Researching for my first tank... need some advice and opinions...

you seem pretty well along the right path wish i had that much to spend on just the equipment up front lol but yea i agree $1000 for just a tank and stand is a little pricey...usually the tank is the cheapest part

also go reef ready, if not already reef ready bring it to a glass shop to have it drilled and 100% recommend running a sump/refugem with a skimmer

 

The price isn't bad, but frankly I am always wary of all-inclusive systems. If you ever want to upgrade a particular component then it becomes problematic.

If you want to go that route for aesthetics then it may be a way to go, but you will likely sacrifice on one or more components of the system (lights, filtration components) vs what you could put together with individual parts.

Perfecto makes a stock 60 cube with overflow (looks "ok") or if you want a really cool look you could have Deep Sea Aquatics or another custom manufacturer make a rimless 60 cube - which would look really cool. I have a Deep Sea Aquatics 185 sitting in my garage right now that is an amazing tank.

 

The other posters are talking about a little DIY action. If you like easy to do projects, this is absolutely the way to go and more rewarding in my opinion. That being said, everything you need (minus a skimmer, it mentions a place for one bot not an actual skimmer) to get started there. You won't need the skimmer right away so not a big deal. Do you have live rock/ sand plans yet? Welcome to 3reed

 

Yeah DIY and I don't get along well and I am very picky on aesthetics so that's why I really like the Cad Light Aquarium but now I'm a bit nervous about the all in one thing...
Once I get my equipment list ready I will star researching rock and sand. In the process of finding the right tank I have read some articles on rock. I am a little confused on live, dry, dead etc. I'm sure once I start researching that it will become more clear. Whatever rock I go with has to be man made or obtained somewhere other than a reef.

Here is my equipment list so far:

Cad Light Aquariums 50G w/Stand
Eco-Tech Vortech MP40
Eco-Tech Radion LED Lighting
Neptune Apex AquaController

I want to make sure I have room to upgrade when space/skill/finances allow which is why I'm willing to spend extra for some components.
I am super excited because I just ordered a bunch of books today including Mr. Saltwater TV's no nonsense guides. I am hoping between books and this thread my first tank will be given top chance of survival

Today I'm going to figure out what a refugium sump is, how it works, and what it does The Cad 50 comes with an 18 gallon one... I'm guessing that is housed in the cabinet.

Thanks again for all your help, ideas and opinions. The guidance is much appreciated.

 

This is where my new tank will reside. That wine cabinet is 24x20, which is why I wanted to keep a nano tank, however most people have told me that bigger is easier in the world of difficult things so... If I remove the pictures and put a tank sideways I can either get a 50 gallon long tank or Cad's 70gal... WHY IS THIS SO DIFFICULT! It's like buying a house. My new question to you guys is do you think longer tanks are healthier than cubes? I've read a couple articles that have pointed out that fish swim horizontal, not vertical and a long traditional tank is a better environment for them... I just don't know. Blah. Maybe it's time to drop some tanks in a hat, pull out the choice and roll with it

Ok well scratch that. I can't figure out why my pic won't upload :/

 

IMO, fish swim from side to side and not from top to bottom. I would go with length over height. A shallower tank will allow for more lighting options as well.

 

+1 most fish like to swim distance wise rather than height so you would be able to stock it a little more and you'll have more options on fish

no problem with all in one tanks but sometimes space can be an issue if you would like to upgrade stuff and i would definitely recommend a sump fuge to hid all your gear in

 

Well said. I'm not a fan of Cubes, but that's just me.

 

I personally like the breeder style tanks myself. I realize the OP is limited on their footprint though. There are AIO tanks out there with LED options. I think JBJ makes a 28 gallon and I think that oceanic has come out with some options as well.

 

Does it contain wine or can you gut it for equipment?