Cutting Corners-where NOT to cheap out

[fuzzylogic]

Can you experienced guys offer any tips on things NOT to cheap out on. I know this hobby can be as extreme and as frugal as you wish to make it, I also know you often times get what you pay for. What I'm curious about is if you had to save someone from making any mistakes when trying to cut corners that would end up ultimately costing them more time and money what aspects of setting up a new tank would you get right the first time?

 

[kschweer]

I would say the glaring examples for me Would be skimmer and lights. Followed closely by power heads. And obviously the tank itself.

 

[fuzzylogic]

lol, so basically all of the things...

 

[PaulKreider]

Lighting I see as the main thing beginners cheap out on, often underestimating the importance of light that can actually sustain coral growth.

I would say power heads/return pumps, but I've had nothing but good things to say about my Jebao return and power heads! So much so that I ordered their dosing pump too.

My skimmer I found on ebay which was practically a BM replica and has worked fine for me to date.

I think you can skimp on alot of things, just make sure you're not skimping too much.

Look for affordable, not dirt cheap!

 

[dc4]

When I first started, I made the mistake of buying things just because of the price, only to rebuy them a few months later cause they sucked. I went through 4 different lighting setups before biting the bullet and getting a few AI leds. I went through 3 skimmers and 3 pumps in the same period. The crappy part was when I was new, I bought all of these things at the lfs as I didn't use these type of reef forums to ask for advice and to buy things used. The only advice I can give is to research the item you want to buy thoroughly before you buy it and to buy the best you can afford the first time. Also, plan ahead for the type of tank you want. If you want a fowlr, you can save on the lights and buy a better skimmer for the amount of feedings.

 

[kschweer]

lol, so basically all of the things...

Lol. Yea kind of. After I posted I said the same thing to myself. To simplify it a little, pay for quality equipment up front instead of buying it twice. By this I don't mean you need the best of the best just make sure it's a quality product from a known company. Look around here and Google for reviews as well. A used quality skimmer is far better than a brand new low quality skimmer.

 

[fuzzylogic]

I'm probably about to cheap out on my light just because of this. reading such good reviews makes me want to try an inferior product. My tank will need 6 months to become established and maybe more before I feel comfortable adding any type of corals. Sure I want that 500 dollar Radion LED fixture but that cheap galaxyhydro is on amazon for 140 with a free app. So part of me really wants to cheap out here, mess with it for 6 months, see if I can grow some of the easy stuff and save a few hundred bucks. sigh

 

[happyhourhero]

Probably the worst corner to cut is not setting up a QT.

 

[steve&mari]

There's lots of people happy with the eBay lights like you said reviews on some are great. We run the ocean revive t247 and love it and found it used. Almost all our equipment is quality used equipment light,bubble magus skimmer,rimless tank,brs ro/di,brs dual reactor,reef keeper lite plus controller w/ 2 pc4 temp and ph probes n tunze 3155 Ato. Found a speedwave dc return pump for half off,gyre n heaters are about all that's new.

 

[jlanger]

Don't go cheap on a stand build!
If you're asking someone to build you a custom stand, don't expect it to cost less than the mass produced ones in pet shops. You get what you pay for.
Stands don't have to be expensive, but as a cabinetmaker I hear it all the time from people not wanting to spend any money on a quality stand built right the first time.

 

[fuzzylogic]

great tip. luckily my stand was overbuilt by the original owner. All hard woods, heavy, and rock solid. I've told my gf several times my stand is worth more than my tank.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

My suggestion would be to check out reviews and then more reviews and then more reviews of the equipment you're planning to buy. Know WHY you are choosing what you are buying rather than just the price tag. I bought cheap when I was starting out...and that ended up being the expensive way to go because I ended up buying twice or three times because I would always buy cheap at first and then later on I regretted buying cheap and then finally invested in quality equipment. Another thing I've found helpful is to get to know some people that have tanks worth imitating, then find out what they're running and why. If you find multiple options that are working, then you can price compare between those...but it's usually a bad idea to buy the light that you don't see over any respectable tank...

 

[robert]

A good - high volume RODI unit.

Start with bad water and the best lights, skimmer and flow isn't going to help you...

How mant start with TAP water and only learn the hard way?

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

A good - high volume RODI unit.

Start with bad water and the best lights, skimmer and flow isn't going to help you...

How mant start with TAP water and only learn the hard way?

VERY good point. I tried to "get around" buying an RODI unit in the beginning too. Today I consider my RODI unit one of the single best purchases I've ever made.

 

[cu455]

My cutting corners regrets deal with more of the little stuff. Lighting racks or hanging kits. I have ruined several lights due to it falling in the water or splash from the tank. Plumbing stuff like clamps for tubing or just sticking the return pipe in my tank instead of using a secure spray bar.

 

[fuzzylogic]

RODI is there a preferred best? is one as good as another. I have seen several and my knowledge on these is pretty limited. Any one with real world experience on a good middle of the road one? It's actually pretty high up on my list before skimmer and auto top off unit

 

[KJ]

Distilled water work for me many years no problem sps lps

 

[kschweer]

Spectra pure makes great rodi filters you can get a refurbished 90gpd unit for something like $130.

 

[kschweer]

Sorry $140
http://spectrapure.com/Refurbished-90-GPD-RODI-System

 

[Mone52]

I agree with everyone else. Research, Research Research. ... ..take your time, dont rush and get what you want the first time. I made the mistake of buying cheaper products just cause thats all i could afford at that moment and didnt have patience to save enough money for what i knew i Should of bought in the firts place.. ... As a result youll end up buying the same equipment over and over... In my case it was skimmers and lights..... also make sure you get a reef ready tank. (Drilled with overflows) dont save money with a regular tank and then try to run a HOB overflow. .. bad news.