Best "All-inclusive" Package?

[Slayvoff]

OP, would you consider the Sea Crest 35 made by Artfully Acryllic? It's a drop-off, looks pretty cool IMO. FWIW, I am looking for my first tank as well.

My main concern with cube-like tanks is that doesnt it seem like you're getting less when observing the tank, compared to a less-deep rectangular tank? I would think there is more viewing space to watch the fish for a flatter, longer tank rather than shorter and deeper. But IDK

 

[spiraling]

My main concern with cube-like tanks is that doesnt it seem like you're getting less when observing the tank, compared to a less-deep rectangular tank? I would think there is more viewing space to watch the fish for a flatter, longer tank rather than shorter and deeper. But IDK

For fish you generally need more swimming length, but for corals you want more depth since they are more 3 dimensional. Deeper tanks are a bit easier to aquascape and not get close to the glass. Both shapes work and its a personal preference for design as well as the space you have to put them in.

FWIW I got a used red sea 170c several years back. Upgraded some of the components like LEDs, skimmer, etc, still cheaper than new. No problems growing SPS, even under the stock (compact florescent) lighting. I now have a red sea reefer and the build quality of both is excellent, as is their customer service.

 

[Tautog]

FWIW, I pondered this, but kept researching! My conclusions were to go big as possible, then what makes sense. A large tank gives you plenty of room to grow. The larger equipment, costly, but more effective and worth the money spent. I have a 180 gal, with a 60 gal sump. 6' X 2' X 2'. I selected this for depth, length, and width. It's a truly eye catching set up. If you read a lot here on R2R, everyone complains they ran out of room. The costs to get started are greater, but worth every penny. In the long run, you'll be happy you did. With more water volume, your giving yourself a chance when you make mistakes, and they happen. Once your set up, the cost isn't that much greater to run. I'm in almost 3 yrs, and just upgraded my lights to grow Acros. I couldn't be happier. If you go small remember you will upgrade for more space, and then all new equipment. This is where this hobby gets expensive. Please think before you buy. Think long term. If your not ready, stop! This isn't a " flash in the pan " hobby, but a long term marriage to a friend, if you want success. Success comes over time! There are NO short cuts!
But, welcome to Reef 2 Reef!

 

[lickyricky]

FWIW, I pondered this, but kept researching! My conclusions were to go big as possible, then what makes sense. A large tank gives you plenty of room to grow. The larger equipment, costly, but more effective and worth the money spent. I have a 180 gal, with a 60 gal sump. 6' X 2' X 2'. I selected this for depth, length, and width. It's a truly eye catching set up. If you read a lot here on R2R, everyone complains they ran out of room. The costs to get started are greater, but worth every penny. In the long run, you'll be happy you did. With more water volume, your giving yourself a chance when you make mistakes, and they happen. Once your set up, the cost isn't that much greater to run. I'm in almost 3 yrs, and just upgraded my lights to grow Acros. I couldn't be happier. If you go small remember you will upgrade for more space, and then all new equipment. This is where this hobby gets expensive. Please think before you buy. Think long term. If your not ready, stop! This isn't a " flash in the pan " hobby, but a long term marriage to a friend, if you want success. Success comes over time! There are NO short cuts!
But, welcome to Reef 2 Reef!

+1

 

[rockstarta78]

I know with all our answers you maybe little overwhelmed. But these are some good advice from some really experienced reefer. Red Sea makes a great tank. However, whatever route you decide to go, my suggestion would be get the biggest tank you can manage. More water volume, easier to manage. If I could re-do everything I'd go with a bigger tank. The initial setup cost will be high, but with smaller tanks swings and changes happen fast. With bigger water volume you will have more room to make mistakes. Trust me when I say this, we all make mistakes. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Mariners]

Ive had a jbj 28 g aio and just this year ditched the stock hood and lid and replaced it w an ai prime hd--best thing i ever did! I would consider something which allows u to customize when u want to upgrade as you gain experience and knowledge. Red sea nanos or nuvo like everyone suggested. The main thing is go slow and research stuff.

 

[Vince57]

I agree with the Red Sea.
That being said, there's a new or fairly new company called Waterbox Aquariums.
I have been researching them, and I am seriously considering getting their Platinum 135.4g AIO.
I've been out of the hobby for awhile, and let me tell you, the hobby has evolved since I left the hobby. Making decisions is mind blowing, so much information out the Web, plus here on R2R.
Good luck, making your decision.

