Poll Agree or Disagree: The Smaller The Tank, The Bigger The Problems!

[Art]

This is a topic that comes up from time to time. Some believe strongly that smaller tanks mean bigger issues, while others may agree to disagree. But what do you think?

• The smaller the tank, the bigger the problems. Why or why not?
• What advice would you give someone starting a new tank project?

 

[Art]

I agree.

Things happen fast in smaller tanks. Usually not a good thing.

They are also harder to plant and aqua scale. IMO.

 

[Kwyet]

I agree, because small issues can affect the tank quickly and need fast intervention. If you pay attention to the tank and don’t overstock though, I haven’t found the size of the tank to be a huge issue.

 

[Yugang]

Typically, numerous factors are involved, so tank size, in isolation, rarely provides a reliable prediction.

What I would say is that especially for high tech CO2 supplemented, smaller tanks may be more likely to have suboptimal conditions as they are usually operated with less performing equipment (CO2 injection, flow, filtration, sump), than their bigger cousins.

If all conditions and equipment same, size shouldn't matter.

 

[ElleDee]

I understand the idea that larger tanks are more stable, but I have never experienced runaway tank instability with either of my nano tanks. I think with reasonable choices small tanks can work great and be very little trouble. Maintenance is a breeze.

I think beginners need to be honest with themselves about what they want out of their aquarium and choose their tank size accordingly. If the want a shrimp tank or a betta in a little jewel box habitat, then a 5 gallon would be perfect! But if they decide they want more fish and overcrowd the tank it's not going to end well. But if they start knowing they really want to keep full sized rainbowfish or whatever, well, they need to commit to giving them enough space.

With no priors, my recommendation for a first tank is always going to be a 20 long because it can accommodate a lot of stocking options while keeping maintenance reasonable.

 

[Count Krunk]

I've been doing aquariums for a long time and absolutely. My wife finally saw a tank she liked and it was a small shrimp tank.

The one i got her was a 3.5g nice little tank from petsmart.

She has since upgraded to a 10g and just equipment options wise makes it MUCH easier.

I'm able to use a robust canister filter on the 10g that just cruises along. The hob filter on the 3.5g needed attention weekly or things went downhill.