Back to the hobby after almost 20 years I need help

[Triggertup]

Hello everyone I'm new here and I have a few questions as I haven't been into the hobby for a very long time but recently purchased a home in the Tampa Florida area and I'm thinking about getting a saltwater tank .

I've looked into a red sea system and also gotten a quote to build a tank

My wife likes the idea of building the tank because she can put it in a piece of furniture that she likes lol I just. Want to make sure that the products and components of the build estimate are good products and I'm not getting anything that is cheap or out of date here's a picture of the breakdown for the estimate to build A tank

Would I be better off with the red sea system say the max E series ?

 

[dbl]

Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby. I moved your post over to the Meet & Greet Section for a warmer welcome and better response.

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R and back to the hobby

 

[CodyRVA]

Welcome back!

I would definitely do your homework and research the equipment by rating and price. There's a lot of personal preference in buying an all in one vs a custom build. I personally enjoy picking out equipment on my own and assembling my system each piece at a time; always makes it feel more "mine."

There are several items on that list that I would absolutely do myself and save some $$$ (sump build, plumbing, assembly, etc.)

 

[Flippers4pups]

I would error on the side of going slow and not rushing into anything. Doing your research and reading reviews can take a great deal of time, but educating yourself now will benefit you in the long run. (And save you headaches and money)

Coming from way back in the day when you started, I've been at it most of that time and have had the luxury of seeing virtually all the changes in the hobby in that time. As you may already know, there's been a lot!

Me, I like and have always liked building my systems from the ground up. My last build took me a year to complete and get wet.

So, it's up to you. All in one systems like the Red Sea have their benefits, but custom systems, like others have said, can make you feel more in charge of what it does for you. Your call.

Ask questions here and all of us will do the best to help you.

Oh and welcome back! And welcome to Reef2reef!

 

[4FordFamily]

Welcome home, you will love it here!

Keep us posted on your build with lots of photo and welcome back!!

 

[Robthorn]

Well if you are back after 20 years you may need help we can't provide. ;') Hahaa

Welcome to the Tampa area. I live in Largo just across the bridge. There is a crazy large reefing community around here. At least two clubs.
As far as that list you can make most of that work for certain types of corals just fine. I have to ask what types of corals are you more drawn to?
Feel free to pm me if you want since we are close and I can direct you to some of the best stores in the area. We have many.

 

[Robthorn]

Tampa Bay Reef Club and Reef Visions.

 

[SalinFL]

Welcome to Tampa (I'm from Tampa also) and welcome back to the addiction!

I agree with what was said earlier, do your research to get exactly what you want. It's easy to change while you're in the planning stage. Nothing hurts more than saying "I should have..." As for myself, I'm an AIO girl all the way. Need any help, give a shout. Glad to have you here.

 

[Triggertup]

Wow thanks for the warm welcome everyone. I'll def be doing more research while I consider my options. Great to meet Tampa folks too! Any stores in Tampa you recommend?

 

[SalinFL]

Sent you a pm

 

[Robthorn]

A & R Aquariums in St. Pete, A Tropical in Largo and Pinellas Park, Coral Corral and Fish and other Ichthy Stuff in Oldsmar. Creative on Dale Mabry and more I am missing on both sides of the bay.

 

[glb]

Welcome! I agree with everyone above that research first is the way to go. I've had an AIO and a sump. I find the sump setup much easier to work with because you can see everything. Plus you have more room to work with. Good luck!