Looking to start in the hobby

[Kangaroo]

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

I'm interested in learning more

 

[Jekyl]

Piecing things together instead of buying an AIO package will save quite a bit. The $300+ per AI hydra can be cut in third by going with marsaqua or viparspectra lights. The AI boast 700 par but even WWC runs their colony tanks at only 350. Getting a tank and doing the drilling and overflow install will save a lot. Get a tank that isn't tempered glass and the kit from glassholes.com. Sump can be made by yourself for around $100 by getting the Petco $1.00 per gallon on a 40 breeder and some plexiglass and silicone from Home depot. Heaters you could go with eheim jager heaters and will save. All heaters have problems eventually. The most important thing is to get a controller for them. Inkbird makes one for around $30. Gyre are very nice but also pricey. I use jebao. Still can sync with each other and are a fraction of the cost. If you go with a 160 you may find you would want pumps in more places than just the sides.

 

[Marco S]

I agree 100% that things can be done a lot cheaper than I did them especially if you are a DIY kind of person. While I did not get the best of the best, I did shoot for higher end equipment to maximize my chances of success since this was my first step into the reefing world. I do see how DIY and cheaper equipment would have saved a bunch of money, but I shot for things I could comfortably afford and I am very happy with everything I got so far and have no regrets. If you are on a budget, then by all means get whatever makes the most sense to you financially. I was just giving you my list as an idea of what you could expect to spend. I am sure others have done it in fractions of that price and I know others have done it way more expensive by getting the absolute best of the best. You need to do what makes the most sense for you.

 

[Kangaroo]

I am between the waterbox 100.3 and the redsea 350. I like the idea of the combo with everything fitting and me not having to plumb anything. I looked HARD at SCA systems, but they seem very hit and miss. It seems silly, but every time I get ready to pull the trigger I see "con" that makes me hesitate.

I want a refugium, but water box's sump doesn't allow for one unless its in the ato- whereas the red sea is fuge ready, but I hear bad things about the cabinet.

Pretty much jogging in circles anxious to pull the trigger, but want to shoot for a good tank instead of my foot. =D

 

[Marco S]

You really can't go wrong with either system, but if you want, "everything fitting and not having to plumb anything" then you may want to consider that the Waterbox will have US Standard plumbing while the Red Sea will have Metric plumbing. You will either need to make sure the return pump you purchase has the same size barb fitting or get a little creative with adapters that may or may not be easy to get at your local hardware store, (depending on where you live). It will also be a consideration for any future modifications once you get comfortable enough and ever decide to upgrade or add additional equipment that needs to be plumbed into the system.

That being said, it is pretty easy to get adapters online to fit any size plumbing and there are lots of people on here that can help. Just thought I would point it out since you brought it up.

As far as the cabinet for the Red Sea goes, I am curious what you have heard that is bad? I have had no issues at all with it and from my experience so far, I really like it. I cannot think of anything that I would consider bad about it.

 

[Kangaroo]

Thank you for the insight! That is definitely something to consider.

I've read and seen pictures of the cabinet swelling from spilled water.