Affordable all-in-one solutions?

[wsoldier]

Hey all, I'm looking for a 120 G tank and have seen the nice solutions from Red Sea, but after getting price quotes it's coming in a round $7-8k once you include rock and some additional sump equipment. Is going the custom route better or are there other better options to piece together a system that are more affordable?

I do like the glass thickness/quality of the Red Sea system and the integrated plumbing/overflower/skimmer in the back of the tank, but I don't know if there are other options for a clean and integrated look.

I realize this hobby isn't cheap, but any other cost effective options would be welcomed. Thanks in advanced!

 

[GoVols]

First off: Welcome to Reef 2 Reef!!

@HolisticBear
You've considered all options and your Coast to Coast (custom) is a master piece.

Do you have any incite for @wsoldier ?

Thanks, Freddie

 

[LetItReef]

Not 120g and Nuvo-INT 100 is on sale.

 

[wsoldier]

Not 120g and Nuvo-INT 100 is on sale.

Thanks @LetItReef. I did see that tank and was curious about it, but I wasn't quite sure how it compared and didn't really find any video reviews to see one in action.

 

[Dennis McGrath]

The words "affordable" and "reef" don't go together. Like Jumbo Shrimp

 

[mcarroll]

Use a Tunze Reefpack 500 to make a regular 120 gallon into an AIO.

 

[HolisticBear]

I assume you are talking S-Series?

The Nuvo SR tanks are interesting options, there are a few pretty ones on R2R. WaterBox has some new AIO, but max size of 50 gallons. Is the issue that you want to minimize cost with no visible overflow (like the S-Series) or you want an AIO tank?

If it's internal overflow you're trying to avoid, you could install a ghost style overflow onto a SCA 120 and go with a typical sump setup.

If it's a large AIO you're interested in, the Nuvo SR are an nice option as well as getting a regular tank and maybe having someone like https://oceanboxdesigns.com/ made a custom AIO drop in. They make AIO drop-ins for small tanks, but might be open to make you something custom

 

[wsoldier]

Thanks @HolisticBear, I suppose my question really came down to cost-effective methods for building a new tank of that size. I'm very new to this all and I'm not even sure what types of overflow options are available on the market, or as you and @mcarroll suggested, what type of after-market products are available to retrofit older-styles aquariums (or if that's even advisable). Thank you for the suggestions of the SCA 120 and Nuvo SR.

So, to break it down even further:

1. Are people really spending $7-8k on about a 120G setup like the RS Max S-500 (assuming they aren't lucky enough to find a 2nd hand unit), or are there good places to find 2nd hand units?
2. What type of tanks are people building these days for a 120G setup, and whether AIO solutions are worth it.
4. Is it more cost effective to have something custom made at a local shop?

Thanks for all the info thus far. Been learning tons but with all the equipment/configuration possibilities it's hard to know what type of equipment is best to start with so that I can grow as I learn the needs of the tank and the hobby in general.

 

[HolisticBear]

If you browse the build threads, you'll get a feel. There is even a thread called "wow, nanos aren't cheap" with 5 pages of replies. You'll see everything from $400 to $20,000k setups

1. Custom will not be more cost-effective, but will provide you exactly what you want. Think custom furniture vs buying at a store.
2. BRS has a few nice series on YouTube. Their BRS160 and ULM are not budget, but they walk you thru all the options
3. Many people, when I'm cynical I'll say most, enjoy the gear more than the corals/fish. So the most common setup is where they pick every since piece of equipment because the joy of researching and buying gear exceeds the joy + work of taking care and raising the inhabitants. As a results, tanks where everything is all picked out for them isn't their style.

Patience is hard, it's easier to have patience on the 2nd build. For many choices, there is no right or wrong answer and comes down to personal preference (aesthetics, noise tolerance, how much maintenance you'll do in the beginning and then later, what maintenance annoys you and what doesn't).

