What would be a good starter size

[Rocky06fx4]

What tank size would be good for a first timer salt water tank? I don't wanna get bigger than 100 gallons. So I figured the biggest u can get is the best but still wanted your guys opinion.

Also could anyone recommend a good tank to buy?

[coachfraley]

I personally think 40G would be a pretty good way to go. Big enough to put a lot in it, yet small enough to make water changes managable.

Every gallon you increase in SW adds quite a bit of $, due to lighting and purchasing Live Rock and Live Sand.

[cocoa_pleco]

if cash is tight, go with a 10g, better 20g. if youve got a good budget, i would recommend a 55g. be warned that you need to be financially stable. my 55g has cost me about 2K so far

[Kuli_Loach]

30g is easiest to start in my opinion. Don't have to worry about chemicals as much which is the main concern in smaller tanks. It is more expensive though.

[Rue]

55g is generally recommended as a good size, even for beginners...

However if you're prepared to go that big, I'd opt for the extra width of the tank and get the 75g...

Other than that...I started with a 25g...which I still have on the go!:1:

[Rue]

LOL...I just noticed this was a SW tank question...

However, the 75g is still a good option if you have the $$ for it...

I luv my 34g RSM...it's ideal to look after and maintain...however, I've already run out of room for more corals and whatnot...so that's something to keep in mind as well...

[zackish]

I think a general statement would be the bigger the better. You need to factor in a couple thousand dollars to whatever you choose. I set up a 10 gallon nano for around $300. 10 lbs of LR a few fish and some corals. The light was the most expensive part about it.

[2manyfish]

Well...if you can get that 100g then that's what I'd go for!

The amount of money you spend will depend greatly on what you plan to do with this tank. Will it be a fish only tank? Fish only with live rock? Or full blown reef tank?

[stunner]

I think you should consider these points...

1) your budget
2) what you want to do with your tank
3) how much time you want to put into it
4) housing/locating your tank
5) the smaller the tank, the more you have to keep an eye on it

I started a 10 gallon due to cost and also because I wanted it in my room, but there's not a whole lot of space left haha. Also I wanted to keep water changes easy and quick.