Freshwater guy looking to make the jump

[ScubaFish802]

They already linked you the most important thread! But maybe check this one out if you haven't already! https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/beginners-guide-to-acclimation-and-quarantine.304980/

and,

 

[SPR1968]

Hi and Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[RapidReefer]

So my main plan was to have a fish tank with a few softies. I love the look of full on reef tanks but I really enjoy watching the live stock.

What AIO tank did you go with?

https://www.aquatop.com/products/recife-eco-40g-tank-stand-combo?variant=8723321520227

 

[RapidReefer]

it was terrible lol i converted it to a sump

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[GermanDreams]

They already linked you the most important thread! But maybe check this one out if you haven't already! https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/beginners-guide-to-acclimation-and-quarantine.304980/

and,

I appreciate the help !!

 

[GermanDreams]

it was terrible lol i converted it to a sump

That is something that scares me with a AIO lol. I would hate to buy one just to convert it later.
In the 1500$ range what would you suggest for a tank/stand/sump setup?

 

[RapidReefer]

That is something that scares me with a AIO lol. I would hate to buy one just to convert it later.
In the 1500$ range what would you suggest for a tank/stand/sump setup?

https://www.marinedepot.com/red-sea-reefer-250-aquarium-54-gallon
or the red sea e-series if going AIO

heard good things about these

 

[RapidReefer]

or you could DIY it if your handy and take a plain old tank and drill it with a overflow ! and make your own sump which is my next project lol

Save you alot of money!

 

[GermanDreams]

https://www.marinedepot.com/red-sea-reefer-250-aquarium-54-gallon
or the red sea e-series if going AIO

heard good things about these

I think the red sea setups are amazing but Im not a fan of the MDF stand idea. I really wish they had the option to upgrade to a hardwood.

 

[DMG Reef]

Welcome to R2R!! We're happy that you signed up!

 

[RapidReefer]

I think the red sea setups are amazing but Im not a fan of the MDF stand idea. I really wish they had the option to upgrade to a hardwood.

true that sounds like a true DIY'ER lol

 

[GermanDreams]

true that sounds like a true DIY'ER lol

If I can find a nice tank I wouldn't be apposed to some sort of DIY setup

 

[CelestEel]

 

[BaysEndReef]

Welcome to R2R!! :) Always here to help!!

 

[BackToTheReef]

Welcome!!!

 

[wenliu51]

Welcome! Great tips from many folks who posted before me.

One thing I might add.. When I started telling my friends (non-aquarium folks) that I switched over to saltwater.. I got an instant high-brow and several comments that I delved into the deep end. It is more work, it is more money. I definitely now look like a snobby aquarist (not a bad thing!) :p

 

[Leah Ryan]

 

[DC Reefer]

https://www.marinedepot.com/red-sea-reefer-250-aquarium-54-gallon
or the red sea e-series if going AIO

heard good things about these

Welcome. I did a Red Sea Reefer 170 which was $2500 all in excluding display lighting, rock, controller and livestock. I had an extra Radion pro, apex JR (from a FW tank), and live rock which I used so that saved some $$$. Also used the main sump chamber as a refugium which saved a few $$$ on not having a skimmer. This was all new equipment. You can save a ton finding something slightly used:). I have two other tanks that I didn't go the AIO route. There are some nice aspects of AIO design that are hard to beat but others I would have done differently if not an AIO. Overall very happy with the Red Sea. I wasn't a fan of the MDF either, but I figured it was a small tank so wasn't too worried about it. With that said it was engineered better than the MDF stuff I had seen before.

 

[Philly Reefer]

Welcome to R2R