What is the ideal size for long term reef tank?

[Ratpack]

In my planning for the future, I may start to buy equipment for a new tank. That way I won't have a large expense up front when it comes time. So my question is, what is the ideal or more like minimum size tank for a long term reef system? I would like to keep all types of corals and I know lighting plays into that mostly, but I would also like to keep some nice fish like tangs and so forth. I wouldn't even mind getting small fish and trading them out as they get too large so I know a huge tank is not needed, but I want to keep fish for at least a couple years before they have to be moved out. I am thinking 75 gal, but curious to what others feel is best.

Thanks!

[heinze]

I've allways read and always belived that you should go for the largest aquarium you can one afford and two accomidate. As the more water you have the easier it is to keep the water stable, a slight mistake or a day or so nigleted wont have as big effect on a large tank as it would on a smaller one.... (remember this is only my opion and not gospil)

[Reefland]

The answer is really up to the owner.

A 75 gallon tank is a nice sized, small reef tank. It has decent dimensions. In my opinion, a 180 would be ideal sized allowing the owner to keep a wider range of fish, and giving more flexibility on scaping, etc. But it boils down to:
1. What you can afford
2. What you have space for
3. What you have time for

[Samper]

For me at this point a 75 gallon is the most economical option. As heinze mentioned though the largest system you can afford is always the best option from a water chemistry standpoint.

[120gallons]

Figure out where you are going to put it and then figure out the biggest that will fit and the floor will support. It won't be big enough, but that's what'll you'll want and what your limited by.

[jle9123]

Yeah, it's true the larger the better bc of less water fluctuation in the checmical balance and more room for error. I personally believe 125 or larger is best for long term investment. Think of growth of corals and fishes over time and imagine the water change every 3-4 month rather smaller tank monthly.

-Joseph

[Ratpack]

Thanks folks for the info. I think right now I am leaning towards the 120 gal tank. That gives me a lot of water volume and keeps it in a 4 foot length which let's me get away with two MH lights verses three. I think if I pile the LR in the back corners it will hav ample room for corals and still open area for the fish to swim about.

[jle9123]

yeah, 120 which is 48x24x23 is an awesome tank. My friend has that size with two new lumin reflectors with two 250 MH 12 K reeflux single end and two 4ft super actinics. He has everything from SPS , to lps, softy, everything.

-Joseph