Reefer 170, 250, or 350. Others?

[Lil Deemry]

Hi all!
Thank you for taking the time to view my post. Im from Southern California and my friend got me into this hobby. I want to start my first saltwater reef tank but im frustrated at what size tank I should get. After research, i figure red sea is the brand i want to go with and im stuck between choosing the size. Which size would best fit a beginner? (reefer 170, 250, or 350) Would you also recommend a nano? Thank you.

 

[RobZilla04]

Welcome!

The best advice I can give is to get the size tank you want the first time. Upgrading is expensive, risky, and time consuming (not to mention a pain in the butt).

Do plenty of research. Save and get what you want rather than make purchases which will one day fill a closet. Go slow, have patience, and most of all have fun.

 

[Guttersnipe]

I have two tanks. A 90 gallon and also the reefer 250. It’s a good size for your first tank.
But if I could do it all over I would get a tank where I can use standard plumbing parts I can get at the local home improvement stores like Home Depot.
The Red Sea tanks require you to use their plumbing. If there’s a leak you have to go through them.

 

[Lil Deemry]

Due to the size of the tanks, do you think the 350 is suitable for a beginner. It’s not much more than the 250(dollar amount). Also what other systems would you recommend?

 

[Lil Deemry]

thank you! I noticed that the price difference between the 250 and 250 isn’t much for the actual aquarium. What other expenses would be more expensive with the 350 compared to the 250?

 

[Tastee]

I have an RSR 250 and love it. This is my first SW tank. The reason I have the 250 is the available space where it is located. I also can’t run a remote sump and the RSR design lets me contain everything I need in the cabinet and sump.

If space was not limited I would have chosen a larger tank, min 4’ width to open up the choice of fish (esp Tangs). If I do get a second tank it will likely be the RSR 525 as the spot I have in mind can accomodate that. Again I can’t run a remote sump in this location.

On the down side a bigger tank means more expense - both setup cost and running cost. Bigger skimmer. Bigger return pump. Bigger Chiller. Bigger heaters. Bigger circulators (Gyre, MPx, etc). More salt for WCs. More 2/3 part for dosing. Higher turnover of RODI filters and membranes.

Time required for maintenance is probably not that much different, particularly if you automate. Automation costs however, so if you can’t afford that, allow for more maintenance.

Run the numbers and see what you can afford - both in upfront cost and running costs.

 

[Reefermack]

I have a reefer 250 and wish I got the 425xl, I think if your limited to space the reefer 250 is perfect but down the road you'll want to upgrade, which already pointed out is costly, buy all of your equipment wit an upgrade in mind that way if you do decide all you need is a new tank and stand

 

[Lil Deemry]

I have a reefer 250 and wish I got the 425xl, I think if your limited to space the reefer 250 is perfect but down the road you'll want to upgrade, which already pointed out is costly, buy all of your equipment wit an upgrade in mind that way if you do decide all you need is a new tank and stand

Would you say the 350 and 425 use Pretty similar components other than the tank and stand? (Skimmer, heater, etc)

 

[Lil Deemry]

Would you say the 350 and 425 use Pretty similar components other than the tank and stand? (Skimmer, heater, etc)

Cost wise that is

 

[Reefermack]

Yes, most people go big with their skimmers anyway, lighting wise I have the Giesemann stellar with 2 hydra 26HD which would suit the 425xl, just keep in mind if the reefing big bites you'll always want bigger so its better to already have the equipment

 

[SomethingfishyPKNY]

Hi all!
Thank you for taking the time to view my post. Im from Southern California and my friend got me into this hobby. I want to start my first saltwater reef tank but im frustrated at what size tank I should get. After research, i figure red sea is the brand i want to go with and im stuck between choosing the size. Which size would best fit a beginner? (reefer 170, 250, or 350) Would you also recommend a nano? Thank you.

I would recommend getting the largest you can afford and or fit. Like others have said it's a pain in the a... to do it later lol. I have a 525xl and wish it was bigger. One thing to keep in mind for a newbie like yourself is the larger the tank smaller the changes are in chemistry making it easier to manage