Which all in one reef tank?

[mcidcbcmd]

I'm looking for some advice on the following tanks:

JBJ 45
Red Reefer 170S
Red Reefer 250
Marine Innovations 40 gallon

I like all these models but not sure which would fit my needs best. I have kept saltwater fish but never corals. I am looking to finally do a reef tank/fish setup. I like the idea of a true all in one (Red sea 170)...but the other models seem comparable but I would need to buy a protein skimmer etc. I like the JBJ but heard they have issues....any thoughts on these tanks? Would you guys recommend a completed build red reef or a model that I add on skimmer lights etc. on my own?

Sorry if I seem a bit all over the place just want to buy what I need rather than have regrets later.


-Mark

 

[ReefWreak]

I would recommend getting a 40 breeder (shallower and wider) for a coral tank. It's shallow enough that you can be flexible on lighting, but wide, so whatever light you go with you can take with you to your next tank.

The All-in-one tanks are nice, but they're pretty constrained in what you can do with them. Swapping lights out without going open top is limited, and there are a few good options, but it's limited, and if you go open top, you might as well have gone with a different system. Having a heater in the back corner and a skimmer intake on the back has never phased me, but I can see where some people prefer this be hidden.

There are some makers out there that have AIO-drop-in systems for standard size tanks. I have to think about that company though, not coming to mind right away.

At this point, the only tanks I have heard less complaints from a build standpoint about are the Red Sea Reefer series. JBJs have historically had their issues, and recently I've seen some issues with the Innovative Marine Nuvo tanks (I assume that's what you meant by Marine Innovations, I'm not seeing anything for MI when googling that name).

You can always also add a sump setup to a 40g without worrying too much, and if worse came to worse and somehow you destroyed your tank, a 40g standard breeder is $40 when on sale (frequently), and all of your equipment can go to other setups. Nothing is proprietary. Everyone in this hobby is constantly upgrading and changing, so that's worth keeping in mind.

I have an AIO, and I've learned to work with it as best as possible (in my own way, there are a million ways to be successful), but I would prefer to go with a more scalable system. I just didn't have the knowledge, and don't have the permission to go with a different setup. For reference, when I do move out of NYC, I plan on going 210-300g. Now that's scalable.

 

[mcidcbcmd]

I would recommend getting a 40 breeder (shallower and wider) for a coral tank. It's shallow enough that you can be flexible on lighting, but wide, so whatever light you go with you can take with you to your next tank.

The All-in-one tanks are nice, but they're pretty constrained in what you can do with them. Swapping lights out without going open top is limited, and there are a few good options, but it's limited, and if you go open top, you might as well have gone with a different system. Having a heater in the back corner and a skimmer intake on the back has never phased me, but I can see where some people prefer this be hidden.

There are some makers out there that have AIO-drop-in systems for standard size tanks. I have to think about that company though, not coming to mind right away.

At this point, the only tanks I have heard less complaints from a build standpoint about are the Red Sea Reefer series. JBJs have historically had their issues, and recently I've seen some issues with the Innovative Marine Nuvo tanks (I assume that's what you meant by Marine Innovations, I'm not seeing anything for MI when googling that name).

You can always also add a sump setup to a 40g without worrying too much, and if worse came to worse and somehow you destroyed your tank, a 40g standard breeder is $40 when on sale (frequently), and all of your equipment can go to other setups. Nothing is proprietary. Everyone in this hobby is constantly upgrading and changing, so that's worth keeping in mind.

I have an AIO, and I've learned to work with it as best as possible (in my own way, there are a million ways to be successful), but I would prefer to go with a more scalable system. I just didn't have the knowledge, and don't have the permission to go with a different setup. For reference, when I do move out of NYC, I plan on going 210-300g. Now that's scalable.

 

[mcidcbcmd]

Thanks for the info... I really like this Red Sea... it's just pricey... I starting looking at the jbj but I have heard many bad things about them... any jbj owners out there? I like your thoughts I will definitely look into the 40 gallon breeder
Thanks again

 

[kenny4128]

Thanks for the info... I really like this Red Sea... it's just pricey... I starting looking at the jbj but I have heard many bad things about them... any jbj owners out there? I like your thoughts I will definitely look into the 40 gallon breeder
Thanks again

I have not have any issues with my JBJ RL30 and there is a channel on you tube on the JBJ RL45 think its called CJ's Reef Tank. I do regret however not going with a more traditional setup with a sump down below the tank. All in one tanks are great but do have equipment limitations. If you go with the red sea reefer you would be better off than going with an all in one. I would also recommend checking out CAD Lights tanks, I have had their tanks in the past and they are great.

