which set-up for a newbie????

[brypink]

First...Hi everyone...first post!

Ok, so I've been reading non-stop (almost literally) for the past week. I'm ready to buy my first reef set-up. I will eventually add a few fish that are compatible

Anyway, my question...Should I get a plug 'n' play set up like the RSM (a LFS has their own 60g plug 'n' play system) or should I go with a regular piece by piece set-up?

I can get the RSM w/ stand for $600, or the LFS 60g all-in-one (with canopy and stand) for $1000, or the piece by peice set-up (50g tank) for about $1500.

I didn't talk brands with him about the piece by piece set-up but he assured me that it would all be high-end equipment. Of course I will research that before I buy.

Any advice for this newb about which set-up?

BTW, no need to tell me to be patient or read, read, read...that I'm well aware of. I'm just trying to get a game plan going.

 

[kkyyllee]

all in ones are usually easier to start out with, everythings there for you and you dont have to find it ur self, id say start with an all in one like the rsm

 

[brypink]

Thanks for the input. I do like the ideal of an all-in-one.

 

[Nano Chris]

I like the RSM, if my lfs had it before i got my 90gal i probably would have went with it.

 

[zimmy1979]

I just got the jbj 28 hqi. Not bad and it is 150W MH instead of the T5 I think RSM uses. You will need a chiller though.

 

[NeveSSL]

All in ones are good for what they are, but I think there may be a bit more to be learned and also a little bit more flexibility in piecing a system together. Its definitely up to you, though.

Brandon

 

[stevebla]

look at a 125g

look at a 125g

I can get new 125 72x18x22 tank stand and canopy for 650 in N CALI

 

[chris31]

holy **** why cant NY be as cheap as NC

 

[gummi]

Depends on what direction you want to take with this hobby. Do you want to pay and set it up and not get too into the specifics? Do you want to know exactly what goes on and be an educated hands-on aquariast?

The Red Sea Max is good but will get polluted way quicker than a larger setup. Space is limited and fish varieties are as well.

The setup your LFS puts together I would assume would be cheaper parts even though he says not. Probably PC lighting and no sump, HOB skimmer..maybe no skimmer at all... You'll still have to spend a lot of money in live rock (etc) so it's probably not as cheap as you think.

If you just want to pay for something and have it look nice i'd recommend paying someone to just setup a system in your house. If you want to be educated and hands-on and get a quality system going I stand by doing research and aquiring good pieces one-by-one...maybe used if possible.

Also, the rule of thumb is to buy the biggest tank that you can afford.... so work a budget first. Look at what kind of fish you want to keep in the future...

 

[ThomasinKind]

^^^^^

I agree with this last post. I'd buy books before buying any equipment though if you plan to even be marginally involved. I've changed my mind on what I wanted to keep a few times because of books that I've read and re-read.

 

[brypink]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10266000#post10266000 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gummi
Depends on what direction you want to take with this hobby. Do you want to pay and set it up and not get too into the specifics? Do you want to know exactly what goes on and be an educated hands-on aquariast?

The Red Sea Max is good but will get polluted way quicker than a larger setup. Space is limited and fish varieties are as well.

The setup your LFS puts together I would assume would be cheaper parts even though he says not. Probably PC lighting and no sump, HOB skimmer..maybe no skimmer at all... You'll still have to spend a lot of money in live rock (etc) so it's probably not as cheap as you think.

If you just want to pay for something and have it look nice i'd recommend paying someone to just setup a system in your house. If you want to be educated and hands-on and get a quality system going I stand by doing research and aquiring good pieces one-by-one...maybe used if possible.

Also, the rule of thumb is to buy the biggest tank that you can afford.... so work a budget first. Look at what kind of fish you want to keep in the future...

Thanks for the input.

Although I like the ideal of the easier "plug-n-play" of the RSM. I dont think I would stay satisfied. I originally wanted a ~50-55 gal tank for this. I looked at the Uniquarium, but then a LFS suggested a nano all-in-one system. It seems just like the thing for a beginner.

I have other expensive hobbies, Home Theater and car audio. Although I'm 40, I enjoy my music. I always get bit by the upgraditis bug when it comes to my systems. I'm patient when I peice those system together...things can get pretty expensive.

My budget is initially $1k. I would like to get everything I need except for livestock to get up a running. It seems a nano all-in-one fits that bill. Since I'm new to this, I'm unsure of what I exactly need if I were to piece a system together. If I went that route, I would get what I could for $1k and buy as the cash flows in and research and read and research some more while I wait.

But...the ease of the RSM tempts me as well.

I think I need a Mentor who is local and can give me fundamentals 101. I'm much better with OJT than reading from a book.

 

[ArmanS]

I agree, I want a mentor who is local too ;[ I live close to you sort of, but I am a noobie too =( but I recommend buying everything seperate and yourself becuase you know you are getting the best quality you can afford, and you will know what go's into your system.