale..
Add rocks/sand then throw in a powerhead or 2 with a heater and you are off and running..

MurphyLong · 10/23/2017, 06:48 AM

The solution to pollution is dilution. This is why I prefer larger tanks.

JTL · 10/23/2017, 08:27 AM

Go with the 75 if cost is not an issue because it will be a little more up front. I have had everything between 20g and 200g and my sweetspot is a 100g.

Dmorty217 · 10/23/2017, 09:00 AM

Bigger is better for newcomers since parameters can fluctuate significantly in smaller tanks. Where bigger isn't better is when it comes to time and money involved

Ryan Darilek · 10/23/2017, 09:09 AM

I think if money is tight, one should consider another hobby honestly... We all know there is no cheap way to have an incredible looking tank regardless of the size. Plan to spend around 1k per 10 gallons...

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MurphyLong · 10/23/2017, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Darilek

I think if money is tight, one should consider another hobby honestly... We all know there is no cheap way to have an incredible looking tank regardless of the size. Plan to spend around 1k per 10 gallons...

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That calculation is definitely aiming high.

It can be done a lot closer to $1000 per 100 gallons.

Heck, I got a 125 tank, stand, lights, bucket of salt, skimmer, return pump, powerheads, sump, and sand for $200.

Gave away the lights because I don't like T5 or Metal halide, ordered an LED fixture for $400, bought over 100lbs of LR for $50, bought a Gyre for $150, an RO unit for $100 and have just bought livestock when the deals were good.

That's $900 turn-key, with enough lighting and flow for pretty much any coral.

JTL · 10/23/2017, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MurphyLong

That calculation is definitely aiming high.

It can be done a lot closer to $1000 per 100 gallons.

Heck, I got a 125 tank, stand, lights, bucket of salt, skimmer, return pump, powerheads, sump, and sand for $200.

Gave away the lights because I don't like T5 or Metal halide, ordered an LED fixture for $400, bought over 100lbs of LR for $50, bought a Gyre for $150, an RO unit for $100 and have just bought livestock when the deals were good.

That's $900 turn-key, with enough lighting and flow for pretty much any coral.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2655732

Ryan Darilek · 10/23/2017, 09:43 AM

You're absolutely right... You can do it for much cheaper than that. Just going off my experience and a few friends in my aquarium club. We decided that's a good budget number for someone aiming high. I probably would do a few things different to save money, but I'm about $4k into my 32 gallon :/ I haven't been pinching pennies though

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MurphyLong · 10/23/2017, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTL

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2655732

If you're in a hurry, you're going to pay more, but I feel like there's a little motto about things happening quickly in Reefing...

It took me months to get everything together, and with all livestock now, I'm probably around $1,300. (including all hardware)

Bulldog39 · 10/23/2017, 09:45 AM

Thanks good advise. Think I will take the 75 if the guy selling it gets back to me and is real and no full of crap

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MurphyLong · 10/23/2017, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Darilek

You're absolutely right... You can do it for much cheaper than that. Just going off my experience and a few friends in my aquarium club. We decided that's a good budget number for someone aiming high. I probably would do a few things different to save money, but I'm about $4k into my 32 gallon :/ I haven't been pinching pennies though

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That's a gorgeous little cube, if you'd like to share the rough budget breakdown, I'd be interested!

rtparty · 10/23/2017, 09:55 AM

Depends on budget and if you have room for the bigger tank. Then you need to decide where it is going in your home and if that area can support the weight from a larger tank.

$1000 per 10 gallons is absolutely ludicrous IMO. I'm not even $2k into my 50 gallon tank and that includes $400 for a Giesemann Spectra and $500 for Vortech pumps.

Without seeing both setups, it's a tough call. If the 75 is on a normal stand that you can buy from Petco, good luck getting a decent sump under it or having any room to work. With some time and decent enough wood working skills you can easily make a stand though to accommodate your needs

sde1500 · 10/23/2017, 10:14 AM

Man I couldn't imagine spending $1,000 on a 10g tank. Or almost $6,500 on mine. Granted, haven't actually added up what I've spent, but it is certainly not that much.

