[rdouglass]

Yeah, in the stock game ISTR that Gas Giants don't get any smaller than medium. However, Fyron's Quadrant Mod gives all sizes of Gas "Giants" - even tiny.

I used to go with gas giant planet types - fewer planets to defend. But now I always opt for a planet type that'll allow me to colonize moons right away (again FQM has additional moons - some gas).

Check a few threads reguarding training fleets at planets with moons. With a training fac on a planet and additional training fac's on two moons, you can fully train fleets/ships in 3 turns. Training your ships is essential and should not be overlooked in the least.

If you're a gas race, you can't utilize moons (in the stock game) until you acquire other colony techs.