Looking to start in the hobby

[Kangaroo]

Hey guys, I recently got the "okay" to purchase a reef aquarium and equipment.


I have been watching tons of BRS TV and other reef aquarium guides/ channels. My biggest take away is don't buy cheap stuff because it will cause problems later, ULM is best for longevity, and research research research.

In the vein of researching, I am currently seeking advice on the "best" way to start into the hobby. I am thinking between 60-130 gallons for my first system. I know people recommend to go as big as you can, but I don't really have the space a system larger than that, and I anticipate regular water changes until I am experienced enough to get the hang of dosing. Additionally, it seems that many youtubers swap out equipment like crazy, I wouldn't be able to do that. Essentially, what I buy now, as far as lighting, pumps, powerheads (I'm thinking Vortech), ato (pretty much sold on Tunze ATO but I could have my mind changed), sump, pumps, ect. is what I will be using for the foreseeable future.


The tank: The stand must contain my sump and refugium. (Hopefully, an ATO as well).

I am considering the red sea reefer 260 through max S-500.
Why a tank/sump combo? I seek to have the sump for mechanical filtration and to keep the display tank looking sleek and stylish, so AIO is out for me. Why a combo? Getting a kit seems like the smartest route, as far as bang for your buck is concerned. Upon my research, the only thing I am consistently seeing upgraded is the gate valve on Red Sea products, which I could do that.

The livestock:
I am going to get clowns, for sure. (I know some can bite)
some cardinals, blennies, snails, and crabs
I eventually want a manderin. Yep, going to need copapods. So, a refugium that hopefully fits below the tank.
Corals: What has sold me on the hobby. I plan to start slow. Start softies, then LPS, and eventually get an SPS.


My questions:
1. Is it better to buy a pre-drilled tank, stand, and sump separately? I've been thinking the answer is a solid NO because it seems to be more expensive once you add the price of everything together, but I can have my mind changed.
2. Which combo kit is the best? Red Sea/ water-box/ other? Is it worth buying the kits that include lights? What about the kit that includes everything? 60-130 ish gallons.
3. What additional equipment costs would it realistically take to get me up and running after selecting the tank? IE, if you say the the max-s isn't worth it, can you list equipment that would work for that particular system, from lights to sump pump, power head count, and sump (if sold separately) (partial to the vortex pumps to keep the inside of the tank cord-free) with approximate prices?

 

[lapin]

Howdy

My questions:
1. Is it better to buy a pre-drilled tank, stand, and sump separately? I've been thinking the answer is a solid NO because it seems to be more expensive once you add the price of everything together, but I can have my mind changed.
No not really both ways will work

2. Which combo kit is the best? Red Sea/ water-box/ other? Is it worth buying the kits that include lights? What about the kit that includes everything? 60-130 ish gallons.
This I will skip since I have never owned a total kit tank. Generally they do not come with top end equipment.

3. What additional equipment costs would it realistically take to get me up and running after selecting the tank? IE, if you say the the max-s isn't worth it, can you list equipment that would work for that particular system, from lights to sump pump, power head count, and sump (if sold separately) (partial to the vortex pumps to keep the inside of the tank cord-free) with approximate prices?
I think you have your list of stuff you want. Just add that to the cost of the tank kit. Add another 25% and you should be good.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Welcome to the group.

I am not a big fan of the AIO’s. I would look at the tank,stand and sump you like. Then compare to the AIO you want. Add the items the AIO have to your costs of the pre-drilled and see which would come out better. You can make it as expensive or cheap as wanted within reason.AIO are reallly nice, just not my thing. You will find some really nice ones though

 

[Marco S]

1. Is it better to buy a pre-drilled tank, stand, and sump separately? I've been thinking the answer is a solid NO because it seems to be more expensive once you add the price of everything together, but I can have my mind changed.
It really depend on your comfort with plumbing. The main reason I went with the Red Sea Reefer 750 XXL was because I am not comfortable with the plumbing and decided to go with a PnP system so I wouldn't have to plumb it. If you don't have a problem plumbing it, then you will have more options doing it separate, (such as tank size, overflow style, stand material etc...)

