Instant Ocean Starter Kit

[ellebelle]

I've been researching fish tanks, and I ran across this marine starter kit put out by Instant Ocean. The idea of getting everything at one time in a nice, neat package is very alluring, but I'm not sure if it's really a good deal (i.e. if the equipment in it is really going to be worthwhile). Has anyone had any experience with this kit, or other kits of this kind? If so, what do you think?

I'm also waiting for other people to get back to me about other tanks, but would I be better off just buying a complete starter kit?

Details can be found here: http://www.fish.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=710518+029&CatID=351


Thanks in advance!

- Lissa (I prefer it without the Me :smile

 

[noodleman]

i say its not worth it if you want a reef tank....becuase your going ot have to upgrade parts in the end

 

[ezee]

Lissa,

Generally I would stay away from any package deal. There are so many variables/options in this hobby based on your personal preferences, your tank's requirements and other factors that no package can really be very comprehensive. Also, many manufacturers specialize in certain types of products and have strong brands for a reason, they generally make good specialty products.

Unfortunately, to really get what you need, you typically have to buy things individually but it is worth it.

E

edit: I just took a look at the package and it is not really a good buy. Cheap but has things like a biowheel (not good filtration).

 

[jhale]

Lissa,

I agree with what's been said.
The best thing to do is figure out what you think you want to keep,
then build the tank around that. It will determine the lights, filtration,
and circulation you will need for the tank.

A huge part of this hobby is just reading, researching, and observing,
you know stuff your used to It may be a little while before you
get your tank set up. Best advice is not to rush anything.

 

[aaron23]

agree with J, what is it that you plan on keeping....?
and I stress what J said... dont rush. It just leads to MANY MANY more problems down the road....... and a LOT more $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

I 3rd or ummm 4th everything that has been said...

Awwww aaron finally grew up ... :lol2:

 

[TimberTDI]

Is a 29 gallon the size you are looking for?

 

[tosiek]

i made the mistake of getting a premade tank like that. Right now i am running the JbJ 24g cube. Comes reef ready with PC lights and an half descent overflow filter built in. Its a nice starter tank but if i wanted to upgrade the lights to run SPS, i would have to DIY the hood for Metal halides, or buy a MH fixture to replace the hood and do more mods to the tank. also for a skimmer i would have to drill holes in the hood to add one for a hang on. and that creates more problems opening and closing my hood for cleaning the filter. The only skimmer available for the tank that fits inside the tank has to be adjusted daily or every few days for it to work properly (which it never does) and is a pain to get to .

Just giving a little taste of what your gonna get yourself into by getting one of those premades. I seen some nice ones but your better off setting up the tank yourself piece by piece.

 

[DonCisco]

I'm a fairly new Reefer myself, try to stay away from package deals, because they tend to package slow moving items together, to artificially create demand. (I'm in sales, so I know, lol)
I have a small apt, so I have a 12G Aquapod, with a nano skimmer, and I also had to improve on my original pump.

From a newbie to another... figure out what you want to have in your tank, (Fish and corals, Fish only, corals only) then go from there. Find a good LFS, and read, research, and ask.
I have some horror stories to share, but it is dark outside, and I am scared.....lol