Need Help On Tank Decision

[happyclam]

I'm trying to decide between a 135 gallon reef or a 10 gallon reef. I know this should be a no brainer, but for some reason it's not coming to easy for me.

I currently have a 135 almost ready to go with it circulating saltwater and dry rock and sand in main tank. So it is almost done, just have to get stronger powerheads (+ $300) and bacteria cultures. I was worried 1) what if the system didn't work, the $300 would have gotten a nano fairly well done & 2) if I will be able to do all the maintence (my work is grueling and takes up a lot of time).

The nano would allow me a quick, cheap, and easy tank where I could be enjoying corals almost instantly, but without all the maintence (and the costs that go along with it) so I get to actually enjoy my reef.

What do you reccomend? In your past experience do nanos give you almost the same satisfaction of a bigger reef, just easier? Or should I just grit through the maitenance of a bigger tank for the amazing view?

[Jeff]

Keep the big one and add things as you can afford them. Its better to go slow anyway.
Good luck :).

[gas4544]

You already have a tank started. Are you intimidated by setting up and running a reef of this size? If you take your time setting up and stocking the tank, you have a pretty good chance at success. It will just take some time and patience on your part.

Yeah, a 10-gallon nano would be easier to get going, but would it really satisfy you in the long run? A 135-gallon would give you lots of room for rock and coral. It would also give you many more options on what fish to have in your reef.

Another option is to go with a nano larger than a 10-gallon - say a 20-30 gallon tank.

In the past, I have had a 75-gallon reef and two ten gallon nanos. Now I have a 30-gallon SPS tank and plans for a 30-gallon seahorse tank. My 30-gallon SPS tank is pretty full and I wish that I had more room for more reef. I know for me, there is no way a 10-gallon nano would be enough.

Maintaining a larger tank does not need to take allot of your time. You just need to spend some time regularly on cleaning the glass, testing the water, doing water changes, and battling algae, especially when your tank is young.

Gary

[happyclam]

Yeah, that was mainly it, afraid of the tank (that made me laugh as I typed it, though it is true). The other part is that I am unsufe if my equipment will be sufficient, so I guess I'll just have to see. I don't have my own aquarium RO filter (just a drinking RO that does max 5 gallons a day) so I am a little afraid of water changes as well.

I have been considering a JBJ 28g Nano Cube as well, though not sure if the price is woth it.

The main reason for the 10 gallon was that work will be getting alot more time consuming in a year or two and I was unsure if I would have enough time to maintain a healthy 135 gallon tank. The 10 gallon would not require alot of my time but still allow me a little taste of the reef and stay in the hobby.