Does a Saltwater Aquarium Have to Be Big?
One of the first questions you will have when looking to enter the fascinating world of saltwater aquariums is how big will you go. There is a common misconception that marine tanks will only thrive when large in size. Though larger systems definitely have their benefits, the truth is the size of aquarium you pick should be based on your goals, experience level, and the species you want to keep in your aquarium.
Understanding Chemical & Biological Tank stability
The main reason most people will recommend bigger tanks for saltwater systems has to do with chemical and biological stability.
The Buffer of Water Volume
Larger water volumes dilute toxins, temperature changes, and shifts in chemistry better than smaller volumes do. Therefore, if you do make a common aquarium mistake, a larger body of water tends to be more forgiving than smaller reef aquariums.
Stable Parameters
Evaporation inside aquariums increases salinity by leaving salt behind in the water. This happens more rapidly in smaller tanks. For example, a couple of inches of evaporation in a 10-gallon reef tank will change salinity considerably, while the same evaporation in a 100-gallon reef system will have a lower effect.
Biological Load Capacity
The nitrogen cycle is an essential part of an aquarium system. It is the biological transformation of toxic ammonia generated by waste into less harmful nitrate. In larger aquariums, the nitrogen cycle works more efficiently because of the increased surface area and volume of water found in larger tanks. This enables increased stocking densities without exceeding the capacity of filtration systems.
Nano and Pico Reef Tanks
Nano or pico aquariums are typically under 30 gallons and have become increasingly popular, particularly in classrooms that may have limited space.
Key points when considering a nano/pico reef tank:
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Appropriate Stocking: While 20 gallons isn't going to house a school of tangs or a large angelfish for the long haul, it can support symbiotic pairings like clownfish, other small fish such as gobies, reef-safe shrimp, and the right mix of corals.
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Maintenance Requirements: Smaller systems usually demand more frequent but shorter maintenance sessions. This includes water changes, water testing, and cleaning of aquarium equipment.
Mid-Sized Reef Aquariums
The mid-sized range (40-120 gallons) is where many hobbyists start their journey. Mid-sized aquariums offer a large enough volume return to provide stability over nano systems and come without the larger up-front cost of a room dominating display.
Mid-sized tanks also give you the flexibility to use equipment typically reserved for well-outfitted reef or marine tanks. Unlike the specialized compact equipment of nano systems, standard protein skimmers, media reactors and controllers easily fit in standard cabinets under these tanks. If you need help with designing and installing a reef aquarium, we have expert technicians at Reefco Aquariums to make your hobby journey worry free!
Key points when considering a mid-sized reef tank:
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Stocking Potential: Mid-sized tanks open the door to a fair amount of selection. This includes most small to medium-sized reef fish such as clownfish, royal grammas, gobies, blennies, and even smaller angels, as well as assorted collections of coral species.
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Moderate Upkeep: Water changes are large but in manageable quantities. Water testing is needed more often than a nano reef tank.
Larger Reef Aquariums
Reefco’s flagship installations are our larger reef aquariums. Larger aquariums are truly the show-stopping centerpieces for homes, businesses, senior care centers, and public spaces.
These epic displays usually start at 100 gallons and run into multi-thousand-gallon systems.
There are undeniable benefits to larger aquariums:
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More stable water conditions
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Relatively less maintenance
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More space for fish, corals, and decorations
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More space for a greater aquascaping
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Potential for beneficial educational reef displays
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More epic displays
What Size Aquarium Should I Purchase?
Before settling on your ideal tank size, there are some considerations you should think about:
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Structural Consideration: Large aquariums are obviously more heavy. For example, a 125-gallon tank filled with rock, substrate, and equipment can quickly exceed 1,500 pounds. At Reefco Aquariums, our team will conduct an on-site consultation to assess the condition of floors to confirm they can support your dream aquarium.
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Space and Access: Saltwater tanks need working space around them for maintenance. During design consultations, the Reefco Aquarium team will ensure that there is enough space for equipment and that it can be accessed and maintained.
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Financial Commitment: In general, the larger the reef aquarium the more your total investment (including the equipment, livestock, and maintenance supplies) will be.
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Experience Level: You should select the aquarium size based on your experience. For example, if you are new to the hobby, consider a moderately sized system that has a nice balance between forgiveness and manageable investment.
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Selecting Marine Organisms: Take a look at the precise requirements of the species you want inside your aquarium. This includes researching the recommended tank size, the water flow and lighting requirements, and the care level.
Conclusion
Whether you are drawn to the charm of a nano aquarium or an epic larger aquarium, the perfect saltwater aquarium doesn’t have to be big. While bigger tanks may offer more flexibility and stability, smaller aquariums can also be rewarding with the right care. Your dream aquarium should be one that fits your space, passion, and experience level.
At Reefco Aquariums our mission is to help reefers every step of the way - from designing and installing saltwater aquariums to helping with hassle-free aquarium ownership with the Reefco Aquarium service and maintenance team. Ready to dive in? Feel free to contact the Reefco Aquarium team to bring your dreams to life. Happy reefing!
