Tropical Fish Keeping banner

Which is easier, larger or smaller tank?

4K views 16 replies 7 participants last post by  Andyandsue 
#1 ·
Being new to this hobby I'm still on the learning curve.

Just wondering whether to ditch my 2ft tank for a bigger tank as I've heard that bigger tanks are easier to deal with the chemistry side of things than smaller tanks.

Is this correct?
 
#2 ·
Larger tanks are more forgiving to a degree. Small numbers of fish will have less impact on the bioload making larger tanks easier to cycle. If you overload the large tank, it can be just as bad as a small tank. And speaking from experience, the urge to overload a larger tank is higher as it looks like there's less in the tank. I would recommend a 65g to start with. Though you probably want to keep the 2'. Is there any such thing as too many tanks? :p
 
#9 ·
Yea moving is no fun, I am a big fan of larger tanks (in fact I am working on a larger setup right now). You do have to realize that the larger and larger the tank gets the cost increases significantly.

The larger the tank the more heating, filtration, lighting, power, etc... you will need to run it.

Also, depending on how much algae you are abel to cultivate cleaning the tank could get a little hairy. BUT

A large tank needs less water changes (if you hold your bioload constant), is much more buffered than smaller tanks when it comes to any facet of water chemistry, and they are more fun for the fish (bigger house = better right? ) :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
#13 ·
I'm looking to buy a Fluval duo deep 1200, i think its about 160litres. I currently have a 70litre tank.

From what I've read, a larger tank is a lot more forgiving, chemistry wise, than smaller tanks.

I've got my small tank running fine, chemistry is consistantly good.

Is an external filter recommended? If so, why?

Thanks guys
 
#15 ·
I speak from experience that larger is easier. More forgiving, less of a bioload relatively speaking, easier to vacuum the gravel without removing 80% of the water, etc.

The smaller the tank the faster the issue builds and the less time you have to fix it before it's a disaster.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top