Cadlights 18 vs 22 gallons?

[FlyPenFly]

Having a hell of a time trying to decide between reef systems for my first salt water.

Both use the same high output timed LED light.

http://www.cadlights.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=46&products_id=222

http://www.cadlights.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=41&products_id=188

Price is the same-ish.

18g Pros:
Has Starfire glass
cube shape may allow easier or more flexible rock formations

22g Pros:
Rectangular
Inexpensive cabinet available
4 more gallons
More ground area for bottom dwellers


As far as stocking, I would like a very lively aquarium so will probably for a mix of 2 paired clowns with anemone, a blenny, a gobie, pistol shrimp, and whatever else.

Any insights?

 

[wolfenstein87]

Beware!!!!

Beware!!!!

I really hate to say this, because I am a CADLights tank owner, but I would suggest looking else where. This company has horrible customer service. Responding to emails is hit or miss, in fact my fiance is in the process of canceling an order right now and she hasn't received an email back from them acknowledging that they have even received it. Ordering my 12 gallon was a bit of a hassle just in itself. We placed the order and never heard a peep. Almost a month later after several emails, and a public Facebook post, they finally responded with an excuse about the light being out of stock. We have since then noticed that you can no longer post on their Facebook, and they have removed any non CADLights posts as well.

If you do end up ordering something from this company I do wish you the best of luck. Sorry if I put a damper in your selection, but the more people know about how this company operates the better.

 

[FlyPenFly]

I started feeling the same way.

I ordered a stand from them 2 days ago and I haven't heard anything back. I really need this stand.

Their voicemail box is constantly full and they don't seem to pick up their phone.

 

[chrisk500]

I recently bought the 18 gal pro although I am still waiting to set it up. I bought it knowing that customer service has a bad reputation but I am hoping that I will not need any service after the sale. I was looking for a cube all in one and this tank fit my space and size requirements perfectly. After receiving it, I can admit that I was a little disappointed by the "clarity" of the starfire. It is definitely a little clearer than regular aquarium glass but I don't really see a huge difference. Maybe my expectations were too high. I plan on adding water and starting the cycling process after christmas so I will let you know how that goes.
All in all though, I ordered it on Black Friday with a good deal they had and received it about a week later. It was packaged very well with tons of padding. With the 299 and free shipping price I got I would say it is a good deal. For high 400's with shipping I would say it may not be a good deal.

Hope that helps.