New to saltwater! Help is appreciated!

[Albz]

Hello, I am new to the forums and to saltwater. I would love as much info you guys can give as possible! i been readying and watching videos for a month straight! I've found lots of info and i know their is a lot more to learn! So basically I'm in a tough decision right now! Im down to two options! here they are...

I am planning to start fish only tank, and after 5 months or so, start with corals!

Should i go with a innovative marine 40 gallon fusion, with a ai prime HD lighting. OR
a 55 gallon tank with a Canister filter. I honestly read that canister with a reef tank doesn't real work that well because of how fast the canisters get full and have to clean them every 2 weeks or a month.. I know the 55 gallon and canister would cost less but id rather do give a bit more money to better filtration and not a headache cleaning the canister every month.... so what you guys think???

 

[mcarroll]

Unless the 55+canister is $free, it's hard to imagine going with that option.


Are these packages of used gear you're looking at, or why the odd combos of gear?

You choice is like:
Either a Mazda Miata or an AMC Gremlin.
Either a Mac or a PC.
Either a DSLR or a 110 point and shoot with cube flash.
Either an Onxyo 7.1 home theater or a 1975 transistor radio.

If you can consider either option in any of those cases, including yours, then there's no real 2nd option in any of these choices.

 

[nemo1017]

Do yourself a favor and go with innovative marine, easy learning curve and you won't be dissapointed with IM

 

[InDahOcean]

I would go with the 40 gallons tank and the AI Prime HD LED. Really, it's more expensive but it will save you time. I think if you're going with the 55 gallons you probably gonna pay more in the future if anything goes wrong or you looking to improve some equipment. That's just my dime to share, nothing much. It's your choice to choose whatever.

 

[nemo1017]

Also that canister filter is a nitrate factory, it'll cause you more headaches than it's worth imo

 

[Albz]

Unless the 55+canister is $free, it's hard to imagine going with that option.


Are these packages of used gear you're looking at, or why the odd combos of gear?

You choice is like:
Either a Mazda Miata or an AMC Gremlin.
Either a Mac or a PC.
Either a DSLR or a 110 point and shoot with cube flash.
Either an Onxyo 7.1 home theater or a 1975 transistor radio.

If you can consider either option in any of those cases, including yours, then there's no real 2nd option in any of these choices.

Well their odd because at big als they are selling this package with a 55gallon with a canister filter its a package which cost 899$.. But i think the fusion 40 that i really love how it looks and its all in one... The AI Prime led hd light i want because its in the cheaper side and can work out pretty good with most corals..

 

[Albz]

I would go with the 40 gallons tank and the AI Prime HD LED. Really, it's more expensive but it will save you time. I think if you're going with the 55 gallons you probably gonna pay more in the future if anything goes wrong or you looking to improve some equipment. That's just my dime to share, nothing much. It's your choice to choose whatever.

Thank you for your input! Im also leaning towards the 40 too. It looks very nice!!!

 

[InDahOcean]

I have 2 AI Prime HD LEDs myself. Haven't used em, but heard great reviews about them. You can get innovative marine 40 gallon fusion combine with the AI Prime for a cheaper price than the 55 gallons deal at Big Als.

 

[Albz]

I have 2 AI Prime HD LEDs myself. Haven't used em, but heard great reviews about them. You can get innovative marine 40 gallon fusion combine with the AI Prime for a cheaper price than the 55 gallons deal at Big Als.

Yes its actually exactly the same price. Thats why i was debating over the two but always had the 40 first! Yes ive been reading a lot on the ai prime and everyone seems to love them! Ill be getting only one though... I will also be looking for a skimmer that would actually fit in the back sump. Heard the innovative marine auqa gadget ghost skimmer fits in very nicely!!!

 

[Salty1962]

Welcome to R2R! Canister filters do need to be cleaned often. The IM is a very good tank to start with, I have a 20 as my frag tank.

 

[Albz]

Hey guys, i ordered the fusion 40 with the AI LED PRIME HD lights. I was wondering, whats a good circulation pump thats affordable and does the job???

 

[InDahOcean]

Hey guys, i ordered the fusion 40 with the AI LED PRIME HD lights. I was wondering, whats a good circulation pump thats affordable and does the job???

It depends on your budget really, any power head work. Some are cheaply made and some are not. So for powerhead around 50-100 dollars mark, you should get Hydor Koralia. Prices anywhere around 200, most people prefer the Tunze or Ecotech. I would also recommend a Maxspect Gyre, but it's all up to you and your price range.