What Size Aquarium? Part 2

The Ultimate Showdown
Small vs. Large Aquariums
​Part 2...Large & Extra Large Tanks

Last time we explored the benefits and drawbacks of owning pico & nano tanks. But now it’s time to focus on the big boys! We are talking large tank builds. While there is no standard size definition for large or extra large aquariums, for the sake of this article and recommendations we will describe large (L) aquariums as ranging from 30 - 60 gallons (113 - 208 L) and extra large (XL) aquariums as 65 gallons (246 L) & greater.
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This week’s article comes right on the heals of us placing a custom order for a 72x30x25 aquarium. That roughly equates to a 234 gallon (886 L) aquarium which we have planed to develop into a reef tank system. Once the tank arrives, we will keep you updated on developments and equipment selections. So let’s take a look at what we have gotten ourselves into when playing with the big boys.

Pros

A major benefit of keeping a larger aquarium is that the extra water volume allows for greater system stability. Events such as organism death or negligence could spell disaster for a small aquarium. Let’s face it, we’ve all experienced that week from hell where everything else was placed on a back burner including necessary aquatic maintenance. The problem surrounding small tanks in this scenario is that pollutants, such nitrates, can build quickly within aquariums containing little water volume. For example in our nano saltwater tank, we were carefully monitoring a frag of SPS coral that appeared to be struggling. Water parameters were within normal bounds including registering zero nitrate levels. Within a day of us at work, the SPS didn’t make it and began experiencing rapid tissue necrosis. By the afternoon when we returned home, we had a noticeable nitrate spike within our tank clearly stressing the other corals. Several water changes were required to bring the nitrates back down, alleviating the corals. Had we not been closely monitoring the situation, this scenario could have lead to an entire system crash.
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Larger tanks provide the luxury of increased water volume to help dilute pollutants. In order to witness swings in water chemistry of a large tank, a major event or error must have taken place or extended negligence is to blame. Larger tanks simply allow for overall greater system stability. This also means that less water changes are necessary. Now don’t take that to mean you can skip water changes! If you agree to love and cherish an aquarium, consider water changes to be part of the vows!  With that being said, more stable systems will allow you to go greater periods of time between necessary water changes. Depending on the system and aquarium inhabitants you are keeping, larger aquariums can typically go a few weeks before requiring a water change.

Let’s face it, one of the primary reasons we keep aquariums is for the view. Larger aquariums really do provide that wow factor. The sheer size of larger tanks allows for a greater viewing area of tank inhabitants. Not to mention, it provides a greater breadth for fish and other aquarium inhabitants to explore and interact within their environment. Our 150 gallon discus tank is at the entryway of our home and it is a showstopper for whomever walks through the door. There is no denying it, sizable tanks provide a greater field of view in which to entrance their observers.

Perhaps one of the best aspects of owning a large aquarium is the flexibility it provides when considering stocking options of potential aquarium inhabitants. Pico & Nano tanks greatly limit the livestock you can safely consider placing within your habitat. The larger your aquarium, the greater diversity of aquatic species you can contemplate keeping. For example, tangs are an extremely desirable fish within the saltwater hobby. While finding Dory might not be as difficult as lead to believe, keeping her happy is another matter. Most tangs require a minimum of at least 100 gallons, if not larger. Within the the freshwater community: discus, arowana and knifefish among many others require extra large aquarium setups to thrive. Bigger tanks just mean more choices!
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Arowana can reach sizes of 3 or 4 feet (92 - 132 cm.) when fully grown. This means they will require tanks upwards of 240 gallons (909 L) or more when they reach adulthood. Several debate that the only suitable location for these ancient fish is within ponds.