2. Which combo kit is the best? Red Sea/ water-box/ other? Is it worth buying the kits that include lights? What about the kit that includes everything? 60-130 ish gallons.
I went with Red Sea because the V3 sump is absolutely huge and has plenty of room for all equipment and a refugium, (at least with the 750 XXL). You will have to take into account that it is not US plumbing so getting parts isn't as easy, but you can find whatever you need online fairly quick and Red Sea is very popular here so someone on the forum should have answers to any questions you may have.

The Waterbox looks like it is on par quality wise, has a smaller sump, but includes a manifold, (with the Pro series) and the plumbing is US so parts are easier to find if needed. There is also SCA that sells a PnP system, but I have no idea on quality or parts.

The lights included with the Waterbox and Red Sea are the AI Hydra HD 24 and absolutely worth it. You save a couple hundred bucks and they are up there with the best of the best. You may have to check if Red Sea is still including the lights with the model you decide on though since they are discontinuing using the AI's and they will be making and including their own lights going forward. So as the stock they have are gone the new year models will not include a deluxe version with the AI's, (at least that's what I was told when buying mine).

I would not go with the max versions because the equipment you get is not going to be the best quality, (so I have heard)

3. What additional equipment costs would it realistically take to get me up and running after selecting the tank? IE, if you say the the max-s isn't worth it, can you list equipment that would work for that particular system, from lights to sump pump, power head count, and sump (if sold separately) (partial to the vortex pumps to keep the inside of the tank cord-free) with approximate prices?

Here is a portion of the equipment that I bought. This is just the basics I think are critical, (besides the controllers and RODI) and you can go cheaper on the heaters if you want, (I just really like the Neo-Therm). Also, I got two ATO units and you will only need one unless you use the included ATO with the Red Sea, then you won't need one at all.

You also have to think about sand and rock. Here is my list with prices as well:

You still have to take into account all your husbandry tools and equipment and if you are going to quarantine, your QT tank and supplies and meds etc...

Good luck and Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[ccombs]

Hey guys, I recently got the "okay" to purchase a reef aquarium and equipment.


I have been watching tons of BRS TV and other reef aquarium guides/ channels. My biggest take away is don't buy cheap stuff because it will cause problems later, ULM is best for longevity, and research research research.

In the vein of researching, I am currently seeking advice on the "best" way to start into the hobby. I am thinking between 60-130 gallons for my first system. I know people recommend to go as big as you can, but I don't really have the space a system larger than that, and I anticipate regular water changes until I am experienced enough to get the hang of dosing. Additionally, it seems that many youtubers swap out equipment like crazy, I wouldn't be able to do that. Essentially, what I buy now, as far as lighting, pumps, powerheads (I'm thinking Vortech), ato (pretty much sold on Tunze ATO but I could have my mind changed), sump, pumps, ect. is what I will be using for the foreseeable future.


The tank: The stand must contain my sump and refugium. (Hopefully, an ATO as well).

I am considering the red sea reefer 260 through max S-500.
Why a tank/sump combo? I seek to have the sump for mechanical filtration and to keep the display tank looking sleek and stylish, so AIO is out for me. Why a combo? Getting a kit seems like the smartest route, as far as bang for your buck is concerned. Upon my research, the only thing I am consistently seeing upgraded is the gate valve on Red Sea products, which I could do that.

The livestock:
I am going to get clowns, for sure. (I know some can bite)
some cardinals, blennies, snails, and crabs
I eventually want a manderin. Yep, going to need copapods. So, a refugium that hopefully fits below the tank.
Corals: What has sold me on the hobby. I plan to start slow. Start softies, then LPS, and eventually get an SPS.


My questions:
1. Is it better to buy a pre-drilled tank, stand, and sump separately? I've been thinking the answer is a solid NO because it seems to be more expensive once you add the price of everything together, but I can have my mind changed.
2. Which combo kit is the best? Red Sea/ water-box/ other? Is it worth buying the kits that include lights? What about the kit that includes everything? 60-130 ish gallons.
3. What additional equipment costs would it realistically take to get me up and running after selecting the tank? IE, if you say the the max-s isn't worth it, can you list equipment that would work for that particular system, from lights to sump pump, power head count, and sump (if sold separately) (partial to the vortex pumps to keep the inside of the tank cord-free) with approximate prices?

As a newer reefer, here was my strategy:

I purchased a smaller tank to be sure this is a hobby I actually wanted to commit to. I didn't want to drop thousands just to not continue it in a year.

