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!!!

 

[rapid]

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?

Recife ECO 40G Tank & Stand Combo

(AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL PICK-UP, LOCATION: BREA, CA 92821. For Local Pick Please contact us before purchasing.) Introducing AQUATOP's Recife ECO All-in-One reef aquarium systems. These aquarium kits include all the necessary accessories to provide an ideal habitat for marine fish and corals. The...

www.aquatop.com

 

[rapid]

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?

 

[rapid]

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?

Reefer 250 System (54 Gal) - Red Sea

Innovative Designs Going from the top of the Reefer system down to the bottom, the first thing you will notice is the crystal clear glass and elegant beveled edges. The second thing you may or may not notice is the slim overflow that houses all the drain and return plumbing to keep the water a...

www.marinedepot.com

or the red sea e-series if going AIO

heard good things about these

 

[rapid]

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]

Reefer 250 System (54 Gal) - Red Sea

Innovative Designs Going from the top of the Reefer system down to the bottom, the first thing you will notice is the crystal clear glass and elegant beveled edges. The second thing you may or may not notice is the slim overflow that houses all the drain and return plumbing to keep the water a...

www.marinedepot.com

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!

 

[rapid]

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!)

 

[Leah Ryan]

 

[DC Reefer]

Reefer 250 System (54 Gal) - Red Sea

Innovative Designs Going from the top of the Reefer system down to the bottom, the first thing you will notice is the crystal clear glass and elegant beveled edges. The second thing you may or may not notice is the slim overflow that houses all the drain and return plumbing to keep the water a...

www.marinedepot.com

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