Where to Purchase Everything

[gum drop]

Hi. I am in nyc, completely new to the reef tank world and starting from scratch. I would appreciate advise as to what is the best place/places to purchase everything. EG a specific store in the city or on line? I would like to hire somebody to install the tank in my apartment and teach me how to build and maintain it from soup to nuts.
Thanks-Larry

 

[PharmrJohn]

You can pick up virtually everything online. That's my plan anyway. I'll be also using an LFS to install everything. What you buy and what kind of quality is up to you. To give you an idea of cost, my plan is for top of the line everything including tank (155g). NOT including live rock and LED lighting (I'm using what I had from an old build) it's gonna be $8500. But I have disposable income. One of the benefits of being old(ish).

 

[ScottJ]

If you plan on having a lfs install, go around to them and see who you like and who likes you. You will probably build a better relationship with a store who installs if you also buy some of the equipment from them. ;)

 

[SuperReefNoob]

Sorry i dont know anything about NYC but my online goto is Bulk Reef Supply.

 

[slingfox]

PremiumAquatics has a sizeable first time customer discount. Their pricing also includes tax and they provide free shipping. I bought as much as I could from them since I could not find cheaper total pricing anywhere else.

 

[VintageReefer]

Saltwateraquarium.com has everything including tanks and nice free gifts based on your total spend and a rewards point system

I find their prices are typically the best or very close to the best

Free stuff $2000+ order

Free stuff on orders $5000+

 

[fish_collector]

Premium Aquatics, Aqua cave, SaltWaterAquarium, Amazon are all good places to buy gear. Personally I'd not give BulkReefSupply a nickel of my money, they have done enough harm to the retail mom and pop shops by their overwhelming online presence and buying up their competition.

If you find a LFS that you like, it may be possible to purchase the whole package from them for a significant discount.

 

[VintageReefer]

Or if you happen to want a 48x20x20 tank setup you could save a ton and buy this and then get the extra stuff online.

You won’t find a site with a 83g tank, cabinet, sump and ato anywhere near this price

Post 1 has the bulk of the info
Post 19 has the buying link (it’s now $1600 shipped with the return plumbing)

The rest of the thread is us discussing it, buying it, arrival photos, etc

Best reef ready tank deal of 2024 - whose looking for a new tank?

I’ve been holding off on posting this but now I’m ready I came across what I believe is the absolute best deal you’ll ever see on a reef ready system Background - Current USA had a custom tank built for their marketing photos. It’s all over their website under the sections for r24 led reef...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Doctorgori]

my first priority is to shop local: I’d rather fund schools here than in Cali….
But when shopping online I go to the following vendors ( with notes)
- Saltwater aquarium.com : fast ship, great selection, military discount
-Premium Aquatics: Top notch customer service, wide selection of weird parts, different product selection than BRS or SWA.com …..fast ship
-BRS : usually lowest prices, best place for chemicals. Wide selection, best for RO parts and bulk chemicals
- Marine and Reef: easily best online store for replacement parts and specialty gear

For rock/livestock I try to use the Florida Gulf vendors

 

[ScottJ]

Saltwateraquarium.com has everything including tanks and nice free gifts based on your total spend and a rewards point system

I find their prices are typically the best or very close to the best

Free stuff $2000+ order

Free stuff on orders $5000+

I could be totally wrong, but I think Saltwateraquarium.com is family run, also. I like to think so, anyway.

I just put in a big order (for my anyway) for CUC with the 4th of July sale, and forgot all about the free stuff! Coulda scored those cool reef viewing glasses :face-with-rolling-eyes:

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I tend to buy my tank supplies online: Amazon, BRS, Saltwater Aquarium, and Premium Aquatic.