semi-newbie asking for help on buying

[_siku]

Hello, everyone. So, I’ve had a 75-gallon tank for about two years now. It’s the most basic setup you can imagine—just an HOB filter and a light that can only grow soft corals and some LPS.

I’ve been saving up money for about a year and a half (I’m still in high school and have a part-time job) just to buy exactly what I want with no budget limits. During that time, I’ve saved up about $11,000. But now that I have the cash and the ability to buy exactly what I want, I’m having many questions and doubts. So, this will be a pretty long thread.

My first question: What tank brand should I go for? I’ve had my eyes set on the Red Sea Reefer 625 G2, but I’m sure we’ve all heard the horror stories about seams blowing and leaks. People say the stories of Red Sea tanks leaking are common because Red Sea outsells other companies like Waterbox, Cade, IM, etc. So, obviously, there would be more leaks with Red Sea tanks due to their higher number in circulation. But without actual data on the exact numbers, that theory doesn’t really convince me. I’ve always wanted a Red Sea, and I’m going to be honest—I don’t even know why. I definitely love their design and overall aesthetic. Even though there are plenty of more reliable options that have the same look as Red Sea, I honestly think I wouldn’t be happy with any other brand. It might just be the “brand name” that has a chokehold on me, but like I said, I don’t know exactly what it is that I love so much about Red Sea tanks. For peace of mind, I’ve shifted more toward the Reefer S-700 G2+, and if you have any experience with Red Sea, I’d love to hear it.

My second question: Just because I have the ability to buy everything brand new, should I buy everything brand new?

I’m sure we all love the feeling of getting something brand new, but is it really worth it? Most high-end equipment is built to last, so why not just get it secondhand? For example, MP40s, Hydras, return pumps, skimmers... tons of good equipment is always being sold secondhand for about half off. The only plus I can see to buying brand new is the warranty, but other than that, I’d love to know if it’s really worth it to buy everything new. The tank is not an option; whether I go with Red Sea or not, I will buy the tank brand new.

I’m aware that no matter which route I go, both of my concerns mean this will still be an expensive hobby and a money pit, but I really don’t care. I love this hobby and I’m willing to spend a lot of money on it.

I’m sorry if this sounds like a rant, but I was so confident in what I wanted, and now that I have the money in hand, I can’t seem to make up my mind. Maybe I’m just overthinking it, but this is a huge investment (for me at least). Maybe I should stop stressing and just pull the trigger. I’d love to hear what you guys with more experience think. Thanks!

 

[_siku]

I guess it wasn’t as long as I expected. I’m sure I forgot a lot of what I was going to write about.

 

[JTP424]

This is going to be geared towards your second question.
I'd say look at your living situation before making any big decisions regarding a large tank :) Specifically if you're still in high school.
- If you still live with your folks, what is the expectation of the tank? In your bedroom? Will the floor support it? Or are you on a first floor etc.
- Are you planning on going to college etc? Will you be able to take the tank with you?/Do you want that added stress :)

Honestly, with that much cash, I'd look into upgrading your system. It would be nice to have something brand new, but maybe update/upgrade. Saves you money, and you can see what you can grow/keep! Then you'll have a fine tune idea on what you want in your big one.
Invest in better lights (you can then use these on a bigger tank later) , look at an HOB sump system/drilling one in,

 

[andrewey]

I started my first tank when I was in high school. It was something I bought used and DIY'd everything as I couldn't afford to buy anything fancy. It was nice- I learned to build lights, build a sump, service old tunze and maxi jets. Ultimately, as is very common, I had to leave that tank behind for school, moves, etc. Ultimately, if this were me, I would do it this way again in a heartbeat. There's a pretty high chance that you end up moving in the next 5 years and that 11k will have a resell value around 3-4k when you have to part it out. I would honestly take 1k and use it to play with your current setup and put that 10k in the stock market. In a few years, when you can have a tank where you don't have to worry about moving, you'll have a TON of cash to buy the setup of your dreams.

You can also easily buy a used setup on Facebook marketplace for your 1k and use that to figure out which gear, tank style, coral, etc. you like for your next big splash out tank.

Just my 2 cents- as always, you can decide what works best for you :)

 

[_siku]

This is going to be geared towards your second question.
I'd say look at your living situation before making any big decisions regarding a large tank :) Specifically if you're still in high school.
- If you still live with your folks, what is the expectation of the tank? In your bedroom? Will the floor support it? Or are you on a first floor etc.
- Are you planning on going to college etc? Will you be able to take the tank with you?/Do you want that added stress :)

Honestly, with that much cash, I'd look into upgrading your system. It would be nice to have something brand new, but maybe update/upgrade. Saves you money, and you can see what you can grow/keep! Then you'll have a fine tune idea on what you want in your big one.
Invest in better lights (you can then use these on a bigger tank later) , look at an HOB sump system/drilling one in,

Thanks for replying! I do live with my parents, and yeah, I would have to keep it in my bedroom since my parents aren’t fans of this hobby. Luckily, my bedroom is on the bottom floor. I’ll be going to college soon, but I’ll still be able to drive since it’s only about a 20-minute drive from my house.

I probably forgot the most important point: I’m going with a bigger tank because I’m definitely more into the fish and want to keep larger fish than I’d be able to in a 75-gallon. However, I’ll definitely consider just upgrading my tank for now and waiting a bit to see how things play out.

