Im new to saltwater fishkeeping. Wouldn it be better for me to see if I can be successful with a small tank before I invest in a large one?
Usually the only advantage to a smaller tank is a lower initial cost. One of the “secrets” to successful fishkeeping is a stable environment. Smaller tanks are normally more difficult to keep stable and, therefore, more difficult to keep fish in, successfully. Additionally, most hobbyists are eventually tempted to add one more life form to a tank than is appropriate. In a small tank the chance of overstocking is far greater. The old adage thus holds true: to purchase the largest tank that space and budget can accommodate. If space and budget are too much of a problem, avoid the aggravation and don’t get a tank at this time. So, you might ask, “what’s a small tank for saltwater?” Generally the smallest you should start with is a 20 or 30 gallon. Again, larger, such as a 50 or 75 gallon, or larger, is better.
