New hobbyist, first setup question

[fightingfish]

hello, everyone! I've posted in the introductions forum, so I'll keep this one as short and simple as possible...

I'd like to start a reef tank. I've been researching, and I have at least until Spring before I can even really think about actually setting everything up, so time is not of the essence.

With no prior aquarium experience, which setup would be best for me out of the following options?

JBJ nano cube 28
Red Sea Max E 170

Now, I know there's quite a difference between the two, both cost wise and functionality wise. I was showing my wife the nano cube, and she wasn't so into the aesthetic, but she digs the Red Sea stuff...that said, is that tank setup appropriate for a first-time aquarium hobbyist? Which would be more efficient, functional, and "easier" for a beginner?

Also, looking at the JBJ cubes...is the Professional worth the extra cost over the Intermediate? What is the actual difference between the two?

Is there an advantage going for an all-inclusive, brand new setup for a first time go around?

As far as my own goals for the tank, I'd like some clowns, an anemone, some inverts, maybe a watchman and shrimp tag team, and a couple pieces of coral...nothing too crazy, right?

 

[4FordFamily]

hello, everyone! I've posted in the introductions forum, so I'll keep this one as short and simple as possible...

I'd like to start a reef tank. I've been researching, and I have at least until Spring before I can even really think about actually setting everything up, so time is not of the essence.

With no prior aquarium experience, which setup would be best for me out of the following options?

JBJ nano cube 28
Red Sea Max E 170

Now, I know there's quite a difference between the two, both cost wise and functionality wise. I was showing my wife the nano cube, and she wasn't so into the aesthetic, but she digs the Red Sea stuff...that said, is that tank setup appropriate for a first-time aquarium hobbyist? Which would be more efficient, functional, and "easier" for a beginner?

Also, looking at the JBJ cubes...is the Professional worth the extra cost over the Intermediate? What is the actual difference between the two?

Is there an advantage going for an all-inclusive, brand new setup for a first time go around?

As far as my own goals for the tank, I'd like some clowns, an anemone, some inverts, maybe a watchman and shrimp tag team, and a couple pieces of coral...nothing too crazy, right?

The reefer all inclusive is a clean setup and I think you will find it easy to work with, less margin for error and rookie mistakes. I personally recommend Red Sea reefer series.

Regarding the differences I wouldn't know, admittedly how to compare and contrast. Your goals seem doable just take it slow on the additions :)

 

[Oscar47f]

Welcome to the hobby!!! In my opinion and with my experiences in the hobby cheap does not always equate to saving money, mainly because cheap stuff is prone to breaking and such, thats not to say you can't get cheaper stuff because some cheaper brands are okay... now i do agree with your wife and i like the red sea line of tanks because they are well thought out tanks but they are very expensive... they do come with sumps and plumbing and such that is planned out which saves you the time but to be honest building and planning a tank is pretty fun... i personally don't like biocubes and i would recommend the nuvo fusion line all in one tanks, they look a lot nicer and its the same concept... and don't jump into things too quickly honestly you can probably make a really nice setup that is custom for around the same price as the red sea tank.. and all your goals are doable in most systems.. another word of advice is the more water volume the better because you have some room for error so i would start off with at least 30-40 gallons or more ...

 

[Salty1962]

The all in one's make life a lot easier, especially for someone just starting off. You don't have to go through making sure everything matches up correctly and getting the right equipment for the tank. I went with an all in one for my latest and I'm very glad I did. JMO

 

[fightingfish]

Thanks, all. I appreciate the advice.

I've had some ppl recommend the Reefer series, as it allows more growth as I progress in the hobby. This does, of course, necessitate me matching components. Then, after googling around, I found that Red Sea does a Deluxe Reefer with LED lights...another wrench in the works!

Any thoughts? Some of the comments are that the stock Max series stuff leave a bit to be desired, and that, if done properly, a set up Reefer would cost less, all other things being considered, if imset it up myself.

 

[smokin'reefer]

Welcome to R2R. I just started about 10 months ago. I did a 29 gallon Biocube to start and quickly moved up to a Reefer 450. As far as the Red Sea offering I decided to get the Reefer Series so I could customize as I went and also go basic on some parts to later ramp up to fully loaded later. Very happy with Red Sea and the people here on R2R helped get me to realize the tank possibilities. I still have a long way to go myself but got a good start with RS and R2R. Just my experience, hope it helps.[emoji15]

 

[fightingfish]

So I've been checking out the Reefer Deluxe 250...nice piece of kit! If you had to fill up a shopping cart with some budget conscious, yet quality components to get it running adequately for some clowns, some watchmen, a six line wrasse, some other friendly fish, easier corals, inverts,and an anemone, what components would you get?