Tank Advice

[Rush07]

I am looking to jump into the Saltwater game after many years of keeping Freshwater fish. I want to set up about a 20 gallon Nano Reef system. I can't decide if I am better off buying all the parts separately and setting it up that way or buying a system already set up. I am not asking from a cost standpoint but rather a probability of success standpoint (based on the fact that I don't really know what I am doing and will be learning as I go).

Anyway, what are peoples opinions as to the best way to go?

1) Buy all the equipment separately and set up "from scratch", or
2) Buy either the Red Sea MAXX 34 system (Aquarium Systems: Complete Reef Aquarium Kit Red Sea MAX 34-Gallon Reef Aquarium System) or the AquaPod 24 Gallon, 70W HQI Metal Halide System (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produ...l&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1).

Do these ready to go systems make for a higher success rate?

Thanks.

 

[Fuzz16]

ooo im gonna do the 24g one, least i was planning on it. i never saw the 34g!!!!!

but i wouldnt go with halide. that small amount of water and those hot lights might fry your fish unless you had a magor cooler system

 

[aresgod]

the halide would be fine, I would honestly recomend buying these separate, a 20 gallon long tank is cheap, all you need is live rock, 2 good powerheads for lots of movement, and some metal halide lighting and you could have an aweasome tank....plus in those pre built setups you get stuff you dont want/need, and the hoods tend to cause temp problems with halide lighting.

 

[Rush07]

Makes sense. My concern was that the 24 Gallon Compact
Fluorescent System may not have enough light for corals. Anyone running this system with Coral?

I think the Red Sea MAXX 34 is new. It is a little more expensive but looks pretty cool!!

 

[1979camaro]

that would be sufficient light for a lot of the low light corals...high demand stuff would be a no.

either way you go you can have sucess as long as you plan...i agree with aresgod, however, that it is better to build it yourself: there is more flexibility and the 20L is a better reef shape than the more square nano-cubes

 

[Rush07]

Thanks. Part of me wants to do it myself but thought maybe it would better for someone new to the hobby to get an all in one type system.

 

[Lotus]

I guess if you think of it in the same way as you would for a freshwater all-in-one tank, you'll have a better idea. All-in-one systems aren't as adjustable or upgradable as ones you put together yourself. The other problem is that if part of it stops working, you could end up with problems fixing it.

The main problem I see with the all-in-one marine tanks is that they're made with biological filter media, which isn't what most people recommend.

 

[Rush07]

Thanks Lotus. Well said. I would never buy and all in one freshwater system. Time to look for a new tank................

 

[aresgod]

the components of a small reef tank are really very minimal, but they are pricy, you are going small enough that you wont need to worry about a skimmer so long as you keep the bio-load low, so your main costs are Live Rock, and lighting. It is best not to skimp in either of these areas, it will make you life much easier in the long run.

 

[Rush07]

I am much less concerned with the price as I am about doing it right and being successful. I would rather spend the money on a really good skimmer and not be limited in the bio load. Same with the lights. I would rather get the high end lighting and have more options regarding coral. Anyway, I am going to do a little more research but wanted to know folks thoughts on the all in one systems vs. piecing it together.

 

[TRe]

i would get everything seprate 1 because itll be cheaper and 2 because then youll have to research each part (and learn) before buying

 

[Fuzz16]

whether you start from scratch or buy a kit, you seem to paying the same amount if not more for scratch setup.
also depends on quality your looking for

 

[Mahamotorworks]

I am not into SW, Yet. I think that piecing a Tank together would be better. I know I like to buy big. I get the filter that is rated for a tank or two bigger then the one it is going on. You can also buy a better Brand. I wish I would have done it for my 29G tank the Top Fin filter will stop every once in a while, for no reason. I pull the uptube out and it starts working again. It may cost a little more but if you get a better quality equipment thet it is worth it.

MAHA