Bigger Tank Is Better

[alphabetic]

Okay, so I purchased a 75 litre tank (Aqua One AR510) some time ago, and despite my short involvement in this hobby, am already anticipating upgrading to a larger tank. I think it's been well documented that a bigger tank is better for the beginner, but can a tank ever be too big? Besides the usual factors like lack of room, money, time and effort aquascaping etc., would water restrictions eventually come into play? What if one were to eventually become bored with the hobby, or at least bored with their existing tank?

At the moment, I'm looking at getting the Aqua One AR850 (165 litres). I'm quite fond of the Aqua One range at this time. If funds permitted, and I didn't have to move interstate in a few months, I'd seriously consider something bigger, perhaps 215 - 285 litres. Maybe down the track!

Thoughts?

 

[DevUK]

I think the main problem is water changes. Doing a 25% water change on 170 litres can be quite time consuming and a lot of effort. I've recently got a 180 litre Juwel Rio 180 and its a bit of a pain. I'm starting to get it down to a good system now. I bought a bigger 15litre bucket recently and this really helps. 3 buckets out, hose pipe in, job done

But yeah, having to do such a huge water change might be a bit daunting for the beginner.

 

[KhaosInc]

deleted post.

 

[ShoC]

main problem for me is filling,
I cant siphon water back in as I cant get the bucket high enough,
So I have to hold my 20litre container and pour in (slowly) as I can,

but siphon out it easy 2x20lite once a week.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

All I can say is "python"

Either buy one (if you live in the states) or make one (there is a guide in the DIY section). It makes life SO much easier. Water changes stop being a choir and are actually reasonably enjoyable.

I have only just made a DIY version after keeping fish for a good few years and it has made life so much easier. Hook up the hose, turn a couple of taps and your draining water. Turn a couple more taps and your filling the tank back up. No carrying buckets of dirty fish tank water through the house

With regards to tank sizes. If cost isn't an issue bigger is better IMO. More water volume=more of a buffer against things going wrong with it.

 

[Tiger Barb]

Like you, I am enamoured of the Aqua One tanks at the moment. I bought my first one a few months back - and went in at the deep end with a 300 litre Regency!

I can do a 75 l water change in an hour, using 2 80-litre dustbins, a large syphon, a water butt pump and several metres of hose. Syphon the water out of the tank into a dustbin and then pump it out of the window to water the garden. All those nitrates are wonderful fertiliser for the plants. I then refill the tank with fresh dechlorinated water from the second dustbin, again with the pump. Personally I am not convinced about using a Python as I understand that gallons of good clean fresh water go cascading down the plughole while you are draining water out of the tank - but I have never used one so am perfectly willing to be put right if my understanding is wrong!

The only other practical point that I can think of - my tank is 27 inches deep, and my arm is only 24 inches long. This is problematical for moving decor around, and I doubt I could ever cope with real plants as I simply cannot reach the bottom of the tank - even when it is empty! When I feed veggies to my fish (on a Screwcumber) I have to attach a thread to it, so I can get it out again! I would therefore suggest that short-armed people do not buy deep tanks!!!!

 

[**sarahp**]

I would therefore suggest that short-armed people do not buy deep tanks!!!!

ROFLMAO - excellent comment

 

[pieman]

Check out the Aquatlantis range on:
http/www.rocketaquatics.co.uk/index.php?cPath=72_74
Their tanks seem good value for money

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

I would say that a 125L to 190L would be the best size range for a beginner. Those sizes give a pretty good range of fish that one can keep, water changes shouldn't be too difficult, and equipment costs don't run too high. Also, it's easier to tinker with / aqua scape a medium sized tank, less frustrating to clean, etc.

 

[murphyk32]

I would therefore suggest that short-armed people do not buy deep tanks!!!!

ROFLMAO - excellent comment

That is hularious! gotta love the lessons learned eh? lmfao Its acctually something you wouldnt even think about before reading this but makes sence

 

[Behold]

I would therefore suggest that short-armed people do not buy deep tanks!!!!

ROFLMAO - excellent comment

That is hularious! gotta love the lessons learned eh? lmfao Its acctually something you wouldnt even think about before reading this but makes sence

Im looking at a deep Tank in about 1/2 a year or so.... never thought of that!!! Big opening flap to get shoulder in!!!

 

[Tiger Barb]

Im looking at a deep Tank in about 1/2 a year or so.... never thought of that!!! Big opening flap to get shoulder in!!!

Yes - I also need a set of step ladders to get the top off the tank.... I can foresee a time when I'm head first in there, upside down with my legs kicking in the air.

Here's a pic of my tank while it was cycling - 'scuse the slightly milky appearance!

 

[divisible by zero]

i LOLed over the deep tank comment...i have 'gorilla arms' so i'm often recruited to help my buddy reach the back of his 44g hex.

 

[alphabetic]

Thanks for the replies. You've definitely consoled me with purchasing a bigger, albeit not massive, tank.

Check out the Aquatlantis range on:
http/www.rocketaquatics.co.uk/index.php?cPath=72_74
Their tanks seem good value for money

Thanks for the link - the Aquatlantis range looks amazing. Does any one have more info on these, and whether there's an Australian distributor. I'm perusing over these tanks as I type.

 

[Tolak]

Fill it with a hose, straight from the faucet, adding dechlor on the fly. This is the only way to do larger tanks, or multiple smaller tanks. I drain into a 35 gallon can, with a pump in the bottom that empties the can. I use a separate hose to fill, so I can drain one tank while filling another.

My personal best so far is five 29 gallon bare tanks, vac, drain, & fill 50% with a filter floss change on each, 35 minutes.