On topic, 40b seems to be widely regarded as a perfect beginners tank. Though if you have the money and space for the 75, its a pretty good option too.

JTL · 10/23/2017, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MurphyLong

If you're in a hurry, you're going to pay more, but I feel like there's a little motto about things happening quickly in Reefing...

It took me months to get everything together, and with all livestock now, I'm probably around $1,300. (including all hardware)

New costs a lot more than used but that's what I wanted. I have $1500 in frags alone but I also have alot of them, about 60 at last count.

MurphyLong · 10/23/2017, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTL

New costs a lot more than used but that's what I wanted. I have $1500 in frags alone but I also have alot of them, about 60 at last count.

Where the heck do you spend $1.500 on 60 frags?

There are quite a few reefers in my area who hold random auctions and raffles. I won 21 frags for $20 last year, and it included 2 gorgeous softball sized chalices, and several corals I didn't know enough about to risk keeping them, so I gave them to other reefers around town, and just kept the simple stuff like Zoas, Acans, favia, etc.

The tank I'm running now, I only have a few corals yet... Some zoas, 6-head acan, some GSP, a candy cane, and a frogspawn... I've got about $25 into all of them.

JTL · 10/23/2017, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MurphyLong

Where the heck do you spend $1.500 on 60 frags?

There are quite a few reefers in my area who hold random auctions and raffles. I won 21 frags for $20 last year, and it included 2 gorgeous softball sized chalices, and several corals I didn't know enough about to risk keeping them, so I gave them to other reefers around town, and just kept the simple stuff like Zoas, Acans, favia, etc.

The tank I'm running now, I only have a few corals yet... Some zoas, 6-head acan, some GSP, a candy cane, and a frogspawn... I've got about $25 into all of them.

Check around. Very easy to spend $25 per frag on nice specimens. I have seen lots of stuff for $5 and $10 but none to my liking. Lots of beginner coral like softies can be pretty cheap. When I sold the corals from my last tank I had some nice colonies that I started from frags. Most of what I sold was over $100 per coral and a couple were over $300. If it is cheap or free than that is what it is worth.

MurphyLong · 10/23/2017, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTL

If it is cheap or free than that is what it is worth.

Again, not always the case. Granted, GSP, clove polyps, anthelia, and other "weeds" are notable cheap, but when I'm getting Oregon Mummy Eye Chalice with over a dozen eyes as part of a raffle or auction, with 20 other frags for $20, that theory goes away.

Then again, I'm patient, and usually don't buy something unless the stars are aligned, I don't do impulse buys, and will buy privately before I spend 5x the price at a LFS.

Ryan Darilek · 10/23/2017, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MurphyLong

That's a gorgeous little cube, if you'd like to share the rough budget breakdown, I'd be interested!

Thanks man! Heres the breakdown of where I've spent money:

Tank & stand - $580
Lighting & Controller - $390
Filtration media - $80
Power heads - $90
Upgraded return pump - $45
Heater - $35
Accessories (hydrometer, nets, etc) - $215
Live rock & sand - $450
Testing kits - $75
Salt & chemicals/additives - $135
Clean up crew - $80
Fish - $420
Anemone - $150
Corals (a lot of large colonies, not frags) - $1350

This all totals $4,095 but doesn't include the quarantine tank, which is something folks should include in their budgeting. Including that at $4,280 .... Don't tell my wife. Haha.

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JTL · 10/23/2017, 02:38 PM

Ryan, that sure doesn't surprise me. Eye candy is not cheap.

10/22/2017, 08:56 PM	#1
Bulldog39 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Georgia Posts: 234	Which tank is better? For a brand new beginner which is better a 40 gallon breeder tank or a 75 gallon tank? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

10/22/2017, 09:55 PM	#5
nereefpat Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Central Nebraska Posts: 3,190	Both have an excellent footprint. If you have room for the 4' tank, I would do that. __________________ Pat Current Tank Info: 125 in-wall , 40b sump. 6 bulb T5. ASM G2 skimmer. LPS and leathers

10/23/2017, 04:33 AM	#7
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	IMO the 40B is the best choice.. More water/size also = more work/more cost,etc... You can get a 40b for $55 at the petco when they are on sale.. Add rocks/sand then throw in a powerhead or 2 with a heater and you are off and running.. __________________ Who me?

