If you had 5 Grand??

[Ripperj]

My son and I have a 130D that we love, we have a Kryos chiller and a Neptune Apex keeping everyone happy(I like gadgets )
We also have a 8 gallon IM cube that we are cycling now.
We are seriously getting addicted to this hobby and are considering a Red Sea 650. The complete tank with lift gate delievery is just under $5000.

If you had the 5k$, would you go with the 650? or build your own? The $$ would have to be everything to get the tank up and running(mechanically), but not the salt,rock,fish or fancy stuff like chiller or controllers(those will come later)

[TimeConsumer]

I would rather build my own.

[bnumair]

650l is about 175 gal. i am personally in favor of building ur own system but 5K will probably be not enough for all the stuff i would build it with. usually $50 per gal is what the cost comes out to thus doubling the 5k mark.

[Devaji108]

+1 on building your own. I think 5K is a good amount of $$ I one had a 240 and that what I have in it.
if you can DIY a stand and lights that will save some money + look in to a used tanks there are lots of great tanks out there that ppl just have to let go. just a thought.
but I like how you and your son are bonding over reef tanks I am sure it's somthing you both will remember for life...

[Ripperj]

I would like to build my own, because I love tinkering,(I do have a wood shop, so the stand would be easy) but the RSM S tanks have a really clean, modern look that would be hard to beat.

[klwheat]

Originally Posted by Devaji108

but I like how you and your son are bonding over reef tanks I am sure it's somthing you both will remember for life...

+1, I love doing the reef/tanks with my kids. It's been a great experience.
As above, the DIY option would be more for me. I like to have all my separate componenets just the way I like it.
If you do DIY stand/lights and get a "previously loved" tank, you can do under $5K. If you want the easier, already built option, I'm sure the Red Sea will work...I just like my customizability.

[Mr.Tan]

$5k to spend? I'd totally build my own tank with that much... You could do a larger tank then the RS650 and still make it complete and running with good skimmer/sump/lights/etc... for far less. which would leave you with money to stock it later on.


just because you are spending a lot of money on something doesnt' mean it is the best. far to many people make that assumption on a regular basis.

[sponger0]

I would build my own. I actually enjoy building and starting a tank more than anything else in this hobby.

[D-Nak]

I'd look for a used tank -- with the economy the way it is, I've seen quite a few nice, high-end tanks on the market (Elos, AGE, etc.) and then you can build the rest if the system to your liking. Since you have an idea of what you like and don't like, Im guessing there are things about the Red Sea 650 that you may not like. On the other hand, it is nice to buy a turn-key system and not have to worry about piecing components together, though I personally enjoy that part of the hobby.

[d2mini]

You can get a nice custom 200g tank with starphire front (at least) for around $2k.
Lighting can vary widely. On the high end, 4 radions would cost you about $3k. That would max you out. Still need a pump, sump and protein skimmer. Go conservative on the lighting and you might be able to get all that for $5k. Make your own stand or have someone local build one. Have the tank builder build one to extend your warranty on the tank and it will probably cost you around a grand. Going all new, you'll probably save with the all-in-one, but I'd rather go custom and get exactly what I want. And factor in that you might end up changing stuff out in the future on the all in one setup.

[KafudaFish]

What comes with the RSM (equipment)?


Seems like the first thing people do with a turn key system is gut it and replace the existing equipment with better stuff.

What are you wanting to keep in it?


If you can make the stand there are other DIY projects you can do that will make your money last longer.

[Cleancoupe]

I would run away from this hobby! Just kidding. The 650 is a very clean looking tank, but I would have to agree with the others and build your own system that way you can get what you want to get and are not limited on what you can do with the tank.

[Andrew johns]

+1 on building your own, the best way.

[Reefing Newbie]

Building your own would be better IMO. My 125 was a complete set up on CL. I have probably spent enough replacing equipment to upgrade. I have stopped workin with it and I am actually tearing it down and upgrading to a 180.

[drew2007]

If i had 5 grand id go on a nice vacation lol

[sponger0]

Originally Posted by drew2007

If i had 5 grand id go on a nice vacation lol

Amen to that!!

[yellowRubi]

I would buy a car...

[Prospec1]

Keep what I have and go on vacation.

[klwheat]

you could always use it to check out the "pretty fishies" in Grand Cayman

[bongarone]

The correct number of fish tanks to have is N+1, N being the number of tanks you currently have, so I would set aside a completely separate budget for a vacation and definitely put the $5K towards a tank.

For $5K, I would be looking at an 8 foot tank.

[lighthouze08]

build your own, you get to spend time with your son too

[westohooligan]

As said above, build your own. If you like a more modern look; you could always do a meta/wood hybrid stand with the metal frame showing.

[den75]

I looked at the Red Sea line as part of my research for my upcoming build. Decided to build my own. Much more flexibility and much more interesting IMO.