 

[_siku]

I started my first tank when I was in high school. It was something I bought used and DIY'd everything as I couldn't afford to buy anything fancy. It was nice- I learned to build lights, build a sump, service old tunze and maxi jets. Ultimately, as is very common, I had to leave that tank behind for school, moves, etc. Ultimately, if this were me, I would do it this way again in a heartbeat. There's a pretty high chance that you end up moving in the next 5 years and that 11k will have a resell value around 3-4k when you have to part it out. I would honestly take 1k and use it to play with your current setup and put that 10k in the stock market. In a few years, when you can have a tank where you don't have to worry about moving, you'll have a TON of cash to buy the setup of your dreams.

You can also easily buy a used setup on Facebook marketplace for your 1k and use that to figure out which gear, tank style, coral, etc. you like for your next big splash out tank.

Just my 2 cents- as always, you can decide what works best for you :)

Thanks for sharing your experience! I really appreciate the advice. I can definitely see where you’re coming from, especially with the potential for moving and how that could impact the tank and its value down the line. I like the idea of investing some of that money into my current setup and playing around with it. It’s a good way to learn more and figure out what I really want in the long term.

thanks for the perspective! It’s definitely making me rethink my approach, and I’ll take some time to think about what would work best for me.

 

[JTP424]

Thanks for replying! I do live with my parents, and yeah, I would have to keep it in my bedroom since my parents aren’t fans of this hobby. Luckily, my bedroom is on the bottom floor. I’ll be going to college soon, but I’ll still be able to drive since it’s only about a 20-minute drive from my house.

I probably forgot the most important point: I’m going with a bigger tank because I’m definitely more into the fish and want to keep larger fish than I’d be able to in a 75-gallon. However, I’ll definitely consider just upgrading my tank for now and waiting a bit to see how things play out.

More reason to save that cash for when you're in your own place :)
Sounds like you've got reasonable expectations.
Wish you all the luck in whichever direction you choose and looking forward to following along :)

 

[slogan315]

TLDR - go small, high tech, filled with corals you love.

Firstly, huge props to you for saving up that kind of money while in high school! Hobbies aside if you were to invest that in low risk ways, you could be looking at a house down payment or more shortly after graduation college (assuming you’re going to college). There is plenty of time to fully invest in your dream hobbies after getting established in life!

secondly, if you’re in highschool, your living situation is likely going to be bouncing around over the next 5-10 years. Investing in a long term setup may become more like an anchor when you have to figure out what to do with it when you move out.

So I’d say put some of it towards a tank, but keep resale in mind in case you need to get out the hobby for a little while focusing on school or other aspects of life. For example: tanks have crappy resale. Buy a used tank or one that’s small enough for apartments if going new (<50g). For most equipment, I’d go new if it’s cheap and disposable, or used if it’s reliable (think jebao dmp-40 vs mp40). Either way you won’t feel guilty if you basically have to throw it away in a few years. Or go new on reliable equipment if it’s something you wouldn’t mind moving/storing for 2 years if you need to take a break.

My vote is building a high tech 40ish gallon. Expect to get almost nothing for the tank and fish if you need to sell off the setup. Once your system is rock solid, spend your money on nicer corals that you love. If you have success growing those, you may actually make some money if you have to liquidate.

My overall point is leaning towards your priorities and goals are going to shift a ton over the next 10 years. And a smart person, like you seem to be, isn’t going to let their hobby control what’s best for their future. So if what’s best for you is moving to a new city, doing a semester abroad, spending the summer at an internship across the country, etc, don’t let a 250g aquarium become an anchor that stops you! A 40g is small enough to sell, give away, or have a friend take care of very quickly if needed.

 

[_siku]

TLDR - go small, high tech, filled with corals you love.

Firstly, huge props to you for saving up that kind of money while in high school! Hobbies aside if you were to invest that in low risk ways, you could be looking at a house down payment or more shortly after graduation college (assuming you’re going to college). There is plenty of time to fully invest in your dream hobbies after getting established in life!

secondly, if you’re in highschool, your living situation is likely going to be bouncing around over the next 5-10 years. Investing in a long term setup may become more like an anchor when you have to figure out what to do with it when you move out.

So I’d say put some of it towards a tank, but keep resale in mind in case you need to get out the hobby for a little while focusing on school or other aspects of life. For example: tanks have crappy resale. Buy a used tank or one that’s small enough for apartments if going new (<50g). For most equipment, I’d go new if it’s cheap and disposable, or used if it’s reliable (think jebao dmp-40 vs mp40). Either way you won’t feel guilty if you basically have to throw it away in a few years. Or go new on reliable equipment if it’s something you wouldn’t mind moving/storing for 2 years if you need to take a break.

My vote is building a high tech 40ish gallon. Expect to get almost nothing for the tank and fish if you need to sell off the setup. Once your system is rock solid, spend your money on nicer corals that you love. If you have success growing those, you may actually make some money if you have to liquidate.

My overall point is leaning towards your priorities and goals are going to shift a ton over the next 10 years. And a smart person, like you seem to be, isn’t going to let their hobby control what’s best for their future. So if what’s best for you is moving to a new city, doing a semester abroad, spending the summer at an internship across the country, etc, don’t let a 250g aquarium become an anchor that stops you! A 40g is small enough to sell, give away, or have a friend take care of very quickly if needed.

Thanks for the advice! I think a 40-gallon tank is a good idea—big enough to enjoy, but not too big if I need to move or take a break.

I also like the idea of getting used equipment for the less important stuff and saving for the things I’d want to keep long-term. That way, I can enoy the hobby without worrying too much. You’re right—things will change a lot in the nex few years. I really appreciate the help!