Getting Back Into Reefing—What Size Tank Would You Start With?

[Rummil]

Just moved into a small Jersey City apartment in June and itching to get back into reefing.


I haven’t had a tank since an apartment fire back in Jan 2021. Lost everything—corals I’d grown for years. It honestly wrecked me, and I’ve been out of the hobby since. But now I’m ready to start over.


Looking for real feedback—what tank size would you go with?

Constraints:

• Small space, so under 55 gallons
• Budget-conscious—starting from scratch
• Always loved AIOs, but the IM Nuvo 20 feels too cramped
• RODI setup is a hassle in my current place
• Only spots are:
  • Basement (flooded in the last big hurricane—added a sump pump, keeping all electric off the floor)
  • My bedroom (but the stairs are super steep—bit sketchy carrying anything big)

Torn between a 20–40g AIO, a 40B with gear, or maybe even a 50g if it’s worth it.


If you were coming back into the hobby after a loss, what size would you go with?

 

[MadReefer]

Small area. Did you consider a 40g or 60g cube?

 

[Rummil]

40g breeder (with aio insert possibly) or a 29gallon tank (i can get one second hand for 120$)
I never thought about the 60g Cube. nice "little" tank.

 

[DEL]

I have a 50g reef ready cube. Needs a deep clean. Its yours FREE if you want it. Its heavy so need help lifting it. Im in edison. Doesn't have a stand, so you can either buy one or build one. Let me know. Its currently in my garage.

 

[Hallowhead]

Get a larger AIO and put in basement so no electric is on the floor.

I had the 30AIO by IM loved it, go for like the 40/50

 

[MikeAreefs]

I agree with Mark, have you considered 40 or 60 breeder. They have great dimensions, breeders normaly have more width, and less hight. That makes them easier to scape and light. Also I would choose a sump over aio, more water volume, a place and a place to add equipment keeping it out of the tank.

 

[diana a]

There is someone on R2R who is moving out of State in north NJ who is looking to get rid of her tank.

Moving and trying to find my tank a new home

Hey everyone! I am moving states away in a few weeks and am trying to find my 47 gallon Red Sea reef tank a new home. I want my corals and fish to be in a good home or maybe donate it to a children’s hospital. Does anyone have suggestions as I am in Northern NJ and want them to have a good home...

www.reef2reef.com