10/23/2017, 08:27 AM	#9
JTL Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Venice Island, FL Posts: 2,532	Go with the 75 if cost is not an issue because it will be a little more up front. I have had everything between 20g and 200g and my sweetspot is a 100g. __________________ John 100 gallon DT and 50 gallon sump with refugium. Reefbreeders Photon V2+.

10/23/2017, 09:00 AM	#10
Dmorty217 Saltwater Addict Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Vandalia OHIO Posts: 11,624	Bigger is better for newcomers since parameters can fluctuate significantly in smaller tanks. Where bigger isn't better is when it comes to time and money involved __________________ Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs

10/22/2017, 09:02 PM	#2
krusieski Registered Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: toms river New Jersey Posts: 138	dont know if theres ever a better tank depends what you want and are willing to put the time in for either setup and your goals fish coral etc Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

10/22/2017, 09:15 PM	#3
Ryan Darilek Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 376	The larger the tank, the more stable it is, so I'd say the 75 Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

10/23/2017, 06:48 AM	#8
MurphyLong HMFIC Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 331	The solution to pollution is dilution. This is why I prefer larger tanks.

10/23/2017, 09:09 AM	#11
Ryan Darilek Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 376	I think if money is tight, one should consider another hobby honestly... We all know there is no cheap way to have an incredible looking tank regardless of the size. Plan to spend around 1k per 10 gallons... Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

10/23/2017, 09:43 AM	#14
Ryan Darilek Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 376	You're absolutely right... You can do it for much cheaper than that. Just going off my experience and a few friends in my aquarium club. We decided that's a good budget number for someone aiming high. I probably would do a few things different to save money, but I'm about $4k into my 32 gallon :/ I haven't been pinching pennies though Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

10/23/2017, 09:45 AM	#16
Bulldog39 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Georgia Posts: 234	Thanks good advise. Think I will take the 75 if the guy selling it gets back to me and is real and no full of crap Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

10/23/2017, 09:55 AM	#18
rtparty Raise The Reef! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 7,404	Depends on budget and if you have room for the bigger tank. Then you need to decide where it is going in your home and if that area can support the weight from a larger tank. $1000 per 10 gallons is absolutely ludicrous IMO. I'm not even $2k into my 50 gallon tank and that includes $400 for a Giesemann Spectra and $500 for Vortech pumps. Without seeing both setups, it's a tough call. If the 75 is on a normal stand that you can buy from Petco, good luck getting a decent sump under it or having any room to work. With some time and decent enough wood working skills you can easily make a stand though to accommodate your needs __________________ Ryan Click on my user name and check out my homepage! Current Tank Info: 50g Cadlights/Giesemann Spectra (250w Radium, 2 ATI Blue Plus, 2 ATI Actinic)/2 x Vortech MP10wQD/Skimz SN123/Eheim Compact 3000+

10/23/2017, 10:14 AM	#19
sde1500 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Glocester, RI Posts: 3,336	Man I couldn't imagine spending $1,000 on a 10g tank. Or almost $6,500 on mine. Granted, haven't actually added up what I've spent, but it is certainly not that much. On topic, 40b seems to be widely regarded as a perfect beginners tank. Though if you have the money and space for the 75, its a pretty good option too. __________________ My build thread: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2548422 Current Tank Info: 65 gallon mixed reef, Eshopps sump and HOB overflow, RO-110int skimmer, Reefbreeder 32" photons V1.

10/23/2017, 02:38 PM	#25
JTL Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Venice Island, FL Posts: 2,532	Ryan, that sure doesn't surprise me. Eye candy is not cheap. __________________ John 100 gallon DT and 50 gallon sump with refugium. Reefbreeders Photon V2+.