Cheap Equipment Vs. "Named" Equipment

[puffster]

I buy what I can afford at the time depending on the situation and what is available. I try to buy good quality secondhand equipment if possible and if it isn't at the time I need to purchase it, I will buy the cheap new piece then purchase a better grade in the future and use the cheaper one as a back-up.

 

[Boa1277]

Well I haven't seen to many TOTM with cheap lights or cheap skimmers.........Just saying!

 

[NanaReefer]

Well I haven't seen to many TOTM with cheap lights or cheap skimmers.........Just saying!

One of the most messed up comments ever. Aside from being so untrue.

 

[Austin Lee]

I look at it subjectively. If it is something that will directly affect my water quality and/or livestock I go middle of the road at least, if not high end. If it's something simple like a pump or power head, I go ahead and save the money and replace it if necessary. One tip if you're on a budget: AMAZON! I found a reef octopus 110 for $199 at the LFS and for $119 on Amazon. Yeah, support your LFS as much as possible, but if you are on a budget, it's sometimes necessary to choose Amazon.

 

[hig789]

A few years ago when I got in the hobby I went with the cheap stuff and ended up buying the good stuff to replace it. Ended up spending more money in the end than just buying the good brands to begin with. Then I got out of the hobby for a few years.

With my 15g I decided I was going to go with used equipment in the top brands that I could transfer to my 40b when I get ready to set it up.

IMO I'd buy the good brands in used equipment before I'd buy the cheap stuff new.

 

[Dtackett]

personally ive built my hobby on budget equipment and you NEVER want the cheapest equipment. however cheaper equipment is great. jabeo pumps, Chinese lights or The new sb reef lights work great, SCA skimmers work amazing. I have not used any chillers, dosers, or reactors so I cannot say with experience if the cheaper ones are any good or not.

 

[FranklinDattein]

Well I haven't seen to many TOTM with cheap lights or cheap skimmers.........Just saying!

Statistically there is truth on that.

However, I think this is more related to the fact TOTM tanks are heavily stocked with very expensive animals and if the owner is willing to spend that much money on live stock, it is also willing to spend on gear.
I bet you TOTM owners would achieve the same result with mid of the range gear, if they wanted to.

 

[Dtackett]

Statistically there is truth on that.

However, I think this is more related to the fact TOTM tanks are heavily stocked with very expensive animals and if the owner is willing to spend that much money on live stock, it is also willing to spend on gear.
I bet you TOTM owners would achieve the same result with mid of the range gear, if they wanted to.

I agree to a point. most people who run budget tanks are on a budget that don't allow for the vast array of coral that those with more money can afford. totm should really be called "most expensive tanks"