If you're new to hobby, there is alot to be said for finding some small and used (i.e. small Red Sea Reefer or IM AIO). That takes the edge off, allows you to explore the hobby and then decide to go big. The actual tank will not be a major part of the cost. Things like lighting, controllers, pumps, and livestock will cost more.

What you want to keep affects the cost as well. Fish only, LPS only, SPS only. Also when your total livestock is worth $500 you don't worry about backups + insurance as much when it's worth 10x that and is the result of many years of success.

 

[mcarroll]

I don't mean to contradict anyone here, so take this for what it may be worth.

When I set up my tank the "norm" for tanks like mine (not custom made, but not AIO...just a normal setup w/sump) was to spend about 1/3 of your budget on the tank/stand, 1/3 on live rock/sand and the last 1/3 on gear. (This was before controllers, dosers and the whole "hi-tec" re-boom.) Stocking the tank was presumed to be done over a much longer timeframe, so wasn't a lump expenditure and wasn't included.

I definitely second @HolisticBear's suggestion at getting (or piecing together) a used setup to begin with. Especially if you've never had an aquarium at all (not sure on this, just sayin).

You can form some real opinions about a real setup that YOU actually run....before you spend any "real money". This is a Good Idea™.

Buying used won't make success any more of a sure thing, of course, and you may even decide that the used setup is junk – so don't assume anything.

But it does save your wallet and gets you some actual experience, which is priceless. So it's all good.

That said, buying used isn't for everyone.

If that describes you, then building a standard system like mine (manufactured tanks, gear selected by me) isn't too hard and is still a good way to avoid paying the maximum price for a system. Also, typically the LFS has good options because they also use the gear they stock in their own tanks. This is easy to check, so ask; don't assume. (Knowing this helps you know how much stock to put into any recommendation you get from them.)

Using a Tunze Reefpack vs picking skimmers, reactors and ATO separately still gets you a lot of the "savings" of a standard system (vs AIO) but with ZERO COMPLEXITY and none of the added cost of the return pump, drain system, plumbing and multiple tanks, etc. It integrates the skimmer, filter reactor and ATO into a unit smaller than most drain boxes. There are other benefits as well. The sacrifice is that you lose the extra space of the sump, which is more of a hypothetical advantage anyway since you have almost no gear to put in it thanks to the Reefpack. (Use any "leftover" money to "move your sump space into the display" by buying a little bigger display tank.)

2¢

 

[Jesterrace]

Go to your LFS or Craigslist and Check for a complete used setup. People are getting in and out of the hobby all the time or move, get deployed, etc. It will save you thousands with a tank that size.

 

[wsoldier]

Thanks all for the suggestions, this is helpful. I guess I need to do more research on the Tunze Reefpacks since I'm not clear on the maintenance required vs a full size sump with fuge, reactor, skimmer, etc.

As for my prior experience, I had a 100 G freshwater tank over 25 years ago when I was a kid, so tech has changed a bit.

@Jesterrace That would be ideal but without having good relationships with the LFS or waiting for the right tank to come on CL, that opportunity seems slim. I'll keep an eye out on the Selling Forum though here unless there's a better place.

Appreciate all of the feedback.

 

[mcarroll]

@Jesterrace That would be ideal but without having good relationships with the LFS or waiting for the right tank to come on CL, that opportunity seems slim. I'll keep an eye out on the Selling Forum though here unless there's a better place.

Patience is a necessity in reefing, so no better time to start practicing than the present!

Nothing good happens fast in a reef tank. Right?

 

[mitch91175]

The words "affordable" and "reef" don't go together. Like Jumbo Shrimp

Took the words out of my mouth. Only reef is affordable is the one you do not purchase. I guess since your question is about price, that you either do not have the budget for one and do not want to spend the money on one. Going into reefing like that will have you taking shortcuts that will cost you more $$$ in the long run.

