Hi everyone. I used to frequent this site many years ago, along with a likewise forum based out of the UK. A lot of water (pardon the pun) has passed under the bridge since then, least of all me and my family moving to the US, North New Jersey to be exact.
Just recently, for no apparent reason I have had the urge to get back into reef keeping again. So I have been looking at YouTube videos, browsing forums and visiting a couple of local stores to see what's on offer. What's immediately apparent are that things have moved on!!! Especially in the world of lighting. What I also noticed was everything got more expensive? Now, this could be a misconception of mine for a couple of reasons, 1. Fish keeping is just more expensive here in the US than the UK. Nearly $1000 for 160 pounds of live rock?? Or I just did not care about money back in the day!
Back on track. So I am looking for a reef setup. Now I know if I get a nano reef I will be replacing it in 2 months with a 90 gal and then in another year with a 120 gal. You get the picture, we have all done it, so I am figuring lets just go with the largest affordable.
What has caught my eye just lately is the RedSea Reefer system, the 250 or 350, some local FS just quoted me $4800 for a 350 fully setup, rock, sand, lights, skimmer everything. Seems expensive. Or is that the going rate?
Are there cheaper as good alternatives? Are there cheaper better than alternatives? I need some advice as I have been away for so long.
I really don't want to spend thousands and thousands but could be forced to do so. I do have the money, I am just trying to be sensible and I no that reef keeping and sensible don't go hand in hand.
Or maybe I just do a Nano? Maybe I see how I go, Maybe that's the route.
So I am looking for your help and advice to a returning reef keeper. Any thoughts or comments would be very much
Just recently, for no apparent reason I have had the urge to get back into reef keeping again. So I have been looking at YouTube videos, browsing forums and visiting a couple of local stores to see what's on offer. What's immediately apparent are that things have moved on!!! Especially in the world of lighting. What I also noticed was everything got more expensive? Now, this could be a misconception of mine for a couple of reasons, 1. Fish keeping is just more expensive here in the US than the UK. Nearly $1000 for 160 pounds of live rock?? Or I just did not care about money back in the day!
Back on track. So I am looking for a reef setup. Now I know if I get a nano reef I will be replacing it in 2 months with a 90 gal and then in another year with a 120 gal. You get the picture, we have all done it, so I am figuring lets just go with the largest affordable.
What has caught my eye just lately is the RedSea Reefer system, the 250 or 350, some local FS just quoted me $4800 for a 350 fully setup, rock, sand, lights, skimmer everything. Seems expensive. Or is that the going rate?
Are there cheaper as good alternatives? Are there cheaper better than alternatives? I need some advice as I have been away for so long.
I really don't want to spend thousands and thousands but could be forced to do so. I do have the money, I am just trying to be sensible and I no that reef keeping and sensible don't go hand in hand.
Or maybe I just do a Nano? Maybe I see how I go, Maybe that's the route.
So I am looking for your help and advice to a returning reef keeper. Any thoughts or comments would be very much
