Need advice on a new Tank and Accessories

[Jefdav84]

I am looking for ideas on a new setup, and wondered if I could get some thoughts and opinions. I started my first Saltwater tank about 2 months ago. At this point I am just not satisfied with what I have. I pretty much rushed in without any real research on actual equipment, and that was a mistake. Luckily I haven't put a ton of $$$ towards this build, and now in the market for something that I am going to enjoy.

Current Setup:
Tank: 12.75 in L x 48.5 in W x 25 in H - 60 gallon tank from PetsMart that is pretty much a FW tank. The width is too narrow for any sort of aqua scaping I want, and the dimensions just look weird.

Aquaclear 110 for filtration : Had no room for a sump due to narrow stand

Here is what I am in the market for. I have looked at different tanks in person at a few of my LFS's.

* 40 - 65 gallon
*leaning more towards dimensions of a red sea 250, but i like the cube style 170 they have as well
*Want something with stand, sump, plumbing, and all of that included
*I have looked at aquariums from Red Sea 170, 250, 260, Waterbox 70.3, SCA 66, JBJ 45

I figured for any of these systems I am in at least the 1k price range. If there are any suggestions for something good for under 1k let me know. I am willing to go to about 1300 - 1500 k if needed. All suggestions are welcome as I am open to anything.

 

[southerntnreefer]

I have that exact marineland 60 i had it freshwater for that reason. Are you tied to doing a new tank or are you looking at used as well? I was able to pickup a 220 for like 800, with a ton of stuff ill be able to sell off at somepoint etc. Are you tied by space or flooring to size?

 

[Jefdav84]

I have that exact marineland 60 i had it freshwater for that reason. Are you tied to doing a new tank or are you looking at used as well? I was able to pickup a 220 for like 800, with a ton of stuff ill be able to sell off at somepoint etc. Are you tied by space or flooring to size?

I have been keeping an eye out for used set ups here recently.

I do not have a space issue, but I feel like 45 - 60 is the right size for what I want right now.

 

[southerntnreefer]

Makes total sense. A buddy locally has the 90 or so gallon version of the red sea reefer, and for what it is, its a gorgeous solid tank. Hard to beat the ease of setup and such of the reefers. If i had the cash, and they made a tank big enough for me, id totally go that route myself.

What fish are you after?

 

[Rscott]

I would look used, there is a guy in my town selling a white red sea reefer 350 for $800!!!
If i didn't already have a 450 i would be buying it.

Get a red sea tank you wont be sorry.

But be for warned although it is possible to do this cheaply, it is very difficult. I bought many things used including my lights and have almost $8k into my red sea reefer 450.

If a $1k tank is concerning i would maybe hold off a bit. I cant even believe how expensive this hobby is now that im it

 

[mfinn]

I would check around for deals on used systems.
Check on craigslist, offerup, etc.
Look to see if there are any local reef clubs.
Also check Facebook for local groups.
Most groups if not all have a selling section.

Deals and steals are out there.

 

[Rscott]

I am looking for ideas on a new setup, and wondered if I could get some thoughts and opinions. I started my first Saltwater tank about 2 months ago. At this point I am just not satisfied with what I have. I pretty much rushed in without any real research on actual equipment, and that was a mistake. Luckily I haven't put a ton of $$$ towards this build, and now in the market for something that I am going to enjoy.

Current Setup:
Tank: 12.75 in L x 48.5 in W x 25 in H - 60 gallon tank from PetsMart that is pretty much a FW tank. The width is too narrow for any sort of aqua scaping I want, and the dimensions just look weird.

Aquaclear 110 for filtration : Had no room for a sump due to narrow stand

Here is what I am in the market for. I have looked at different tanks in person at a few of my LFS's.

* 40 - 65 gallon
*leaning more towards dimensions of a red sea 250, but i like the cube style 170 they have as well
*Want something with stand, sump, plumbing, and all of that included
*I have looked at aquariums from Red Sea 170, 250, 260, Waterbox 70.3, SCA 66, JBJ 45

I figured for any of these systems I am in at least the 1k price range. If there are any suggestions for something good for under 1k let me know. I am willing to go to about 1300 - 1500 k if needed. All suggestions are welcome as I am open to anything.

How far are you from Colorado

this reefer 350 deal on Craigslist is unreal

 

[Jefdav84]

How far are you from Colorado

this reefer 350 deal on Craigslist is unreal

Pretty far. I am in North Carolina. Thanks for the heads up though. I am actually stopping by a LFS this evening to see their used stock.