​Larger aquariums also mean more inhabitants! Barring that you choose to keep an aquatic species which limits the amount of additional inhabitants you can keep, greater volumes mean you can safely house more fish. As mentioned previously, part of the wonder which aquariums generate is from the interactions of its inhabitants. The greater your diversity, the more relationships you can observe. Our 150 gallon tank currently houses 3 species: discus, cardinal tetra & rummy nose tetra. It is hypnotizing to observe the discus gracefully drift through the water as the tetra dance in the background. Even when observing the tetra, the behavior and schooling patterns of the cardinal and rummy nose frequently vary from each other. This dynamic setup could only be house within a larger aquarium.

Cons

All of the great traits of larger aquariums make for an easy sale; however, several drawbacks keep hobbyists from taking the “deep water plunge”. There is no way around it, larger tanks come with a greater price tag. The tank and stand alone can cost hundreds for large tanks and thousands for those extra - extra large builds. Of course that is just for the aquarium! We aren’t even talking about all the necessary equipment that is required to keep either fresh or saltwater systems. Budgeting is definitely the name of the game for those wishing to begin their own large system but keep their bank accounts from reaching the depths of the Mariana Trench.
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Larger tanks will also require substantial room within your living space. The dimensions of the build will need to be considered when finding a suitable location. Additionally, the vast weight of larger tanks prevents one from simply placing it on a random piece of furniture. Aquariums should only be placed upon approved stands that are designed to support their weight. It is not advisable to place large and extra large aquariums on the second story structure of a home. If you are planning to place a large tank on a floor that is not directly above your slab, speak with a engineer to determine if your floor will need to be reinforced.
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All this consideration into tank placement brings up another valid argument, larger tanks will require additional time into preparation for setup. Make sure in planning that wherever you choose to place the tank, you will be happy with its placement. Another drawback about large aquariums is that should the need arise to move the system, it will definitely be a pain in the wrasse! Just imagine the tear down on a large tank system! Not only will you need to determine the proper stand and placement, you will also need to deliberate on the additional equipment you wish run on the system. Larger aquariums have an array of different technology options (filtration systems, heaters, powerheads, monitoring systems etc.) available on the market for system upkeep. Proper research is required to determine which products are designed to meet your needs. Additionally, should you choose to go with a custom build on your large or extra large aquarium anticipate a lead time of several weeks or more before your tanks makes its way home. Spare yourself the stress by utilizing plenty of forethought planning. For our future large reef tank, we are installing an additional circuit within our house in order to avoid fear throwing a breaker and provide energy backup options should we loose power over extended periods of time. To avoid headaches down the road, larger tanks will require more planning.
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Finally keep in mind that while larger tanks can get away with less frequent water changes; however, when that time does come you will be moving more water! A 20% water change on a 100 gallon (379 L) aquarium is still 20 gallons (76 L) the max size of many nano tanks. This can prove especially challenging if your city water requires that you prep your water before hand or you need to mix saltwater. For those with saltwater systems, we strongly encourage that you look into developing your own saltwater mixing station. For ideas you can check out the our build which we have in our garage.
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​While the drawbacks of large & extra large aquariums can cause pause of concern, they typically never deter a majority of aquarists. If you are a novice, don’t let the size of large build aquariums perturb you. The first aquarium we decided to go with in our home was the 150 gallon setup. Just make sure to invest the time into planning before you dive into the deep end of the pool.

Final Thoughts...

If you are still debating on what size tank to pursue, take a few other items into consideration:

• What is your dream fish & how large of a tank does it require?
• Many apartments and other living establishments limit the size aquarium you can keep. If you rent, make sure to review your leasing agreement.
  
• How much time can you dedicate to maintenance? Generally speaking, small tanks require less maintenance more frequently while larger tanks require more maintenance but can go longer periods without intervention. (keep in mind that this standard can change depending on the livestock you choose to house)
  

Regardless of which size aquarium you choose, you can’t go wrong so long as you keep your aquatic inhabitants needs first. Stunning aquariums exist in both small and large designs. Go with the size which makes you most comfortable and remember this is a hobby which can become as simple or complex as you wish to make it. Diligent research and patience is the key behind many successful aquaria!

Well that wraps up our showdown. See you next time and don’t forget to Keep Krill’in!