Hi all, I've recently become interested in aquariums and am looking to get one of my own, not much experience but im a fast learner and follow directions well. I was looking into the biocubes and am torn between a 14g and 29g, ive heard mixed things about larger tanks being easier to take care of? also id be interested in getting clownfish along with an anemone and i read that the lighting isnt sufficient however the pet store tells me otherwise. Pet store told me 4-6 fish in a 14 gallong tank, is this true because ive read different on this as well. While i was leaning towards the 14gallon, I would really like to acquire a few different kinds of fish while then just being limited to a few clowns (which is what ive tend to see in a 14). Also i dont want to overwhelm myself if the 29 would be too much work for a newb.

Any suggestions/advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I'm relatively new myself.. here's some thoughts on the size:

-If you get a small one, eventually you will wish you got the 29. 4-6 fish in a 14 probably wouldn't fly to well.. I'm debating 4 in a 20g.

-Getting the 29 will have higher startup cost (more LB of live rock and sand, pricier light upgrade - which you'll probably want, etc)

And, as you mentioned, more water = less chance of a catastrophic meltdown from off balance levels.

Personally, I'd get the 29. However, with how many mods people seem to do to BCs, it might be worth looking into not-an-AIO and just price parts out. Also, craigslist is good to find people selling everything you need, cheap. My buddy just got a 55g with filters, etc for $150. Even if you trash the gravel and tacky decorations that inevitably come with it, it's still a deal.

In my honest opinion, you should get something like this: http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?...p;#entry2742465

Don't be fooled by false advertising, the 14 BC is not 14 gallons but rather 8-9 (It's not 10-12 despite what some people may say)... I wonder what the 8 is, 4-5?.

You need to be suspicious of any pet store that gives you a "rule of thumb" or says things like "4-6 fish." Just for arguement's sake, if you get a huge tomato clown and an anemone, you may not end up with anything else, and if you get a couple of catalina gobies, you may get over 10 fish. The point is, they need to anaylize what you are after. If your goal is anemone and clown, then go for it! Suppliment then with smaller, non-competing fish.

Do realize though, that anemones are traditionally very difficult for beginners, and frankly, shouldn't be placed into a "new" tank until it has gone through at least 6 or 7 months of maturation, and many people think 1 year plus. They also are very light dependant and due to their mobility, are somewhat difficult to predict. As with everything, there is no set rule and you are welcome to experiment but the one thing so folks forget, is that these are living creatures and experimentation for the sake impatience is not too cool. As such, tons of research (like what you started here!) is necessary!

Now, the 29 vs 14 thing is a bit more complex. Work will be roughly the same, if not a little more on the 14. Only due to the fact that smaller changes equal bigger affects in smaller tanks. One extra day of not doing a water change would be 50% worse in the 14g if you were way behind, if you know what I mean. Frankly, I tell most people the same thing when debating between sizes of tanks (though I will use your situation here), go with the 29g but with the 14g plan in mind. That way, if you "max out" with livestock using the 14g plan, you are good to go with the 29g tank.

The number one thing that EVERYONE does is overstock. Overstock rocks, fish, corals, etc. Now, lots of times it can look AWESOME! But, frankly, you can to do rad things with a 29g tank, with a 14g plan. Build an island of rock in the middle, showcase an anemone or two and get some sand dwelling fish! A pair of clowns, so gobies and a blenny or two, and it would be awesome!

Anyway, good luck and have fun. You are about to have an awesome tank!