55G vs. 75G

[thebbqguy]

I am torn between a new budget priced 55G vs. finding a pre-owned 75G. I am new and learning as I go.

What are some comparisons between the two types of tanks and the fish that can be stocked in the two sizes?

As with most hobbies I am involved in I've found it's easier to spend a little more up front than re-spending later, but my wife not convinced and is sensitive to what it would look like. An alternative is to move it into the basement and it's out of sight. One of the benefits of aquariums though is to have them where you can see them and enjoy them.

[Regalblue]

With a 75 you get almost 300 more square inches of surface area & it'll only be 6" more from your wall. 

The other added benefit is that you can keep more species &/or species which grow larger,  because of the tank being 6" wider.

* Edit:  Also - You'll get greater stability in your water parameters with a bigger volume of water.

[Ron]

Even with a 10-foot-long tank that only 13" wide, larger fish will look a bit silly in a smaller tank because they'd be restricted to mainly side to side movement. With a greater width they can swim around a bit more.

A wider (front to back) tank also allows for better aquascaping. Increased depth that draws the viewer into the picture is more easily done.

There's also consideration for hardscaping (AKA rocks, wood, etc) because you can form a larger base for a structure which extends up the height of the tank, allowing for greater height than would be achieved with a narrow tank (unless you're a risk taker about falling rockwork breaking the tank).

[thebbqguy]

Thanks to you both for the insight. I am definitely getting a 75G.

I talked to Preuss and Stingray today. Both seem to have suitable options for me.