TopFin or Oceanic 150 Gallon for Salwater Begginer

[RAR]

I'm really a begginer; I've never owned an aquarium. My brother has about 10 aquariums, ranging from 5 - 150 gallons in size. I want to jump straight into saltwater aquariums. I'm willing to spend up to $3000 to start off with. I want the whole live sand, live rock thing, with about 20 - 30 fish; not all at once, of course. The two tanks I'm looking at are around, 48x24x24. The TopFin, (PetSmart) rated at 150 gallons, does not have over flow tanks (not reef ready). I can get it with the stand for $600, plus tax, liftime warranty if you don't drill holes. The Oceanic tank and stand is rated at 140 gallons and has two overflows (reef ready)for $1000 with stand plus tax; 5 year warranty. Is the Oceanic really worth $400 more? It is 10 gallons smaller. Can I add overflows to the top fin with out voiding the warranty? What would you guys recommend. I almost bought a Cherry Wood 175 Bow Front Oceanic this weekend, but cam to my senses and realized I don't have the room. Which tank should I get?

 

[RAR]

Oh, one more option. I could buy the Oak Stand from PetSmart for $150 and the Oceanic Tank for 600. This may work. What do you think?

 

[Navarre]

Im afraid i cannot give you much help with the values of these items as i am from the UK but my advice is to get the largest tank you can afford. This is more forgiving especially for newcomers to the hobby. If the tank can be prepared for a sump then even beter. I have a 4x2x2.

My tank

(This was as of yesterday, i have added alot more liveroock today so watch this space )

The extra few gallons make alot of difference so add as much as you can.

I dont have my calculator here at the moment but a 4x2x2 makes 100 UK gallons.. I think this is close to 120 US gallons.

Have fun

 

[Great Lakes]

Absolute time out on spending bucks at the lfs.

There are always a few people getting out of the hobby because the have to for one reason or another and this can offer you a fantastic savings.

Post us your location, and I am sure one of us can "deal" you in on something.

Ebay is good also. Here is a good example. It would cost you an easy 4000 bucks to dupe this tank as new. You can "but it now" for 1300.00.

Fellow reefers on the site will back up this line of thinking.

GL

 

[ostrow]

I got GL's back on that!!!

As for warranty, think about the circumstances under which you might need it, and then look at your insurance policy.....