Good Setup for a Beggining Reefer?

[Goose1505]

So im looking at purchasing my first saltwater aquarium. So i thought i would go for a AIO Nano tank (JBJ,BIOCUBE,RSM) somewhere in the 29g class. Wanting to grow anything up to SPS's. Came across this add and was wondering if this would be a good starting point? Please tell me what ya think!!

"I have a 34 gallon Red Sea Max for sale. The hood is retrofitted with CREE LEDs. Selling it because I got a bigger tank. This tank is ready to go tonight!
Will include the following:
Tank
Stand
Heater
Sand
Powerheads
Large 4" Mag-float
I am asking $400 OBO for the above. I would like to sell everything as a package. If there are specific questions you have please text me.
I can text pictures upon request. Don't hesitate to make offers, worst I can say is no. I am not interested in trades at this time"

 

[Bosco83]

I don't have any personal experience with the red sea max aquariums but I hear a lot of people like them. I don't know how much they go for used but it sound like exactly what you are looking for.

 

[Goose1505]

Thanks for the input, I also have heard great things about them. and does anyone have any good experience with the CREE leds?

 

[JLight]

Thanks for the input, I also have heard great things about them. and does anyone have any good experience with the CREE leds?

No experience with Cree but from what I've heard they are top notch. Definitely would be a good choice.

 

[reeffirstaid]

I kept a Red Sea 34 gallon Max for some time and recently gave it away. The Max is a great all in one aquarium, though all in one aquariums, IMHO are not without their shortcomings, especially for beginners. The filtration area of the max is confusing and somewhat difficult to get working 100%. The included skimmer is highly inefficient, I swapped it out in mine and replace with a Tunze DOC 9002. It's very tough to convert the filtration chamber to a small refuge. It can be done, but it's a very tight working space. The filter area is prone to clogging up if you use the Red Sea media as directed in the manual. This greatly effects your water level, surface skimmer performance and flow rate. The all in one, water proof hidden outlet area is a neat concept but in reality turns out clunky and frustrating.

For a beginner aquarium you want something with enough water volume to avoid major fluctuations in chemistry, especially from evaporation. I would suggest a 50 gallon, wide and shallow reef tank with a 20 gallon sump. Plumbing in a pre-drilled tank is easy for a beginner and eliminates the fear of suction breaking causing an overflow. With this, you can select the equipment you need, making changes as your progress into the hobby. The Red Sea max is too compact and limited, IMHO, for a beginning aquarist.