This move isn't for everyone, but was my approach. In regards to gear, I mostly got things that can be used on a bigger tank in the future, so at that point I am only buying a larger tank and a larger skimmer essentially. I just installed a very complete APEX system on my 30 gallon which sounds crazy. However, I plan on keeping this APEX for as long as it will last. Eventually, the 30 gallon will become my full time hospital and I will probably go the red sea v3 route.

 

[Hemmdog]

Welcome to reef2reef! You came to the right place!

I’d get any display you want. Wide is nice for making cool aquascapes. Tall isn’t great for reefs due to lighting.
Look into an 80/20 stand for whatever display demensions you get.
Get a big sweet acrylic sump; trigger, synergy, fijicube, mrc, etc.

Plumbing; just make a post on here and people will help you. I figured mine out, no leaks.

Lights depend on what type of coral your end goal will be. Cheapest and most effective honestly is t5’s, especially for a large tank. I have led/t5 hybrid on my 90g.

Get a good skimmer & return, don’t be cheap here. Reef octopus is pretty great for the sizes your looking at.

Mp’s are great for flow, so are maxspect gyres

If your doing a fuge, plan for a fuge light which aren’t super cheap either if you get a decent hydroponic spectrum led.

Apex isn’t necessary at all. You can always add it down the road. Same with a doser, but a doser will be handy once you have corals in for a few months.

 

[cracker]

Hey Camron, Your plan sounds good. May I suggest You start off with a mid size tank maybe between 75 & a 12o gl . Depending on the space you have .
Keep in ind the larger Ya goo the more $$$ it's gonna cost !

 

[reef lover]

Welcome to r2r !

 

[madweazl]

I tend to shy away from systems like the Red Sea because they're a proprietary size. If I have an issue with something, I'd like to have as many options open to me as possible. Being able to run down to the LFS for a replacement tank/stand/sump/etc can be very handy. The main issue for me here is the dimensions though; creating an eye pleasing aqua-scape requires space and in that regard, wider tanks make this much easier unless you like the wall of rock look. I like tanks that have a width that is 50% of the length; if the tank is 36 long, I want it to be 18" wide (typical 50g). If it's 48" long, I want it 24" wide (standard 120g). With that said, neither of my own tanks currently fit that model (compromises were made).

I cant think of any hobby where a combo from one manufacturer doesn't get swapped out. We typically have a goal for a specific piece of equipment that just doesnt fit with what is provided. For instance, the sump on the reefer doesnt support a refugium unless you run an external skimmer. This may or may not be a concern for you, just an example of something to consider.

In general, the tank will end up being one of the less expensive items in your system as all of the little things really add up. Below is an exampled based off my own system that isn't fancy.

Tank (standard 75g) $210
Overflow $130
Stand (cheap) $270
Sump (Trigger 30) $250
Skimmer $400
Kessil H160 $210
Heaters $55
Return pump $210
Reactor w/pump $75
Dosing pumps $140
ATO reservoir $100
ATO pump $35
Plumbing $150
Kessil A360WE $700
Aquaticlife hybrid $310
T5 bulbs $85
Vortech MP40 $700
Reef Angel (controller) $400
Rock (dry) $150
Sand $100
Salt $50
RO/DI $215
Refractometer $35
Test kits $100
Magnetic probe holder $40
Algae scrubber (Magfloat/Blade) $26

$5,146 before taxes and it doesn't even have water in it. You can certainly do it cheaper but I think this is a fairly typical "reef" system. Also keep in mind that as the size of the tank increases, the cost of every single support piece does as well.

 

[Sod Buster]

Welcome to R2R and all the options that come with high end equipment. Good advice has already been given. Formulate a 5 year plan and hold course.

 

[Captain Quint]

The adventure begins. So many choices.

Welcome to R2R.

 

[Jekyl]

Keep in mind that BRS TV is only around to promote the newest and best products. They are a retailer and will never give you the cheap option as a plan of action. Some of the most successful reefers on here have done so with none of the products being pitched. Check out how Lasse and Paul B have done things.

 

[ccombs]

Keep in mind that BRS TV is only around to promote the newest and best products. They are a retailer and will never give you the cheap option as a plan of action. Some of the most successful reefers on here have done so with none of the products being pitched. Check out how Lasse and Paul B have done things.

