New to the Reefing Hobby!

[Cosmickirk]

I am in the heavy research phase. I am looking to build a 55 to 70 Gallon reef aquarium with mainly soft coral and easy to maintain fish. I am trying to decide if I should purchase a Red Sea or Water Box all in one or one with a sump. There are so many options that I am frankly overwhelmed and don't know where to start. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Peace River]

Welcome to Reef2Reef!!!

 

[Gernader]

Welcome to R2R!! I would go with a sump instead of all in one for easier maintenance and more water volume.

 

[SaltyT]

Welcome to R2R! I have a Red Sea tank and love it.

 

[rubertoe93]

Welcome!!

 

[Zach B]

Welcome! Go as BIG as possible

 

[Cosmickirk]

Welcome to R2R!! I would go with a sump instead of all in one for easier maintenance and more water volume.

Thanks for the advice... I do feel that a sump is the way to go but I guess I have no idea how to successfully set one up. I see alot of You Tube videos showing large sumps with so much equipment like refugiums, algae, skimmers, pumps, heaters, ATO's and so many things to start off with that I keep going back to all in ones because of the simplicity like the Fluval Flex 32.5 gallon all in one. I am just wondering if a more inexpensive tank like this could create water issues and hurt the fish and coral.

 

[Fred2482]

Welcome!

 

[Macbalacano]

Welcome!

 

[KJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[mijan]

Welcome to Reef2Reef !

 

[Specific Ocean]

Welcome!

 

[KWT]

Welcome to R2R, come in sit down and relax, enjoy

 

[maceto]

Welcome!

 

[harley32907]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[fishface NJ]

Welcome to R2R!!!

 

[P-Dub]

WELCOME!!! Heavy research is good research. When you start building, take it slooooooo.

 

[Ippyroy]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[BaysEndReef]

Welcome to R2R!! Always here to help!!

 

[WirelessMike]

Welcome to the reef. Plenty of guidance from the brain trust here. I think there are a few options to consider with your decision. A sump is gonna give you more water volume and be a bit more forgiving when it comes to parameters. The AIO is going to give you more form factor. For what it is worth I think the real option is which one you prefer. I started with a 65 gallon that has a sump and have found it to be a great tank. Plus having the sump makes it more flexible to add a refugium and protein skimmer. Good luck with your choice!