Upgrading Nano and looking for input

[InspektorGadget]

I've been keeping a 10 gallon nano reef for the past year, happy to report I've kept two clownfish and a bubble tip anemone alive and happy (I know the tank is small for an anemone, but I didn't know that at the time)

Now my wife and I are looking to upgrade to something in the 20-30 gallon range and would love some input.

Right now, we are looking at the following

Fluval M60
Fluval M90
Red Sea Reefer 170
Red Sea Reefer 250 I'm a little worried it may be too big
Innovative Marine Nuvo 20 gallon tank

I like the idea of the red sea because it includes the sump, pipe work etc. and while I know it's probably cheaper to do myself, it's a little intimidating.

The Fluval has the room to add a sump at a later date I believe, which may or may not be necessary, and the nuvo would just be the cheapest option and we'd try to find a stand since I hear the one built for it is kind of junky.

I love to learn about the hobby from knowledgeable people, which is why I'm soliciting suggestions here.

Sorry for the long post, but any info is appreciated. If there are suggestions for pumps, powerheads etc. I would love to learn more about them.

Before I forget, I have two Kessil A160we lights with goosenecks that I'd like to use on the future tank....so I'm also willing to hear why that is a good or bad idea.

Thanks!

 

[bked120]

I would go with the Red Sea Reefer 170 out of those options and the Kessil A160we's would be good for that tank. Or...you bite the bullet and get the 250 with a Kessil AP700. That would be a sweet looking tank!

 

[cchsoracle]

Man the reefer series tanks are nice. Very popular choice these days. Its really not a bad deal compared to the price of piecing together a system your self. You would end up spending pretty close to the same amount of money, unless you really skimp and go with subpar equipment.

 

[InspektorGadget]

Thanks for the advice guys! If I went with the Red Sea Reefer 250, would the two Kessil lights not work? The only reason I ask is because I was watching a youtube video of a guy with that setup, and it looked like a really nice tank.

I'd like to avoid dropping an additional $900 on lights if I can help it, but also don't want to skimp on something that important.

After doing some more research on the 170, it is a little too cube like for my tastes based on the dimensions, which means I'll probably be getting the 250.

Sounds like I'll need a return pump and would the VorTech MP10QD be a good buy for flow? What other parts or equipment do I need that I'm missing if I were to go with the Red Sea Reefer 250?

Thanks again for the advice.

 

[ReefWreak]

I'd always go as big as possible. MP10QD will be nice. Check out the eheim 12XX series for good return pumps. That's what they used to sell with the original RSR kits when they first came out, and they probably still advertise them as such.

If you saw a video of a guy with the same tank with the same lights and it worked, why wouldn't it work for you now? I know someone with the larger RSR, and he did the AP700 kessil and seems to enjoy it. He went with the vectra pump as a return, but it's waaaay overkill, even with a manifold and driving a bunch of widgets in his stand, so just make sure to do an appropriate sized return. Most of your flow should come from the powerhead, not the return.