Need advice on which aquarium to get!

[booth2010]

I am having such a hard time trying to decide what I am going to do.

 

Option 1: Get the Cadlights AIO 18g ini with a Vortech MP10 and Nano Box Mini Tide light. This full setup will run me around $1000.00 after buying everything I need (more stuff not mentioned above)

 

Option 2: Get the 25g Marineland Rimeless cube, drill the bottom and do a Herbie style drain with a sump. Same equipment as above. This setup will run me around $1600.00-$1900.00 depending on the price of my custom stand.

 

I just cant decide if I want to go the easy cheaper AIO route but possibly regret not having a better filtration system, space for reactors and other stuff and more water. Or if I want to go the more expensive route and have the custom filtration and have extra gallonage and more room for equipment. AHHHH I just dont know! I think the main thing I am worried about is trying to do the drilled tank with a sump and it failing and not working and then I am out all that money. I just dont know!!!!

 

 

[daydreamer]

For a rimless tank I like the sump option. Hides the cords/equipment. However, since I have no experience drilling a tank either I'd be stuck with option 1.

 

I'll throw in a 3rd option for you to consider- Red Sea REEFER Nano 21g.

http://reefbuilders.com/2014/11/19/red-sea-reefer-tanks-pricing-early-2015-delivery-date/

 

It's new but looks promising. But since it's new there are bound to be updates to it later once they get feedback on issues.... like a 1.2 gal top off reservoir seems way too small.

 

 

[caietaro]

Have you looked at the PicO 20g? The Cadlights 18g are nice but the back chamber takes too much away from the display area IMO.

[Daveluce]

I've got the cadlights 18g tank. I love it, but would rather have a 25g with sump for sure. I upgraded to a bigger tank after 4 months anyways.

 

My only complaint with the cad tank is the front to back dimension. It's only like 10", so you don't get a lot of room to work with.

[bdevillier19]

dont go with the marineland 25g. have you seen the silicon on those things? all the ones ive seen look like they had a blind man assembling their tanks, not to mention the glass seems a little thin IMO. i'd rather go with a Mr. Aqua cube before the marine land. also, have you checked SC aquariums? they have some pretty good prices and i've seen the tanks in person and they look pretty good.

[booth2010]

I think I might be going with a reef savvy tank custom. They got back to me with a quote for a 22gal rimless cube and its very tempting. Gotta run it by the wife but I think she will okay it, she gave me the go ahead for the build even after I told her it will be close to $2000.00. She told me if I am going to get back in the hobby I should do everything right the first time and dont buy cheap equipment lol.

[jbb]

sounds like she is a keeper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Does she have a sister ?

[Neebles]

Sounds like you have a good plan..I would stick with it. The cad tank is nice but has its issues for sure, after owning one I definitley wouldn't recommend it.

[booth2010]

Now to decide if I want to do a DIY sump or see how much Synergy would charge for a small one lol

[booth2010]

Soooooo the wife's car died and we had to get her a newer one (still used but only 4 years old). So thats 400$ a month we now get to spend that we werent before.... Long story short tank in on hold for now, possibly until we buy a house in 1-2 years :tears: