Cheap Equipment Vs. "Named" Equipment

[Breakthecycle2]

So what's everyone take on this? Do you guys prefer going the cheapest route possible or bite the bullet and get top of the line?

 

[bayoupr]

I go middle of the pack. I don't need $1000 skimmers and lights and at the same time I don't need cheap Chinese lights (UL Listed for me). Some of the Chinese skimmers are good but they seem to change styles too much (this model is good this year but not next year) then you need to find parts when the warranty goes out. You don't need top of the line but at the same time don't go the cheapest either.

 

[pilotx44]

Well it really depends. With the powerheads, I cant quite justify getting a 500$ pump when the cheaper alternative is 1/5 the cost, and I can go through 5 of them before I break even with the original cost, by which time the expensive brand will probably need to be completely replaced too. Especially with the cheaper brands having almost exactly the same control with the apex as the more expensive ones, and even without the apex. Also you get the added ability to control direction of water flow.. With the LEDs, its a bit more complicated. Prices aren't so low that it makes it quite as worth it. I keep having Leds going out on my cheaper units. Not sure if this is going to happen on more expensive units. So im tempted to go with a quality name brand, or to alternative lighting. With other equipment it just depends on your planned setup and usability. Ill have to admit top of the line sumps are nice, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. However a skillfully made cheaper solution would be just as effective. This requires planning and research. Good Luck!

 

[Saltgator]

I'm more middle of the pack on this. I refuse to pay full retail for a name brand, so I shop around and look at all the available models. Then I start a research obsession for that certain piece(s). I did go cheap with my powerheads in the beginning and they held their weight for a time. Up until a year ago, they were fine but started up in reverse when the power jumped. What equipment are you trying to decide on (skimmer, lights, etc)?

 

[Kcstoker1]

Base my choices on my specific needs first, then I take into account reviews and fellow reefer's experiences. Sometimes I pay for the big ticket item if it's the best option within those parameters, but often it's down the line a bit. Very rarely buy the cheapest as buying a $150 pump that will last is better than replacing a $50 pump 3 times.

 

[Shep]

Really depends but why risk saving money if in the long run it could wipe your tank out or break down (lights, heaters) but others things are fine to save some money on (powerheads, thermometers,etc)

 

[jadwv2210]

My take on this hobby is it's such a niche that manufacturers can charge whatever prices they want. This means everything is expensive, even the "cheap" stuff. And then once a company comes along and makes a mediocre or better than average product, they charge for it like its a Lamborghini. Like someone already said though most of the time you can replace something 5 or 6 times before amounting to the price of the "better" equipment so I usually go the cheaper route.

 

[cheezybuda]

I think it's completely on a case by case basis. I have gotten things I have been very happy with on both ends of the spectrum. I have also been disappointed. I try not to be a fan boy, because one company doesn't necessarily make the best product in every category.

 

[eg8r210]

...Very rarely buy the cheapest as buying a $150 pump that will last is better than replacing a $50 pump 3 times.

I shake my head every time someone posts the opposite of this. I agree with you, pay a little more now so you don't have to replace as often later.

 

[mfinn]

Spending money on a piece of equipment with the idea that if it fails, it's ok?
Totally stupid imo.
I try to spend my money on a product with a good track record. So if I have to dig a little deeper into my pocket to get a quality product, I'm ok with it.

 

[-Logzor]

Buy quality used equipment from Tunze, ATI, Spectrapure, etc.

 

[pdiehm]

i am all about saving money. Buying used equipment etc.

When I was first making the switch to saltwater, I was told 2 things not to skimp on. 1) Return Pump and 2) Protein Skimmer.

Everything else was negotiable, and optional in terms of new vs used.

 

[oceanparadise1]

I have done both. When I was younger I went with the cheapest stuff I could find, used or new.

Now, after being in the hobby for a while, a lot of the expensive stuff is expensive for a reason. Now that can afford it I try to always go name brand. I prefer the better stuff, if nothing more then for the piece of mind.

Also with the more expensive stuff I never had to replace. The extra money is well worth saving me the pain and frustration of shutting down my tank every three months to replace a cheap product.

 

[Ryan15236]

I try tend to stay middle of the pack as well. I usually buy the main equipment new for example, I bought a tunze osmolator new, Aquamaxx em skimmer new, and my reefbreeders photon new. These are all middle of the pack as far as cost and maybe even on the lower end for the reefbreeders compared to other LEDS but I know the history and am also covered by a warranty for the first year or so just incase things go wrong.

 

[Martin H. Lawton]

I usually look up reviews and depending on if its the most important thing I need for the tank this year I save and get it. besides that I tend to get the middle like everyone else.

 

[soeminpaing]

I go slow with equipments. I try to get the best tank i can afford and start cycling and save up for the light during this. Then buy the best light I can afford. For wavemaking jebao pumps are quite good. For lighting ocean revive and reefbreeder are cheap and effective. You just need to understand what is essentials and what is more of a cool toys. Also plan for back up equipments when things failed like heaters, wavemakers and return pump if you go cheap. I just have my jebao wp-25 failed on me after two years of use. So I replace with my backup cheap chinese wavemaker till I can order another dc wavemaker. Also if you have to travel a lot, there is no cheap alternative. Get the best name brand.

 

[FranklinDattein]

I buy high quality tank/stand, LED and food.
Everything else, I prefer to get from cheaper chinese stores like fish street.
I also tend to focus on redundancy, rather allegedly longer durability. For example, instead of an expensive branded titanium heater, I get two cheap titanium heaters from China and link them together.

 

[Mr. Brooks]

I wouldn't skim on heaters man. That's one of the top tank killers. When they fail, they fail bad.

I'm all about spending money on quality equipment. I have Tunze pumps that have been going strong and problem-free for years.

When you have a big tank, piece of mind is priceless.

Some of the cheap equipment out there really is junk. Not fit for my very expensive and fragile reef.

 

[ThaBeast]

Aquarium stuff is like everything else in life-you generally get what you pay for. Cheap is never good and often comes with a 'stupid tax.' I always buy quality equipment and if I pay attention to reviews it is in reference to service after the sale.

 

[Thomasj616]

I'm one of those people that hat absolutely refuse to pay retail for anything. In fact I've built my entire system my self. I have a 125 show with a 15 gallon show refugium and a 60 gallon sump. I will say bigger is typically better when it comes to equipment. To spend a little less money to get a smaller pump but max out its rating doesn't work. Also it will make it fail quicker. This is for both name brand and non named brands. I will say do your research on a non named brand the pumps will sometimes run considerbly hotter then a name brand