Which tank

[00ashley]

Hi guys,
I'm looking to set up a new large saltwater tank, something around 650l. I've looked at some fully equiped aquariums, for example the red sea s-650.
My question is have anybody had any experience with these tanks? Which one would you recommend? Should I go down a fully equipped route or is better to choose my own components?

Thanks for the help! :spin3:

[Reefmedic79]

[WELCOME]

Is this the first time jumping into keeping reef aquariums?

If this is your first venture into the world of reef keeping then an all in one set-up would help get your feet wet and five you an idea of what is needed to keep a successful tank.

More advanced aquarist tend to avoid all in one set-ups because they tend to be more picky about what equipment they want ect..., and they normally end up modifying said all in one set-ups.

[00ashley]

Thanks reefmedic for the reply, yes this is my first reef aquarium. Is there a specific all in one that you would recommend? Or make?

Thanks

[Reefmedic79]

Red Sea is the only brand I know of that makes all in one set-up's at the size your looking at. Other people may have suggestions.

For the money though, you could still build your own set-up for a comparable price. This site is a great resource to help you out on getting the proper equipment.

Here is a list of the basics.

Reef Ready (RR/Drilled) tank.
Sump
Skimmer
Return Pump
Power Heads (Circulation pumps)*
Lights*
Live Rock (LR)

*Types and amounts to be determined mostly on what you want to keep. These can easily be upgraded as you go, though may cost you a little more $$$ in the long run.

[Strobes]

With a tank that size I would recommend piecing together your own setup based on what you want to keep. If it's going to be a fish only with a heavy bio load your going to need a much larger skimmer than a lighter load reef setup. If you have time to read up on here and post questions people will point you in the right direction as to what stuff to buy. I recently set up a similar tank for a FOWLR. (Fish only with live rock) I got a reef ready/drilled 210 gallon. A 75 gallon sump/refugium, with baffles already installed. A reef octopus nwb200 skimmer and a speed wave return pump. I also think it will be a little cheaper to piece it together, As well as more effective. But I have no experience with the Red Sea setup, they may be great. Hopefully someone with one will chime in. Good luck, remember patience is the key to this hobby. As hard as it is to practice lol.

[00ashley]

Thanks for the replies. A very silly question, where is a good place to look for all this equipment (tank especially) in the UK. I'm struggling to find much at that size...