 

[wsoldier]

Clearly this was a poor word choice since many of you are getting hung up on semantics, and I'm well-aware of the costs associated with this hobby, hence part of the reason for me asking. The point of this thread was to find cost-effective suggestions for building a new system given my stated preferences. For example, I don't believe that finding second-hand glass/stand is a shortcut that is going to be costly in the long run, and is something I would consider to be a cost-effective alternative to building a brand new turn-key setup where a premium is built into the price. Maybe there are other good online resources for where people leaving the hobby are trying to sell their gear--that would be another welcomed suggestion.

I appreciate all of the suggestions in this thread for tank add-ons or approaches which is all I'm after, especially since many people on this forum have been doing this for years and I'm sure aren't buying new Red Sea setups each go around. Thanks again.

 

[Mavric]

Also join some local reefing groups on Facebook. There are a ton. You will see more used tanks than you know what to do with. A lot of the 100+ gallon ones are already drilled for returns and have the overflows. I seen a 180g the other day with a stand and 50g sump for $275. And the bigger ones usually take a while to sell. Sometimes you can find fully stocked Red Sea setups for $1500. Luckily enough this hobby has no significant resale value.

 

[Devaji]

Hello! and welcome to the hobby and R2R!

I know what you mean...its crazy some of the $$ ppl spend on tanks. yes this hobby is spendy but it can be doable. like said you dont have to have the best right off the bat get some experience under your belt and go from there. i also would suggest buy used 1st time around if you find what you are looking for.
or a least put so thought into it. not sure what your budget is, but I make under 20K a year and I still reef.

some thoughts to help deciding on tanks:

I would look are your home/space and see where you want to keep the tank that will help deciding how big you can go. tape the foot print out and set with it a few days.
also watch videos read build threads and get an idea of what kind of livestock you will enjoy. having a large angels and tangs VS smaller reef fishes will also help decide on size.
I bring this up so when you are looking for tanks new and used you have a better idea of what suites your needs.

keep in mind and AIO will give you less in tank real estate but internal plumbing will do so to, to a lesser degree and external means keeping the tank 6-12" from the wall. that might drive some ppl nutz for other its not big deal.

I have never had an AIO tank only sumps and HOB tanks so I can't commit on how easy they are to care for but sumps are ( IMHO) easier as you have more room to work with and more equipment options. sumps are really easy to build just silicone a few pieces of plate glass or use stuff BRS did on there ULM softie tank. its as easy as it can get.

if your somewhat handy you can DIY a stand that could save you $100s again going used is good there to. but just inspect the tank as well as the stand.

now AIO vs sump pricing the AIO are going to be alot more as there a niche market. so unless you have a reason for going AIO I would suggest a sumpped tank or even HOB equipment...heck with as good as HOB equipment has gotten these days you could go that rought for a LOT less and prob be better anyway. one grip about AIO i have is the odd size of skimmer and other equipment thay want you to buy there system...

you could find a nice 120 gal tank a add a HOB skimmer or 2 a HOB filter for your media and there you go...there are lots of beautiful tanks out there doing just that. there are many ways to reef. and you get more intank space with an AIO feel.

IMHO If buying new would go with SCA or water box I think they make the best affordable option that I have seen. rimless, low iron glass and are nice tanks. but if you dont have to have those upgrades there are cheaper tanks out there. I have the SCA 90 cube with a DIY stand.

anyway i am totally babbling on and no here...hope it confused you a bit so you could get clarity. haha

 

[Land Shark]

Hey welcome aboard!

This hobby will nickel and dime you to death so no matter what you plan to spend on paper, just have a good time with it and know that you will spend at least double what you plan for over the course of your first 2 years. You will buy a first skimmer and later on you'll be buying a better one. The same goes for lighting, filtration, pumps, livestock, you name it. If you can afford a hobby like golf or owning a classic car, you can afford this hobby. Good luck!

 

[Jesterrace]

Patience is a necessity in reefing, so no better time to start practicing than the present!

Nothing good happens fast in a reef tank. Right?

Agreed. I ended up waiting about a month or two before getting the deal on my 90 gallon setup.

 

[TangingOut]

I always advise people getting into the hobby to find a setup from someone getting out. Usually very cost effective.