Complete Reef system or purchase individual items?

[02f350psd]

Does anyone have any comments/thought/suggestions on a compete reef system or purchasing individual components for a new tank setup? Been out of saltwater for a few years and thinking of jumping back in. Has anyone had good luck with the complete systems or am I better off with individual components? Thanks in advance!

 

[Edward]

Personally if I were starting a new tank right now I would use only new equipment, rocks, sand ect.

 

[jazzsam]

If you have been out of it for a long time it may be best to get a complete system but I would prefer to get the individual components as I have specific wants in what I would get.

 

[frank180reef]

however buying someone elses complete system might save you $1000.

 

[CrazyCorals]

i would go use myself...............i did this option with my 120 tech and saved about 3000.00

 

[SteveDola]

just troll the FS forum and you'll find what youre looking for. For the most part youll save prolly 50% on equipment.

 

[02f350psd]

Thanks for the opinions so far! When I said a complete system, I meant something along the lines of the Red Sea Compete Reef or Nano cube type of system. Have been surfing the FS forums as well.

 

[jarrodsanborn]

The all in 1 tanks are good but most require mods to improve flow and other things. Many people outgrow them. For the cost of one, you could build a bigger better setup piece by piece.
The lighting on the cube rigs is also usually best suited to softies. Halides on the pricey all in ones is a good option but then you might have heat problems.
All of this sounds like i hate the aio tanks, but if it is in a bedroom, or office, the all in one looks and less wires are better.
I am looking for 1 for that exact reason. Bedroom softie tank. 3 wires, no noise or other issues.

 

[JohnK]

I like to have my options open. I've never seen an all in one system that I didn't want to change somehow.