Help chose a tank

kendallb03 · May 14, 2020

Hello, I am trying to get into reef keeping and I need some help. I am trying to chose a tank and I don't know which route to take. A Red Sea Reefer sounds really good considering what it comes with but its super expensive. I have been looking at a 75 gallon Marineland tank that would have to drill but I am really scared that the silicone will give out. I have also seen some reef ready tanks from Aqueon and Marineland but they are relatively expensive considering it is just the tank and they are glass and I don't know where to find a stand where the plumming can come through the top of the stand. If you have any suggestions as to a good beginner tank it would be greatly appreciated. I want something that is relatively big because I have read that big is good for beginners but I also want it to be relatively cheap. Thank you so much in advance for any help.

fishguy242 · May 14, 2020

hi 1st you can drill holes in top of a stand ,glad to see checking options ,not impulsive big key to reefing,give @Joe Glass Cages ,a shot ,good luck in search

and
welcome to the reef!!!!

codycolina707 · May 14, 2020

kendallb03 said:
Hello, I am trying to get into reef keeping and I need some help. I am trying to chose a tank and I don't know which route to take. A Red Sea Reefer sounds really good considering what it comes with but its super expensive. I have been looking at a 75 gallon Marineland tank that would have to drill but I am really scared that the silicone will give out. I have also seen some reef ready tanks from Aqueon and Marineland but they are relatively expensive considering it is just the tank and they are glass and I don't know where to find a stand where the plumming can come through the top of the stand. If you have any suggestions as to a good beginner tank it would be greatly appreciated. I want something that is relatively big because I have read that big is good for beginners but I also want it to be relatively cheap. Thank you so much in advance for any help.

sca makes a decent tank for a nice price and even have pnp systems that come with tank stand sump return pump and skimmers the return pumps get the job done but they arent great as for tank and stand i have a 150 im happy with for what i paid for it

Joe Glass Cages · May 14, 2020

fishguy242 said:
hi 1st you can drill holes in top of a stand ,glad to see checking options ,not impulsive big key to reefing,give @Joe Glass Cages ,a shot ,good luck in search
and
welcome to the reef!!!!

Thanks @fishguy242. I do love talking tank and supporting this journey. @kendallb03, let me know if you want to talk about build options. I am open to support even if you select a different builder. I have a passion for this hobby. Take care.

Diyreef8401 · May 14, 2020

Personally I love the diy side of the hobby so I had a tank made by custom aquariums. Then made my own stand, sump, and lights. I am sure the veterans here would have better ideas but I would spend money for a good quality tank then piece together everything else.

Parent_usmc · May 14, 2020

I just started my first tank ( biocube 32 ) I love how easy the aio tanks are... however I do wish I went a little bigger

Payne Train · May 14, 2020

Hey - welcome to the forum.
I would say that your tank will probably be one of the cheapest parts of your saltwater journey --- Are you wanting an all in one tank or a tank that has a under mounted sump ?

I have an All in one - Innovative Marine SR 80 .... I love it so far.
But a happy mid priced, seems to be well liked tank would be the JBJ 65 all in one.

Lots of info out there on it. Its not too big and its not too small

kendallb03 · May 14, 2020

Payne Train said:
Hey - welcome to the forum.
I would say that your tank will probably be one of the cheapest parts of your saltwater journey --- Are you wanting an all in one tank or a tank that has a under mounted sump ?

I have an All in one - Innovative Marine SR 80 .... I love it so far.
But a happy mid priced, seems to be well liked tank would be the JBJ 65 all in one.

Lots of info out there on it. Its not too big and its not too small

Thank you for the recommendation. I definitely want to do and under mounted sump, but i will definitely look at those.

kendallb03 · May 14, 2020

Thank you to everyone who replied. It has really helped a lot. All of your help makes me excited to be apart of this amazing community.

Dr Jimmy · May 14, 2020

It's pretty easy to make a stand. I started with a Biocube 29, then had a Marineland 90 RR. Now we're setting up a 40 gallon breeder that I drilled this week. I built the sump and the stand as well.