Hi creefer01!
welcome fellow enthusiast!!!:thumbsup:. IMHO, the CAD 39pro as it is now, is the best all in one available for less than 1000 bucks. The look of the tank is even better than Elos, marineland or oceanic IMO. Many of the components have been upgraded by Eddie due to customer suggestions and he is always trying to produce a better product. I purchased mine before many of the upgrades were done and yes, I have done modding on mine because thats what I love to do. The stock system is fine for keeping a fish only or mixed reef tank with LPS and hardy SPS. The flow rate and lighting of the stock system is adequate for mixed reef but if you plan to keep more demanding corals (acros etc.) then more flow and better lighting should be addressed. I think most on the forum that have been seriously upgrading pumps, skimmers and lighting have decided to go the true sps route so upgrades are inevitable with any AIO system-even Elos. My knock on CADlights has always been the plumbing kits that come with the systems. The components are okay but the consistency of what people get has not always been spot on (short durso's, missing clamps or hoses). I think thats the biggest area Eddie gets complaints about and simple QC would solve that easily. The Artisan tanks are awsome as well, but they also have had QC isues with the plumbing components. I think Eddie has finally got a handle on the components. He is a hands on guy and I believe when push came to shove, he did the QC himself.
I helped my brother build his Elos system and he shelled out over 3 grand for it. Granted it is significantly larger than the cad but he is still upgrading that thing and he's had it for three years now. I would hate to guess how much he has put into his but as with all others in this wonderfull, expensive hobby, it goes with the territory.
In summary, the CAD systems are great and if you decide to order, contact Eddie directly before he ships and let him know to personally QC that sucker:thumbsup:
Good luck with your exciting decision and Happy Reefing!
Tivo
RT,
Thanks for the insight. It's helping the decision making. I had some dialogue with Tom (CalmSeas) last year about this. I think that the inevitable "tinkering" with things will certainly happen with me but may not occur for several months after initial set up. I really do want to take it slow and eventually build up to something that contains the splendor of some of the systems on this forum. Needless to say, both the wife and I are rather excited. Containing the excitement and taking ones time is another issue all together.
I have thought long and hard about the artisan.....that this is beautiful. For budget purposes however I'm likely to go with the 39g Pro. Also for purposes of cost, I'll likely end up using Korlia's for flow until I can spring for an MP20 and eventually a controller. I'll have to stick with stock lighting for the time being as well. I am also likely not going to purchase the stand. I'll either build one or buy a piece of furniture that makes the boss happy and modify it as required to accommodate the sump. This will go in our living room, so noise is a factor. Your lining of the stand and the overflow modifications made by both you and Tom will no doubt come into play for me.
I'm open to any and all recommendations. I'm a bit of a noob with the reef dynamics. I have purchased and some reading materials and have been following these forums for well over a year trying to educate myself.
Thanks for the words....I'll be sure to keep you all posted.
Chris