Buy a reef ready system or build your own? (cost)

[b_mattias]

I was looking at the deltec trendline which I think looks awesome. (AM etc. makes simular systems, just an example).

The thing is the system I can afford will only get me too around 85gallons, and I would like 120-180. Will building my own get me there or will there just be alot more hassle and cost?

What are your opinions on these pre built systems, worth the money or outrageously expesive?

thanks.

 

[Corn]

for me the only thing that i would get bilt in is the over flow system. bild the filter system your self with a old tank or a new glass tank that is what i would do.

 

[steveo32]

I would go w/ a rr tank its a little harder to set up a tank that not drilled but on the other hand you could probably get some good advice on drilling set ups. The other thing ot do is check out whos is getting rid of whole set ups or rr tanks then can get kinda of cheap

 

[Safir]

if initial budget is an issue i would shop the classifieds - i probably could have a >100G setup for less than i paid for my 46G had i purchased used.

I learned my lesson and my next system (180+ ) will be mostly, if not totally, second-hand.

of coursem if budget is an issue keep in mind the continuing cost of running a large system like that.. a friend of mine took down his 180G because it was costing him almost $100/mo in electricity alone to run.

 

[jayo]

definitely figure out your budget (both for set-up and maintenance) and crunch the numbers so you don't get any nasty surprises down the road.

For set up, make a list of all the equipment you'll need, + plumbing, house modifications (floor support, humidity ducting, electrical work (GFCI outlets at the least), gifts to placate other house denizens while you're working on the tank, etc), and add it up. Don't forget the 'little things' - containers to hold RO/DI water, top-off water, pumps to mix saltwater, float switches, dosing pumps, light timers, algae scrapers or magnets, turkey baster, test kits, shop vac, filter socks, good flashlight, thermometer, hydrometer, heaters, etc. etc. etc. - I always seem to need 'one more thing' .

Using that equipment, you can calculate running costs - cost for salt for water changes, carbon and/or phosphate remover, food, electricity for your pumps/lights/fans/filters/heaters/chillers/reactors/etc, replacement cost for light bulbs, test kits, calcium additive (kalk or reactor media + CO2, 2-part). Make sure you budget emergency money in case some of your equipment fails.

Of course then there is stocking - rock, maybe sand, and plenty of animals.

I agree that used can be a great way to go, and it can be really fun to build stuff yourself. This can help keep the setup cost down. Then just make sure that you are prepared for the ongoing costs!

jayo

 

[Scuba_Dave]

If you can only afford an 85g setup, I wouldn't go the package deal. I think by large Reef Tanks they mean like 300g+
You can get better deal on pieces, my 180g RR was about $400

I have a 325g that I picked up for $100

Now I just need to build the addition to the house to put it in

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

"Reef ready" in the USA often means simply a predrilled aquarium that contains an overflow. The Deltec system is much more than such an aquarium. Prebuilt systems are expensive. So are reef aquariums and their associated components when added up together. You get what you pay for. Systems such as the Deltec are much more than simply a glass tank. Apples and oranges. Add up the price of the aquarium, the plumbing parts, the pumps, the lighting, the stand (and associated cabinetry), the skimmer etc. of the system you want to build and then compare it to the price of a prebuilt system.
(Check the components included by each manufacturer. One local upstate NY builder of these systems even includes a motor to raise the light hood off the aquarium!)
One thing is for sure: a prebuilt system takes the guesswork out of the equation and you can (literally) set up the whole reef aquarium in the matter of a day. These systems aren't for everybody, but they are very nice.
Here's a link to the Palatium Cabinetry Ultimate Reef Aquarium system. Not only is this a beautiful and fully functional system, the cabinetry work by L.L. Hammond is of serious collectible quality!

http://www.reef-encounters.com/reefshoppeflyerlow.pdf