Time in..

[mrhasan]

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

Yes, and sometimes that is true, too. A small system, <30g can also be hard to manage with rapidly fluctuating parameters, esp if you don't have a sump or skimmer.

I think a good starting size for a 1st tank is around 50g with a sump and skimmer. That still allows for fast reaction to mistakes (water changes, etc), and provides all the necessary elements for learning. Plus you have some room for fish and corals. And if you do decide to get out of the hobby, your lost investment is not as bad.

But if you do get past all the learning and inevitable frustrations after the 1st year or so, then you will be in a much better position to properly plan and move to a larger system.

True that. I always say that a manageable tank is always better than a bigger tank (but who cares, I am a noob after all and my words are of no value ). When I moved from 20gallon to 70gallon, it was bit of a shock, esp with burning pumps (hence gave up on 2nd hand things), buying new salt bucket every 2-3 months (and I have been using non-IO salts), dosing a LOT, not to mention it takes a lot of corals/fishes/time to fill up a big tank One just have to know what it takes to have a saltwater tank; surprise is the biggest enemy in this hobby Having money is not the solution like many thinks; its all about dedication