Help me convince my friend that a 60 gallon is better than a 40 breeder.

[Idech]

I think a 40 breeder is a nice size to start the hobby. If the stand is solid and she likes it, why not ?

Just help her choose equipment, fish, inverts and corals to fill her tank.

 

[VintageReefer]

Smaller tanks easier to correct parameters via water changes

36” cheaper to light vs 48” also

 

[BeanAnimal]

I don't think anyone is trying to talk her into something she doesn't want. I think we are trying to talk her into having realistic expectations. The OP said she wants to keep large marine fish like tangs and that is not realistic in a 40 or 60g tank.

Admittedly, I responded before reading the entire thread to that point. Sounds like I missed some important context.

 

[shakacuz]

in order of subjective use: 90G, 75G, 40G. anything in between is not worth it due to dimensions. anything over 90G and you're in a good spot in terms of live stock(fish) options. smaller tanks are easier to maintenance, but more difficult to keep stable in terms of water stability(but not all that difficult to actually do).

 

[Reef_Freak720]

I’m not sure if someone who is new to saltwater should go for a tank that large. Maybe try to convince her to start on like a 10 or 20 gallon tank. If they’re successful, they can upgrade in the future.

Personally I think 40B is the prefect entry reef size

 

[BeanAnimal]

in order of subjective use: 90G, 75G, 40G. anything in between is not worth it due to dimensions.

I would think that different folks may be interested in different looks and system types. That is why those are not the only 3 options in that range of tank footprints or heights.

 

[BeanAnimal]

OK guys so here’s the deal. My friend wants to have her first saltwater tank and bought a pretty stand without considering the size of her tank first… Don’t even get me started. She doesn’t wanna take my word for it so what are your guys thoughts between her getting a 40 gallon breeder and a 60 gallon. She doesn’t understand that she can’t overstock a saltwater tank and have it go very well but she wants a lot of fish including multiple larger fish. What are other arguments for getting the 60?

Let me try to respond again -

The proper discussion is explaining very realistically what type and number of fish will fit in each size tank, the relative costs of each type and what the difference in overall equipment, maintenance, consumables, etc. are going to be.

You then let her decide what fits here expectations and budget.

If she refuses to acknowledge reasonable constraints for a 40 or a 60 or whatever, then further conversation is pointless, as she is not being realistic.

 

[twentyleagues]

If we are talking about a 40b or the 60g (actually think its a 65) that is the same length and width but its taller. There isnt enough difference to fight about in reality. The taller tank may hold more water but the foot print is the same so that wont help with fish territory. It may also change what lights you need based off the increased depth the shallower tank will get more par to the bottom easier. Now if we are talking 3' tank vs 4' tank 4' would be better suited to a larger variety of fish.

 

[shakacuz]

I would think that different folks may be interested in different looks and system types. That is why those are not the only 3 options in that range of tank footprints or heights.

i agree. that's why i said subjective. i should've added the 60G breeder to my original post, i believe it has similar dimensions as the 40B.

although in general, i don't hear, see, or read of people actively going for the other sized dimensions for reef builds. i see it more with freshwater tanks.

 

[AetherealKnight]

Personally I think 40B is the prefect entry reef size

Yeah, it’s a lot easier to maintain, since larger systems can be more stable.

 

[nickm]

OK guys so here’s the deal. My friend wants to have her first saltwater tank and bought a pretty stand without considering the size of her tank first… Don’t even get me started. She doesn’t wanna take my word for it so what are your guys thoughts between her getting a 40 gallon breeder and a 60 gallon. She doesn’t understand that she can’t overstock a saltwater tank and have it go very well but she wants a lot of fish including multiple larger fish. What are other arguments for getting the 60?

Tell him to get the 60 breeder. Love that size tank.

Tell her to get the largest tank she can afford to get. Especially if she wants to have larger fish. I went with a 260g tank as my first tank. Grant it in the meantime I had a 40 breeder overran with corals and larger fish.

 

[hart24601]

40b is about my perfect size reef, I consider anything larger a downgrade anymore, for myself of course.

As others have said the stocking isn’t going to vary much with either tank and it’s probably better to show options that work in the tanks and set expectations it’s not a 6’ long stock list of fish.