 

[mcidcbcmd]

I checked out the CAD lights..they look like they fit all my needs! Thanks probably gonna pick up the Artisan II 50...Thanks again!

 

[Broadfield]

I'm looking for some advice on the following tanks:

JBJ 45
Red Reefer 170S
Red Reefer 250
Marine Innovations 40 gallon

Sorry if I seem a bit all over the place just want to buy what I need rather than have regrets later.


-Mark

If you really want to ensure you have zero regrets down the road, then the Red Sea Reefer 250 is the easy choice. However, it's not an all-in-one setup. So it doesn't really belong with the others in the list. And I assume you mean the Max E-170? Because the Reefer 170 is not an all-in-one either.

 

[RcManChild]

If you have room check out the IM 60 gallon shallow reef

 

[ssick92]

If you are looking to go with a true all-in-one, then IMO Innovate Marine's tanks are the easy choice. However, if you are able, the Red Sea series tanks are great, but you can usually build the same tank from scratch for cheaper (drill a standard tank, install plumbing & overflow, separate skimmer, etc.), however the convenience factor is very nice.

 

[fatboyracing]

I really like my jbj 45 I wish they had a pre made screen for it

 

[Rodny23]

I really like my jbj 45 I wish they had a pre made screen for it

I love my 45 too, what I did was to install the Innovative Marine DIY aquarium mesh. I bought the 36x24 and cut to size the frame and mesh during the installation. Works a lot better than the top glass.

 

[fatboyracing]

I love my 45 too, what I did was to install the Innovative Marine DIY aquarium mesh. I bought the 36x24 and cut to size the frame and mesh during the installation. Works a lot better than the top glass.

I ended up buying the do it your self kit from brs and made one but I wish it had that curve

 

[solitude127]

Take a look at SC aquariums if the price of the Red Sea Reefer is a little much. They usually have a "deal of the day" which is a little cheaper than the Red Sea series. All that is needed for the SC Aquariums PNP series is lighting and heating. That being said, I have have the Red Sea Reefer 170 and absolutely love it. The stand is really nice and way overbuilt. The only complaint is that I wish the sump area was a little larger but that's the case with every tank I've owned.
Personally, I would stay away from AIOs. In the long run, the back chambers and be detritus traps and it's a whole lot easier to add reactors to something that has a sump.

 

[hipertec]

Stay away from JBJ tanks- I have a JBJ 28 gallon AIO and its quality build is horrible and their customer service is even worse.

If you can go to a 50 gallon, go with the SC Aquariums. Its a PnP setup with sump and price is very fair. Its about the same width and depth of the piece of crap JBJ. I have the SCA 50G cube and love it!

 

[mcidcbcmd]

Looking at the SC tanks...they are cheaper than CAD lights tanks...anyone else have the SC tanks? Are they any good?

 

[hipertec]

Both cad and sca are in my area and I've been to both places. SCA all the way. The Cad are way overpriced. I heard they are coming from the same factory.
I personally is very happy with the tank and their customer service is outstanding.. Not like jbj.

 

[soulpatch]

Looking at the SC tanks...they are cheaper than CAD lights tanks...anyone else have the SC tanks? Are they any good?

Do a simple search and you will find nothing but us happy SC tank people. Do that same search and you will find TONS of horror stories with CAD Lights. THey used to be the same company but SC split out on their own and decided to have great affordable tanks WITH awesome customer service. Something Cadlights could learn a lot from.

I agree with some of the others. I had an AIO and it was nothing but limitation after limitation. I spent more money getting it to house what I wanted then I would have had I gone with a simple tank and sump setup.

 

[fatboyracing]

here was my jbj 45 before breaking it down

 

[mcidcbcmd]

like the JBJ...the price point isn't bad but I'm hearing a lot of bad stuff on them...I like the SC tanks...they seem to get better ratings...good looking tank though...would you recommend a JBJ?

 

[soulpatch]

i recommend SCA tanks over anythign else. Best value for the money IMHO and you get a sump... Purchase their PNP setup if you want everythign included to get you going.