Stuck between 3 setups

[Jacky Sworne]

So, I joined the forum to get everyone's opinion on my 3 aquarium setups to choose from.

Setup 1: Nano reef setup, measures 18x18x18 with a sump, very high quality equipment, custom made.

Setup 2: 18x18x18 setup, filtration in the back, aquarium controller, high quality gear (for an all in one setup), custom made.

Setup 3: 30x24x18 setup, filtration in back, high quality equipment, custom made.

Some things to keep in mind:
THE MEASUREMENTS ON THE ALL IN ONES ARE THE DISPLAY DIMENSIONS, NOT THE DISPLAY AND BACK CHAMBER SUMP DIMENSIONS COMBINED.
-these are my choices, so don't make up new ones.
-the all in one aquariums (setup2 and setup3) will be custom made so a decent skimmer can fit. I.e, Tunze 9004 dc or 9012 dc
-controller for setup2 will be a Profilux 4
-Im basically deciding between, smaller all in one with controller vs larger all in one without controller vs smaller aquarium with a sump.

So leave your thoughts and take part in the pole to help me out.
Thanks.

 

[DesertReefT4r]

I vote option 4. Biggest tank possible with a sump and controller.

 

[Jacky Sworne]

-these are my choices, so don't make up new ones.

I vote option 4. Biggest tank possible with a sump and controller.

But yeh, if i was going to do this it would have to be a very small tank, quality equipment comes before a controller in my book.

 

[sromero287]

IMHO based on my experience always go with the one that makes you happy!!! It’s for you and no one else, so check ur budget and go with the one you think its the best option based on your preference, space, experience, etc.
Then if you want to hear which one based on my own experience, I’ll go with number 3 the largest and start with the sump first than the controller. Or go with the nano if you really know what ur doing. Bigger water quantity ones, bad things wont happen immediately, you’ll have time in most cases to react and chase the cause and fix it. In an smaller water quantity tanks, exe. less than 30 gallons bad things happen almost overnight if not less and not even with the controller you’ll be able to stop them. In reefing golden rules #1 is Patience is a Virtue, #2 try always to buy good a reliable items for your systems, sometimes not all times when you buy cheap stuff you’ll spend wayyyy more in the long run or at least try to buy a really good quality:
-Return Pump (heart)
-skimmer (I don’t follow the bigger the better, ur corals need nutrients)
- Lights (my fav is the combo Led/T5’s)
- Wavemakers
Then step by step you’ll be accumulating good equipment and even better more “experience”.

Lastly when buying anything always think if that will work or help u in a possible upgrade that sooner or later it will come, that’s almost guaranteed.
Never track specific numbers, everybody will suggest u theirs or their own route to succeed but better than specifics the “results” will show you and teach you the route to succeed, and when the questions appear you are at the right place R2R is the best and most willing to help community in reefing around the [emoji289].

Good luck [emoji106][emoji225][emoji886]

Simon

 

[Fin]

I vote for option three, because one of our local club members had a tank very similar (just 48" long instead of 30"). He took a Planet Aquarium 89 gallon and made it into an AIO. He really enjoyed the tank while he had it, but is now out of the hobby. I hope he doesn't mind me sharing his pictures, but I always thought this came out great and would love to have one like it - if I had the room for another tank. .

 

[DesertReefT4r]

Do what many of use do, a little at a time. A controller is not needed right away. You can also get quality equipement like pumps, skimmers, wave makers and lighting that does not break the bank. As forma controller if u ou dont needed all the bells and whistles of an Apex BRS is blowing out DA Reef Keeper Lite controllers and extras right now. I have been a fan of the very low cost of the RKL and it does all I need but wish it could email or text me with problems. Keep in mind you dont need top shelf equipment to have quality and a successful reef. That said aI think I would go for option 2 with the largest rear filteration section possible and the controller.

 

[devin]

I’ve done off the shelf AIO and systems with sumps. I’d vote for something with a sump. Keeps equipment out of sight and being in a cabinet things are a little quieter. Also a wider variety of equipment that will fit. The downsides of having a sump I find is it’s a pain to mount a controller and all that around it. Think if I went custom I would make the stand deeper then the tank. For example the reefer series the stand is the same dimensions as the tank. A extra 3 inches deeper in the back leaves more mounting options for gear plus if it’s open top rimless keeps splashing and salt creep away from the wall.

 

[Jazza]

Free bump because i'm interested in what people would choose.

 

[ontop27]

I vote 3, not a huge fan of cubes, i feel like you have to build to high to be able to mount corals. I actually prefer shallow!

 

[Captain Quint]

I agree with the statement that buying your favorite is the only way to go. I have my views on what system works the best, but do what works for you and ultimately what fits your needs and one you will be content with.

 

[Jazza]

Option 1 would be my choice as having a sump is a very large pro, it hides all you gear, you have much more space to work with and it is easier to do maintenance on. You may find yourself restricted gear wise with the other two setups, but you did say you wanted to make a larger back compartment than regular AIO's.