Where to begin?

[BMWZ4M08]

Im not new to reefing, I had a 55g for about 5 years but have been out of the hobby for a couple years. My first tank was a build, not knowing how long I was going to be into this hobby it was alway a work in progress. Im going to be starting a new tank and my question is...build a tank or just buy a ready made kit. I was looking at the Red Sea Reefer 350, it looks pretty serious.
I am a fan of building a tank out, but with work, a couple house projects it might be easier to purchase a kit...
Just looking for some input....thanks.

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Evening.

Either way it will be fun, obviously. I am not a fan of a fish tank in a box. Just add water is how to make hot tea, not build a fish tank.

I enjoy the creative side of planning a tank. But obviously time is a premium. Either way do a build thread so we can follow along

 

[LesPoissons]

I built my whole 220. Built sump, stand, canopy, everything. Would have been 100x easier to get it premade, and 100x more expensive. However, my stand also def looks homemade (to me, everyone else loves it) and anything you do wrong in the sump is all your fault. Lol. I would buy the stand and the tank predrilled and buy the biggest ready made sump you can for your space and an Ato container. Just my opinion but having done everything myself, its really easy. Later working to correct your screw ups bc you didnt buy the product that has been designed for 100000 refers is not worth the $ savings for me personally. It's silly but I didnt put baffles in my sump to control micro bubbles bc my previous sump was just 1 big tank, no chambers, and used filter socks. I didnt know micro bubbles were a thing until they were. I have yet to correct the problem bc it's a huge job to drain the sump, pull it out, remove all equipment, clean it, get glass cut, and silicone it in, let it dry and replace everything again.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Id rather buy a tank with a warranty and ready for plumbing

 

[Peace River]

One of the best ways to learn about the hardware and physical side of aquarium keeping is to build your own tank, but I realize that doesn't necessarily fit with everyone's interest, schedule, and place in life. Red Sea and others have nice systems so you could do well either way. Good luck and let us know how we can reasonably help!

 

[Brittany Marie]

I bought my set up, DT, Stand, sump, lights and all in one package. Getting creative, constructing rock work was my fun.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I bought my set up, DT, Stand, sump, lights and all in one package. Getting creative, constructing rock work was my fun.

Very creative on rock work. When you’re in the hobby 30+ years and think you’ve seen it all ............ you haven't seen anything yet!!

 

[Brittany Marie]

Very creative on rock work. When you’re in the hobby 30+ years and think you’ve seen it all ............ you haven't seen anything yet!!

Over 10 years ago I was fresh into the hobby and became so frustrated with urchins, hermits, fish knocking over my rocks. Pvc skeletons and zip ties really keep everything solid.

 

[BMWZ4M08]

Evening.

Either way it will be fun, obviously. I am not a fan of a fish tank in a box. Just add water is how to make hot tea, not build a fish tank.

I enjoy the creative side of planning a tank. But obviously time is a premium. Either way do a build thread so we can follow along

No, I totally agree...and thats the way I'm leaning...