That being said, BRS TV has put out some great content to help newer reefers, I reference their stuff all the time. BRS TV is a well done marketing scheme, but do know they have made good info easily accessible. I highly recommend watching the 52 weeks of reefing series to see all the options out there, then you can pick and choose what is good for you. There are all sorts of reactors and dosing devices out there that aren't necessary, especially to start out. I would watch that series completely a few times, then present a game plan on the forum and you'll get tons of good advice!

I think @Bulk Reef Supply would be the first ones to tell you that you do not need everything they show on their videos. They are simply presenting you with all of the options out there, and they would certainly love if you purchased from them as well. For me personally, I buy from BRS even if I could get something cheaper somewhere else, simply as a thank you for putting out great information and making my life so much easier.

 

[Kangaroo]

Thank you everyone for your advice!

 

[Thom24]

Hey guys, I recently got the "okay" to purchase a reef aquarium and equipment.


I have been watching tons of BRS TV and other reef aquarium guides/ channels. My biggest take away is don't buy cheap stuff because it will cause problems later, ULM is best for longevity, and research research research.

In the vein of researching, I am currently seeking advice on the "best" way to start into the hobby. I am thinking between 60-130 gallons for my first system. I know people recommend to go as big as you can, but I don't really have the space a system larger than that, and I anticipate regular water changes until I am experienced enough to get the hang of dosing. Additionally, it seems that many youtubers swap out equipment like crazy, I wouldn't be able to do that. Essentially, what I buy now, as far as lighting, pumps, powerheads (I'm thinking Vortech), ato (pretty much sold on Tunze ATO but I could have my mind changed), sump, pumps, ect. is what I will be using for the foreseeable future.


The tank: The stand must contain my sump and refugium. (Hopefully, an ATO as well).

I am considering the red sea reefer 260 through max S-500.
Why a tank/sump combo? I seek to have the sump for mechanical filtration and to keep the display tank looking sleek and stylish, so AIO is out for me. Why a combo? Getting a kit seems like the smartest route, as far as bang for your buck is concerned. Upon my research, the only thing I am consistently seeing upgraded is the gate valve on Red Sea products, which I could do that.

The livestock:
I am going to get clowns, for sure. (I know some can bite)
some cardinals, blennies, snails, and crabs
I eventually want a manderin. Yep, going to need copapods. So, a refugium that hopefully fits below the tank.
Corals: What has sold me on the hobby. I plan to start slow. Start softies, then LPS, and eventually get an SPS.


My questions:
1. Is it better to buy a pre-drilled tank, stand, and sump separately? I've been thinking the answer is a solid NO because it seems to be more expensive once you add the price of everything together, but I can have my mind changed.
2. Which combo kit is the best? Red Sea/ water-box/ other? Is it worth buying the kits that include lights? What about the kit that includes everything? 60-130 ish gallons.
3. What additional equipment costs would it realistically take to get me up and running after selecting the tank? IE, if you say the the max-s isn't worth it, can you list equipment that would work for that particular system, from lights to sump pump, power head count, and sump (if sold separately) (partial to the vortex pumps to keep the inside of the tank cord-free) with approximate prices?

Hey, I’m m new and just today ordered the Red Sea 350 v3.... ! Have done the sameBRS channels to gain advice

 

[Sod Buster]

Welcome Thom

 

[Thom24]

Welcome Thom

Thanks, glad to be here

 

[Kangaroo]

Here is a portion of the equipment that I bought. This is just the basics I think are critical, (besides the controllers and RODI) and you can go cheaper on the heaters if you want, (I just really like the Neo-Therm). Also, I got two ATO units and you will only need one unless you use the included ATO with the Red Sea, then you won't need one at all.

You also have to think about sand and rock. Here is my list with prices as well:

You still have to take into account all your husbandry tools and equipment and if you are going to quarantine, your QT tank and supplies and meds etc...

Good luck and Welcome to R2R!!!

I particularly found your post and madweazl's post helpful!
Thanks, more input from others would be great!

 

[Kangaroo]

I am bumping this thread to facilitate further discussion! I have a budget of approximately 3,275.

Of that, $275 is going to a simple rodi and 2 trashcan water station.
Probably get the tunez ago for 200 (unless there is a cheaper version that does not fail in the on position).

 

[Jekyl]

Almost everything on your list can be done for a fraction of the cost without sacrificing quality.