2.5 gal vs 4.5 gal?

[sr2z]

Hello reefers! 

I have some experience in this hobby and I am about to start a new desktop pico reef. It can sound silly, but I really can't decide wether to get a 2.5 or 4.5 gal kit. The kits have a built-in filtration system, which takes up to 25% of the tank's volume. I list some pros and cons here:

 

2.5 gal setup

PROS:

+ lower starting price (quite important for me, cause I'm on a tight budget) 

+ more compact

+ lower maintaince price

+ easier water changes

CONS:

- less space for some scaping and corals

- may have more issues with the water quality than the 4.5 gal

- very limited livestock options

 

4.5 gal setup

PROS:

+ more space for scaping and corals

+ a bit easier to maintain good water quality

+ more livestock options

CONS:

- higher starting price point

- maintance can cost a bit more money (water change etc. ) 

- larger than the 2.5 gal

 

Thats all I could think of for now. As you can see, I am trying to build a ultra-low cost system. Please help me decide. I will keep you updated on the build :) 

[Coinee]

I would go with the 4.5G because 2.5G is not a lot of space. As corals start to grow, you will wish that you had more space especially if you want to add a small fish or invert. The price difference in maintanence is basically negligible for the two tanks IMO.

[Tamberav]

4.5g....once you get rock in there it holds a lot less water so you will be happy you went with the 4.5g. I agree the price difference isn't much.

[Murphs_Reef]

I mean both with be quick in ups and downs but defo the 4.5.. you will only get a 2.5 and spend the cash to get a 4.5 later so will cost more to get the smaller in the end👍🏼

[NoOneLikesADryTang]

I just filled a 4.7 gallon from @Micro-Reefs Aquariums, and once my rock was in, it’s got about 3.75 gallons of water. I’d definitely lean a slightly larger water volume/tank. 

[sr2z]

Thanks a lot people! I´ll get the larger tank, I will order it this week. I won´t forget to keep you guys updated on the build! 🙂

[sr2z]

So... here is the build thread...