First baby steps.. choosing the right tank...

gray808 · May 11, 2020

I'm starting to plan out my very first reef tank. I hope to get equipment lists finalized, and start ordering parts, over the next few weeks.
I want to take my time and "measure twice, cut once", so I'm planning a fairly slow build, tank probably not wet til at least a month, and no fish til end of summer or fall.

I want a mixed reef tank, with a good amount of interesting rock, fish, and non-expert-level corals.

The last time I spent a lot of time reading and researching (god, I love spreadsheets), I'd pretty much decided on a Corallife 32G BioCube. It seemed like a lot of return on a relatively small amount of effort, it would fit in my apartment easily, and so on.

But, since I've decided to start the build at my fiance's place, I can get a little bigger*, though I still want it small enough to go into my apartment if need be.
Given these criteria, I've come up with the following list:

Right now, I'm really leaning towards the Waterbox models, specifically the 60.2. I like their looks, they come with a lot of the key components, and their website doesn't make me worry that they are an empty storefront, unlike SC Aquarium's site.

My questions:

Are any of the ones listed above far and away better than the 2 Waterbox models? If so, why?

Anyone ever have problems with Waterbox, or it's customer service?

If I go for the 60.2, instead of the AIO, I'll need to do some work with installing the piping... it doesn't look terribly hard, this is where people tell me the nightmares I am in for and convince
me to get an AIO... which I don't actually expect.

Am I missing any other good contenders in the 40-65g range, that I should look at?

Any other advice on tank selection? (once I decide on tank, I'll start making the next equipment lists, and looking for advice there as well

Thanks!!

--Gray

* It will stay here as long as I am here. If I get a new gig in Seattle, then it will depend on how often I can get back down. If the kids step up and can help with maintenance, no reason to move it. If I can't get back down nearly as much as I'd like, I'll have to bite the bullet and move it north.

Peace River · May 11, 2020

Everyone has at least one opinion when it comes to equipment - IMO any of the the Waterbox tanks would be an excellent choice.

Sailfin11 · May 11, 2020

I wish I had gone with an AIO for my first tank, it would have been so much easier. All of those options look good though!

andrewey · May 11, 2020

Honestly, it comes down to exactly what type of hobbyist you are. If you want plug and play, go with the AIO. Otherwise, there's nothing difficult about plumbing a tank, so long as you follow any of the write ups/videos online so you don't make any of the new hobbyist mistakes. All of the tanks look fine, although I will say my 32 biocube was my least favorite tank I've owned (curve glass was a nightmare for cleaning and back partitions weren't an ideal size for a lot of equipment I wanted at the time).

Parent_usmc · May 11, 2020

Started my biocube 32 five months ago.. awesome tank! Depending on your budget and size restrictions the biocube imo is an awesome tank ( of course id love to already go bigger ) but it fits so perfectly in my small house I'm satisfied

PR_nano · May 11, 2020

Agree with the above it comes down to your preference, budget, and goals. For me I prefer longer tanks than taller. As for my first reef tank trying to see if I like the hobby, learn as I go, limited and not permanent space (apartment) I opted to go with a small AIO.

When I get my own place I would like a Nuvo Shallow Reef (SR) 60-80 on their INT implementation. While it currently doesn't exist I'm optimistic that eventually it will come to fruition.