New to the hobby

[pizzy91]

Hey guys and gals,

I have been following this forum under another name since last summer. I have finally straightened things out and am looking to actually get into the hobby now. I saw a listing for a tank and was wondering if you guys thought it was a good starting point.

The listing was for a Perfecto 37 gallon column tank w/glass top, with an Oceanic Maple Stand, 150 HQI viper 2 halide, maxi jet 1200 power head, 18 lbs of premium fiji rock, 20# samoan pink live sand.

He is asking $400.00 but I might be able to get him down.

What do ya guys think? Any feedback would be wonderful.

Thanks
Tim

 

[bertoni]

[welcome]

I wouldn't want that lighting, since I don't trust JBJ. How much does Oceanic list for that stand?

 

[papagimp]

In my opinion, seems a bit steep price. for a used system anyways. 18lbs of rock is not enough for a reeftank, you'll want at least 37lbs, I would go closer towards 70lbs myself. Sand, again, depending on the depth and size of tank, may go for a smidge more. The one maxijet probably won't be enough current either for a reeftank. 1 or 2 more would be needed. Glass top is also not needed, in my opinion. I don't like em. The 150mh should be enough lighting, but that depends on the tank depth. If it's 30" or more, than you may need a higher wattage light. If it's under 30", than I think it'll be fine.

I just paid $575 for a used 220g tank/stand/canaopy so the $400 may actually be a decent price, just not when compared with my used tank purchasing experience.

But overall, does seem like a decent start. Would definatly point you in the right direction and give you almost everything you need to actually 'start' a reeftank. If you plan fish only, then forget most of what i said. Rock will be enough with addition of another biological filter, light would be overkill for fish only, sandbed wouldnt' really matter much. And the flow would be enough for the fish only. But still low, low enough you'd notice algae more than most. Jsut some thoughts for ya. Hope it helps.

 

[taillonjohn]

it seems to be a good deal , in my opinion (if you want a reef tank that is, if you want fish only, I would not buy this).
Just make sure the lights work fine. The lights alone would cost more than $400, so if the lights are in good shape, I think this set-up is a good start. you may still need to buy other things (such as a protein skimmer), but you your more than half-way there already

 

[bertoni]

That lighting unit sells for $150 new, if it's the one-bulb version.

 

[pizzy91]

Okay, so aside from some not liking the JBJ lighting system, would it be suffiecient enough to keep a reef tank with some zoas and a few soft corals? along with a fish or two?

As for the skimmer what are some recs on that.. I've heard alot of good stuff on the Octopus skimmerslately.. cheap and decent quality.. maybe a needlewhell 110 or a recirc 150?

Aside from those two things, another powerhead or two, and some more rock and possibly more sand... what else should be considered to make this system capable of handling the setup that is planned?

Thanks a bunch guys,
Lates,
Tim

 

[BradsOcean]

it seems a good deal

 

[bertoni]

It'd be sufficient, but I think it's overpriced. I paid $500 for a 75g setup with better equipment and an acrylic tank.

 

[celano]

I agree with Bertoni. We bought a used 75g rr AGA for $425.
It included a 20L sump(I diy it into refuge), Euroreef rs-80, Kent maxima ro/di, nice stained stand and canopy(I hate that painted black look...it looks cheap to me), 4x65 watt CF lighting, refractometer and tons of misc stuff(heaters, pumps, ect).
Just be patient and keep an eye out for a better deal.
Keep an eye on your local Reef keeping club forum to, lots of good deals to be found their!