 

[Jefdav84]

Still on the hunt. I looked at a RS Reefer 250 at my LFS, and as far as the dimensions go that is what I am looking for. The price was $1449, but when I saw the itemized list of a full setup we were looking at $3680. Of course the "Extras" included install services, and a few other things that I can re-use but even then I am looking at about $2800. If I reuse my blackbox lights and opt out of the Prime lights I can save another $460, which would put me at about $2340. Other than going custom and DIY is there a more affordable option out there with some dimensions that are close to the 250?

 

[Jared's Little Reef]

I would recommend against a cube style, I have found them to be a pain in the butt.
Examples.
Cleaning cube designed tanks is typically more difficult due to them being deeper.
Cubes also make rock aquascaping tough to the restricted dimensions and adding and spacing corals out tough.
Getting good flow throughout the tank in cubes can be tough too.

Just my 2 cents and everyone's experiences are different, hope this helps you out though.

 

[Jared's Little Reef]

Pretty far. I am in North Carolina. Thanks for the heads up though. I am actually stopping by a LFS this evening to see their used stock.

Just noticed you are from NC, I am too. Have you been to fintastic aquariums in Cary? Its a pretty good place

 

[ReeferReefer]

Yeah. Keep looking used. I would never buy a new tank.

If you wait long enough you can find a complete set up and save a ton of money.

 

[Jefdav84]

Just noticed you are from NC, I am too. Have you been to fintastic aquariums in Cary? Its a pretty good place

I have not been there. I live on the outskirts of Charlotte.

 

[Jefdav84]

Been a few days and still undecided what I want. I will start leaning one way, and then I will find something that makes me think and say hey maybe I should go with this. It is beginning to drive me crazy. Here is where I am at.

Keep in mind I am in search of a packaged deal that at least includes tank, stand, and sump. A plus if it includes more. I really do not want anything more than 60-65 gallons.

RS Reefer 170 - So far what I like the most. The only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger is thinking "Will it be big enough"? "Will I regret not going bigger"?

Waterbox 45.2 - Not as much display tank volume, but almost the same specs as the 170. It looks to me like it may be the same price as the Reefer 170.

SCA 50 - Package pretty much includes everything, and is cheaper. Would like to know if anyone else has one, and can comment on it.

Reefer 250 - I like the dimensions, and I think is a perfect tank, but think it may be pushing the limits of what I think I want right now.

 

[southerntnreefer]

The best part of reefing is youl always wish you went bigger

 

[Westoncase]

Pretty far. I am in North Carolina. Thanks for the heads up though. I am actually stopping by a LFS this evening to see their used stock.

Where at in nc? I’m In Greenville
Oh I now see your in Charlotte idk anything about that side of the state

 

[Phil D.]

Hi!! I have the Red Sea E-260 AIO with the sump upgrade. The only things I had to add was my Vectra S1 return pump, JBJ 300W True Temp heater, Current USA Eflux wave pump and a Reef Octopus 110 skimmer, (the skimmer that comes with it is narrow and not made for a sump). I really love it! It came with Hydra 26 HDs but have been replaced with the Red Sea Reef LED 90s.
I just bought my daughter the Red Sea E-170 (45g) AIO and it's what I think you are looking for. The Red Sea Reef LED 90 is really nice!.

 

[Jefdav84]

Hi!! I have the Red Sea E-260 AIO with the sump upgrade. The only things I had to add was my Vectra S1 return pump, JBJ 300W True Temp heater, Current USA Eflux wave pump and a Reef Octopus 110 skimmer, (the skimmer that comes with it is narrow and not made for a sump). I really love it! It came with Hydra 26 HDs but have been replaced with the Red Sea Reef LED 90s.
I just bought my daughter the Red Sea E-170 (45g) AIO and it's what I think you are looking for. The Red Sea Reef LED 90 is really nice!.

So the E-170 is just an AIO that comes with the LED, correct? How much extra is it for the sump upgrade ?

 

[JoshH]

So the E-170 is just an AIO that comes with the LED, correct? How much extra is it for the sump upgrade ?

Non AIO setups with and without the lighting if the only difference is truly the light, it's a pretty pricey light. Could get an AI Prime for much less.

 

[Jefdav84]

Currently waiting to hear back on a deal for a 170 through FB marketplace. It is located at a LFS a little over an hour away. They have offered it to me for $300, original list price was $475. The only problem is they said it has some "scratches" probably due to magnet cleaning. I have asked for more detailed pictures, but waiting to hear back. Here is the pictures from the listing, but you can't really much detail.