Complete Aquarium Kits

[ice4ice]

What are your thoughts on them? Pros & Cons? I know not only they come with a stand/cabinet but with the necessary pieces to help start up the aquarium (ie: lights/light mounts, protein skimmer, wavemaker, pumps, heater, etc...)

*********** website offered this:

Cobalt Aquatics C-Vue Complete Aquarium Kit 40G

https://www.***********.com/product/5860/cobalt-aquatics-c-vue-complete-aquarium-kit-40-gallon-black-reef?pcatid=5860&c=3753+3829+6110+5860

Pros: I love the fact this one includes the stand, all the necessary components needed to get started AND Live sand, Live rock, Easy Marine Pack, Easy LPS Coral Pack, Easy Polyp, Mushroom, Soft Coral Pack.

Cons: I'd rather choose my own stock and corals but I guess that's not a bad price considering.


Drs Foster & Smith offers this:

Fluvol M-90 Reef Aquarium Set 36G

https://www.**************.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3730+31003&pcatid=31003

This one offers all the necessary components minus the stock, corals, & live sand/live rock. However, I do like the fact it has a drain valve with drain hose for easy and convenient water changes located under the tank inside the stand. I did wonder if a refugium could be used in the middle compartment in the back of the tank. See video link below.

Video presentation of Fluvol tank set:

http://www.fluvalaquatics.com/us/product/15130-reef-aquarium-and-cabinet-set-m90/#.W35E8PZFyzk

Although this is a 36G tank, I know I won't be able to house any more than 4 fish in that size tank (ie: clownfish pair and two other fish)

Pros: I choose my marine stock and corals, price
Cons: Does not include live sand /rock

 

[silverado61]

The bad thing about "complete" setups is as soon as you get them set up you immediately want to improve or upgrade the system and it ends up costing more in the long run. That and you end up planning your livestock around your tank instead of planning your set around what livestock you want to have.
In the long run your putting limitations on what you can or want to do down the road without it costing you more than you originally wanted to spend.

 

[lmforbis]

Some that are meant for reefs are pretty good. Stay away from one with anything alive. The tank won’t be ready for life for a couple months. During this time you will be culturing the bacteria necessary to sustain the life.
I personally love the Red Sea reefer tanks. Way out of my budget but beautiful high quality products.