Need Help Deciding Among 3 All-in-ones

[giantclam]

Hi. I'm a new WAMAS member and new to the hobby. I'm hoping I can get some opinions to help choose between three reef all-in-one tank systems that I am considering purchasing for my first setup.

 

The candidates:

Red Sea MAX 130D

JBJ 28g Nano Cube

Oceanic BioCube 29

My interest in all-in-one kits is simple; it's seems the easiest way to get into the hobby. I also want to start small just to make sure I enjoy it before I get myself into a larger tank. I evaluated all three of these systems and I'm leaning towards the Red Sea - of course that's the most expensive one! The only thing I don't like about it is the stock T5 lighting; I wish LED was an option on the Red Sea. The JBJ has a nice LED setup, which is very attractive but it doesn't have an integrated protein skimmer. The Oceanic is sort of last on my list, but I'm keeping it as an option being lower priced than the other two.

I know each of these products has it's merits, but can anyone who has experience with these systems give me a recommendation?

Sorry if this topic is posted elsewhere - I looked around but didn't see a similar post. Thanks in advance for any tips!

- Jason

[Incredible Corals]

If you are going to spend that much for the redsea I would go with one of these.

 

Solana all-in-one 34 gallon

or

 

Ecoxotic 25 gallon with LEDS!

[BowieReefer84]

I have the biocube 29gal, but don't be confused by the low price. You can spend a LOT in modifications. The redsea is nice, but overpriced in my opinion. If you just want a tank to learn on there is someone selling a 14gal biocube for $175 with rock and a clean up crew....

 

http://www.wamas.org/forums/topic/42168-14gls-biocube-and-stand-for-sale/

 

That's a steal. If money is no option go for the red sea or Solana. I think the Exocotic is nice, but for the price I would want 30+ gallons.

 

If you are just looking to get into the hobby with some small fish and soft corals that 14gal tank is worth looking into.

[giantclam]

I have the biocube 29gal, but don't be confused by the low price. You can spend a LOT in modifications. The redsea is nice, but overpriced in my opinion. If you just want a tank to learn on there is someone selling a 14gal biocube for $175 with rock and a clean up crew....

 

http://www.wamas.org...stand-for-sale/

 

That's a steal. If money is no option go for the red sea or Solana. I think the Exocotic is nice, but for the price I would want 30+ gallons.

 

If you are just looking to get into the hobby with some small fish and soft corals that 14gal tank is worth looking into.

 

Thanks for the lead on that 14gal. I really want something a little bigger - plus the ~30gal cubes would be a perfect for where I want to place it.

[giantclam]

If you are going to spend that much for the redsea I would go with one of these.

 

Solana all-in-one 34 gallon

or

 

Ecoxotic 25 gallon with LEDS!

 

I had not seen those two setups before. Add a couple more to the list! Haha. Thanks for the input.

[Incredible Corals]

I did a ton of research and I almost bought the Solana 34 gallon all-in-one system. Then I was joking around with the wife and told her I was going to order the Solana XL 60 (same but bigger) and she didn't say no. I then jumped on the computer an ordered before she could change her mind. I love the rimless on the solana tank, low iron glass, modern stand and lighting options.

[rioreef]

Welcome Jason.

 

You took my advice and came off the BB and took a seat in the WAMAS crowd. Look forward to guiding your journey (we will talk at work).