Large Tanks Vs Small Tanks

[emmsy]

Is it fair to say that a beginner would be better buying a large tank i.e. in excess of 150 litres to start off with, because of its forgiving nature. Large volumes of water can dilute some viruses. Many beginners feel that start small and work up, but is it best to advise to start big and stay big?


Emma

 

[Davo86]

Absolutely,

Even if your not going to use that extra capacity, a bigger tank is best as it will give you a much more stable environment for your fish to live in,

 

[shelaghfishface]

i agree,always start with the biggest you can allow for

 

[SJ2K]

Id say within reason, a beginner may be able to accomodate a 900g but i wouldnt advise it so yes, bigger is better within the 'off the shelf' limits. Custom tanks/filters etc can be a bit much at first.

 

[Colin_T]

I prefer a 3ft for beginners. It isn't going to break the bank but does hold a bit of water.
As for large volumes of water diluting viruses, fish live in a soup of bacteria, fungus and viruses. In the confines of an aquarium these pathogens build up rapidly regardless of the tank volume. Bigger tanks also house more fish and this means there is more chance for diseases to get in.
But it’s all hypothetical anyway. If you do regular water changes and monitor the water parameters it doesn't matter how big the tank is. Just depends on what you can afford.

 

[FiSh123FiSh]

Bigger is better in this case! As large volumes of water seem to be better than smaller ones. Plus you can get more fish!

Tom

 

[funkycat]

As people get more interested in the hobby, they tend to move to bigger tanks anyways.
Lets face it, while ten gallons are fascinating they can be limiting in what you can have.

Start big, stay big.
Haha thus said, my parents wont let me get anything bigger than a 20 gall haha maybe one day when i move out.

 

[Colin_T]

Start big, stay big.
Haha thus said, my parents wont let me get anything bigger than a 20 gall haha maybe one day when i move out.

LOL

 

[andywg]

To quote someone else (though I know not the origin) "The solution to dillution is pollution"

 

[joecoral]

To quote someone else (though I know not the origin) "The solution to dillution is pollution"

Isn't it "the solution to pollution is dilution?"

 

[Colin_T]

I think joecoral got that one, sorry andywg

 

[andywg]

Indeed, my bad. It's what I get for eating and shopping for regs while typing here.