Getting in again: Advice on 2 established tanks

So I've lurking and reading for a while, had fish in the past successfully and looking to get in again. I'd like to buy an established setup as I'm just too cheap to buy new at the moment.

Nonetheless I've found 2 tanks that I really like and I'd like your opinions on my thoughts and I'd like any insights that you can share based on your experiences.

Goal: Reef setup with fish and some coral/inverts that are rather easy to care for. I'd like a setup that would allow me to transition to SPS after a while easily and not have to go buy all new/different supporting equipment. I do not want cheap looking cabs with this tank. Period.

I've narrowed it down to 2 tanks that I really like.

1. 120 gal 5' with corals and fish. Nice light fixture with MH lights, actinic and moon lights. Not drilled, Fluval cannister filter. Comes with ALL chemicals, food, dosing stuff, test kits, and RO/DI filter as well. I like very much the appearance of the tank and cab. Very, very nice. Fully stocked with corals and fish.

2. 90 gal with LED lights and controller and all the bells and whistles anyone could want. Sump, skimmer, CA reactor (CO2 tank), ReefKeeper NET, auto top off...you name it. Has good looking livestock with a clam and hippo tang (my favorite). Little concerned with the complexities of the equipment. The guy says that he pulled a lot of this stuff off his 300 gal (still verifying equipment list) so IF I decide to upgrade later I'm hoping to use most of this as well where I can (add on to the lights, bigger sump and a few pumps, call it day maybe). Downside: Not quite as big as I'd like and little concerned with keeping all the equipment running at once and is a little bit more cash outlay than I had hoped to spend.

#2 is $700 more than #1 and is 2 hours closer.

If I did #1 I'd like to drill it but I'm concerned with the livestock and keeping them healthy IF I decided to go that route (what if I break the glass? etc.). And I do see where overall I'd spend more $$ with #1 over time getting it to where I want.

I can definately see how having a sump really helps with maintenance for sure so I get that and is real selling point.

I'm also worried about the hippo tang with #2 and making things worse with the move. I know I'll need to keep a close eye on chemistry and temp no matter which tank is moved, so I get that.

I'm really tempted with #2 be paranoid with testing the water, enjoy the critters and call it a day. Am I missing anything? Thoughts?

 

I don't know what your cost are for totals or what the LED's are so it's hard to make a suggestion. I would always go with the biggest tank you can, but some tanks can be drilled and others can't. There are a lot of if's......Jon where are you at, you might a member close to you to explain their systems so might have better knowledge for a decision. I am in Bryant if your close to me, your welcome to come by

 

I'm at Lake Norrell, so I'm pretty nearby.

Tank #1 asking $1,300, tank #2 $2,000. Both are fully stocked with fish and corrals. I'm not really interested in digging through the details of the livestock, really, more the equipment.

 

I have a pic of the sump. What's your opinion on the white stuff on the Glass???? Looks wormy to me, but since I'm rather new I'd like your opinion before I call the owner and ask.

 

Those are calcified tubes used by filter feeders. They are totally harmless.



Sent from John's Tapatalk

 

I wouldn't worry about the worry assuming you plan to clean everything before you begin, or are you just going to move this tank; either way looks like life to me and as long as it's a heathy tank now you should be good to go. I think I would have to see it to advise you again it's really about the equipment; the tank is the cheapest thing you will buy. Both of these seem overpriced to me, but then again I don't know the livestock or the equiment. Get him to give you a detailed list of both, also fill free to come by you can call or text me at 501-425-4622. Once you get the list price it out. I know Kevin at Paridise Pets will make you a great deal on tanks for the display and sump. So it's really about the equipment.

 

thanks for the input, and your advice is very useful! I've reconsidered, and actually, after looking for "salt water" I changed to "saltwater" and it's amazing the other stuff that pops up on CL! I'll see about Paradise Pets as well.

I'm looking for a 6' tank like a 125 or 150 or so. I'd like to work up to SPS, but if I'm buying stuff now might as well get the good stuff and not have to upgrade later is my thinking.

 

So is Kevin Koplan a cabinet guy? I have some work that needs to be done at my house, too, beside a possible aquarium cab. How can I find him?