Are Packaged Reef Systems Worth it?

[RussC]

I've noticed several online stores offering a number of aquarium system packages for those looking to purchase to start up a new reef tank. Did the fish stores finalize wise up and see the opportunity here? Are these packages worth their weight?

I'm looking to get back into the hobby and think finding a system, predrilled, with the sump, etc already to go, would be a good way to get started. Thoughts?

Recommendation on aquarium systems being sold? I'm interested in the 90-110 gallon range. I think I'd like to find one that comes ready to go where I could connect it, install my equipment and fire it up.

But if I've learned anything, no need to recreate the wheel here. That's why I'd like to hear the good, the bad and the ugly from anyone that has some experience in these.

 

[thegrun]

The good side is that the packages usually offer a fair discount over purchasing the required items individually. For someone first getting into the hobby those savings can be the difference between jumping in or deciding to skip the hobby altogether.
The negative side is that for the vast majority of those who do stay in the hobby, the equipment and configuration of these packaged deals is usually less than optimum, and the individual ends up either upgrading the system's components of selling off the system at a 50% loss and purchasing the system they want. It's difficult without a lot of research for someone first getting into the hobby to know what equipment they really want/need versus the packages being offered. The questions you need to ask yourself are what size tank do I really want? Tank size is often dictated by the fish species you want to keep and the amount (if any) of coral you want. Secondly you need to decide if you want to keep coral and if so what types. The requirements for keeping the most demanding corals like SPS coral and anemones is vastly different from the requirements of the much easier to keep soft corals like leathers, mushrooms and zoanthids. Lastly you need to decide if you want to spend the extra money to buy quality equipment that will last you several years or do you need to keep costs down and purchase less expensive equipment that may not last as long. If cost is a big factor you also may want to consider purchasing used quality equipment which is usually priced at half the new equipment cost. There are members here on this site who will be happy to offer specific advice once we better understand where you think you are headed in the hobby.

 

[RussC]

TheGrun, thanks. I can answer several of those questions right now having been down the marine tank path before. I learned very quickly, whatever size you buy, you want one bigger. Whatever equipment you buy, you want better.

I'm interested in a 90 gallon +/- display tank. I have about 6 feet to work with and that offers a 4' length that would probably fit just right. I don't know what size sump that offers but it would give me a sump. Never had a sump before and love the idea of having that. I would have fish but have not narrowed down a specific type or species-there are so many absolutely beautiful fish. And I would concentrate on soft corals. Love those.

Bottom line, I am and always have been willing to spend the extra money if I know I'm getting quality. I guess that kind of is the basis for this question.

 

[RussC]

If I decided to go with a tank system, are there any out there folks can recommend that have worked well for them?

 

[mako61]

I have a Red Sea Reefer 525xl. Its not cheap, but I like it a lot. Its not a complete system you still have to add return pump, skimmer, lights etc. Its basically a nice tank+stand+sump. Its very well made and fairly easy to assemble.

http://www.redseafish.com/aquarium-systems/red-sea-reefer-systems-xl/

my home page link ( click on name) has videos of my setup

 

[RedStangGA]

I think it comes down to how detailed, controlled, and picky you are. Sometimes it is nice to just hit the easy button. If you're good with the cost and the equipment included, there's probably not much to lose.

If I'd the $$$ for everything up front I probably would have gone to a LFS and tried to work out a custom package for everything. But I knew the build was going to take a while so I took advantage of sales and deals to acquire stuff over time. Almost there lol!

Mako mentions the Red Sea series. If I were to go the "starter system route" again, I started with a AIO 29gal Biocube, I'd probably go with the Red Sea series. People seem to love them and they also seem to have struck the right balance between plug and play and the ability to customize some if you want.

 

[RussC]

Are those Red Sea systems as quiet as they say? That will be important for me because of the intended location I'd like to put the aquarium.

 

[Potatohead]

Red Sea stuff is really nice, SCA is pretty good for a little less budget. Either can be quiet if you run the right drain configuration.

 

[Sk8r]

What you actually need: as big a tank as you can, pre-drilled and reef ready with inside-the-tank downflow box if you can swing it.
Lights adequate for the job: a canopy is now doable if you have LED lights that generate very little heat.
A stand and a sump as big as possible: 30 gallons will handle most. A pump that can push what you need: I used a 950 gph in my 52 and had nice results, back when I had a sump right under the stand.
A pretty good skimmer---cone type in-sump if 50 gallons or over.
That would run a nice fowlr or a nice reef.

 

[mako61]

Are those Red Sea systems as quiet as they say? That will be important for me because of the intended location I'd like to put the aquarium.

I have my tank in the main room right where we watch TV. It is very quiet. I have a DC return pump, DC skimmer. The most noise I get comes from ATO and dosing pumps. Thats occasional.

The only issue I have is adjusting the overflow. It is pretty touchy and when its wrong you get some water flow noise. Not bad, but you can hear it now and then. Overall i really like the tank. I didnt know about the 750XXL when i got mine, I prob would have gotten that. The cost difference isnt that great when add in everything I got.

 

[Stolireef]

If money is no object (or at least, not a huge obstacle) and you want top of the line, look at the ELOS setups. I have a friend who just bought one and it's the best quality stand/tank/sump i've ever seen.

 

[mako61]

If money is no object (or at least, not a huge obstacle) and you want top of the line, look at the ELOS setups. I have a friend who just bought one and it's the best quality stand/tank/sump i've ever seen.

Agree those looked very nice also. I almost got one, but I was already over my budget :eek2:

 

[Stolireef]

I came really close to pulling the trigger after I saw my friend's tank but it would have literally doubled my build cost.

 

[JTL]

Check out Cadlights.

 

[Stolireef]

The only problem with the CadLights packages is that they are 'underlit'. Two hydra 26's over a 125 is not 'reef capable' unless you running a a tank full of shrooms and zoas.

 

[JTL]

Since I made my post I have changed my mind about the company. I purchased a tank from them and everything looked good until I got water in it. The backing on the rear panel has bubbles. I really thought they would step up and do something. Its not that I cannot live with it but it is a defect. They claim it is not a defect. So off to PP and AMEX dispute we go. The rest of the tank is good but the CS sucks. Stay away from them.