Size Definitions for Pico, Nano, Mini, Large Reefs

[jimsflies]

I wanted to have a discussion regarding the volume of tanks as they relate to our reefing terminology. The purpose for this is to work toward using these terms in our Member's Reef forum to enable members to sort by reef size.

In my mind, I see the following classifications:

pico (<10 gallons)
nano (10-39 gallons)
mini (40-180 gallons)
large (>200 gallons)

Did I miss any...are the ranges in line with what you think they should be? I'm figuring these would just be display volumes, not total system volume?

[larryandlaura]

Looks good Jim.

[Heidi]

Originally Posted by larryandlaura

Looks good Jim.

I am glad you are doing that Jim I am surprised to see that my hex was in the "nano" category. I always wondered where the cut off was for "nano" and pico too. thanks for clearing this up for all us noobes

[larryandlaura]

Yeah my tank is a mini! Time to upgraded.

[jolson10450]

personally i see it as:

pico = 3g or less
nano = 29g or less AIO tanks (if it is not AIO i consider it a regular tank)
mini = 3g-29g tanks (determined by main tank size)
small = 29g-120g tanks (determined by main tank size)
large = 120g+ gallon systems (again, determined by main tank size)

[jimsflies]

Originally Posted by jolson10450

personally i see it as:

pico = 3g or less
nano = 29g or less AIO tanks (if it is not AIO i consider it a regular tank)
mini = 3g-29g tanks (determined by main tank size)
small = 29g-120g tanks (determined by main tank size)
large = 120g+ gallon systems (again, determined by main tank size)

I'm confused. If I have a 3 gallon tank is it a pico-nano-mini then?

[jolson10450]

Originally Posted by jimsflies

I'm confused. If I have a 3 gallon tank is it a pico-nano-mini then?

if it is 3g it is a pico, if it is a 3g AIO tank, it can be a pico or a nano, if it is a 3g system with a sump etc... it can just be considered a mini reef.

in other words if it is a 3g with a hang on filter and hanging lights or clip on lights it is a 3g pico, if it has an internal filter and a hood with lights built in etc.. then it is a nano but you can consider it a pico as well, and like said above if it has a sump with it then it can be considered a mini reef.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by jolson10450

personally i see it as:

pico = 3g or less
nano = 29g or less AIO tanks (if it is not AIO i consider it a regular tank)
mini = 3g-29g tanks (determined by main tank size)
small = 29g-120g tanks (determined by main tank size)
large = 120g+ gallon systems (again, determined by main tank size)

Id say this is a closer size range IMO.... but personally id say small it 29-75g, average reef would go 75-180, Large 180+ as 75-180 tend to be more "common"/ average sizes

[bluwc]

Originally Posted by chort55

Id say this is a closer size range IMO.... but personally id say small it 29-75g, average reef would go 75-180, Large 180+ as 75-180 tend to be more "common"/ average sizes

Now are we talking what the display is or the total volume of water including the sump?

[Chris]

Originally Posted by bluwc

Now are we talking what the display is or the total volume of water including the sump?

Display.... IMO thats really the only thing that counts anyways.... heck my sump has 80g of water in it (100g rubbermaid)