 

[Tofer]

I have the Bio cube 32 that was started in Jan . The tank no longer comes with the bio balls and has a media tray so you can put floss and carbon or other chemical filtration.All in all it has been a nice tank it works for the space I have and worked with my budget . You can make upgrades to the the media tray and return pump down the road if you need to .

Like other people have stated research the tanks you like and get what works for the space you have and your budget . This is a very fun hobby but can be challenging at times and can be expensive.

 

[pelphrey]

SCA is having cabinet issues, the previous builder retired. Recently their stands have been hit or miss. Literally your best bet is to get the SCA tank, ask for standard plumbing and either build your own stand or have one build.

Get what you can afford, I started with a 27 gallon cube I drilled for a sump. Then moved to a 20 gallon AIO. I have a Red Sea reefer 250 now, 3 tanks in just over a year. Just dive in, you'll figure out what you like and dislike!

 

[PiscesPower]

SCA is having cabinet issues, the previous builder retired. Recently their stands have been hit or miss. Literally your best bet is to get the SCA tank, ask for standard plumbing and either build your own stand or have one build.

Get what you can afford, I started with a 27 gallon cube I drilled for a sump. Then moved to a 20 gallon AIO. I have a Red Sea reefer 250 now, 3 tanks in just over a year. Just dive in, you'll figure out what you like and dislike!

Check out his youtube videos as well. It's what sold me on the Red Sea 250

 

[.-=Jord=-.]

I recently purchased the Biocube 32 led. I'm happy with it except for the lighting. I have several hammers, frogspawn, acans and a neon birdnest. All seem to be doing well but if you look at the par ratings for the light itself, they aren't that great. I'm looking into replacing the lights. But everything is looking good.
As for the filtration I'm using the marine pure balls, and running carbon. I don't have any problems with nitrates. I do have some filterpads I use as well.
All in all though its a great beginners tank.

 

[Slayvoff]

SCA is having cabinet issues, the previous builder retired. Recently their stands have been hit or miss. Literally your best bet is to get the SCA tank, ask for standard plumbing and either build your own stand or have one build.

Get what you can afford, I started with a 27 gallon cube I drilled for a sump. Then moved to a 20 gallon AIO. I have a Red Sea reefer 250 now, 3 tanks in just over a year. Just dive in, you'll figure out what you like and dislike!

Watching your videos on the 250 now, considering that for my apt. How do you find the noise level of the tank overall? I really need a tank that is incredibly silent or as close to it as possible (Nyos skimmer-level of quiet) because how small my apartment is.

 

[pelphrey]

My tank is in the living room, I can hear the gyre pumps when they run at a high percentage. But that's it, no other equipment sounds at all.

Watching your videos on the 250 now, considering that for my apt. How do you find the noise level of the tank overall? I really need a tank that is incredibly silent or as close to it as possible (Nyos skimmer-level of quiet) because how small my apartment is.

 

[jeffrey holloway]

Welcome to the hobby. Be advised, this is a hobby of lots patience, studying, and deep pockets. Good Luck!

 

[Tiger-Paws]

Deep, D E E P pockets...

 

[cgdcinc]

I have an SCA 50 and have no complaints. I hard plumbed the overflow. Have had no problems with any of the equipment. Running for 6 months. Very happy with the system.

 

[boozeman27]

+1 to Red Sea. High quality and fair price!

 

[OrthoVet05]

I ended up with a 57 rimless oceanic and Eshoppes 200 sump. I think it's a solid starter and I am glad I waited out especially hearing everyone's opinions.

 

[siggy]

You're off to a good start! I too started out thinking a bio-cube but decided on a 40 gallon acrylic AIO and quickly ran out of room, 3months later I was into a larger tank with a sump, you just avoided that mistake.
Nice woodwork and solid setup

 

[Ranjib]

Biocube is a fine tank. I own on, and happy with it. Don’t be eluded by the stock options though. That led won’t be enough for sps. Depending upon where you live, you may go with openhood. That would open up other lighting option as well. I would definitely recommend gutting the bioball and install media basket with chemipure blue and filter floss. If you want to keep sps, you may get a slimmer , ato as well.
Remember you won’t need everything in the beginning, you can space out your equipment purchase over one year, since you have to let the tank mature before adding more demanding corals.

I’ll say decide what’s your livestock plan first, and work backwards. If going with biocube, I’ll recommend hitting the hood and rim first, as those will be hard to do later. The back chamber is very useful to hide media basket , heater , slimmer etc, hence biocube is bit better than other tanks without the backchamber, if other option has dedicated refuge then it’s in different league altogether.
But again, don’t be eluded by the stock options , most likely they will come in your way,