Insant Ocean aquarium Kits

marie · 11-19-2007, 01:18 PM

I have been contemplating a SW tank. I get my nerve up and then change my mind.

Today while perusing my options at the LFS I saw an Instant Ocean kit. There were two options there, a 12 and a 29 gallon. I was wondering if anyone was familiar with these kits and if they were a good place for a person to start? Or if the stuff in them would just have to be replaced anyway? Thanks.

OrionGirl · 11-19-2007, 01:27 PM

From looking at the kit online, I'd say no. Not really a great deal. There's a bunch of stuff that you don't need, some stuff you'd have to replace, and depending on what you want, inadequate lighting that would be a pill to upgrade. I'm also not a fan of bio-wheels in SW--the surface agitation creates a lot evaporation, which means less stable salinity and lots of salt creep.

Disturbingly, many of the reviews I saw talk about how great the book is but then describe overstocked tanks that will likely crash soon or kill everything in them!

zanzimog · 11-19-2007, 01:56 PM

I'm with OG on this one. For less money, you could buy a tank, heater, HOB filter and salt, and have less hassle. Just like FW kits, the SW startups aren't all that useful.

SW doesn't have to be all that intimidating. If you have circulation, heating and live rock, then you have a great start for SW fish. After that, adding more intense lights, and maybe an HOB skimme, you can have a nice setup to start out with some corals.

Lobo. · 11-19-2007, 04:13 PM

Id go with the 'experts' on the subject of the starter

but if your still wondering whether to do the 12 gal or 29, go for a 29 gallon tank, its a great size for a first saltwater.

10-12 gallon nanos are possible (and fun) but the water chemistry can change quickly and the small size limits you to only a few varieties of fish.

Slick Fork · 11-19-2007, 08:29 PM

Yeah, Same as all the above. Those kits typically consist of el-cheapo hardware for premium quality prices. Keep an eye out for local deals on pre-owned quality stuff. Get as big a tank as you can afford/fit/carry on your back. Stability counts for a lot in a reef and more volume means more stability.

11-19-2007, 01:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
marie Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 5	Insant Ocean aquarium Kits I have been contemplating a SW tank. I get my nerve up and then change my mind. Today while perusing my options at the LFS I saw an Instant Ocean kit. There were two options there, a 12 and a 29 gallon. I was wondering if anyone was familiar with these kits and if they were a good place for a person to start? Or if the stuff in them would just have to be replaced anyway? Thanks.

11-19-2007, 01:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
OrionGirl Miss you, Old Man Join Date: May 2006 Location: California coastline Posts: 6,723	From looking at the kit online, I'd say no. Not really a great deal. There's a bunch of stuff that you don't need, some stuff you'd have to replace, and depending on what you want, inadequate lighting that would be a pill to upgrade. I'm also not a fan of bio-wheels in SW--the surface agitation creates a lot evaporation, which means less stable salinity and lots of salt creep. Disturbingly, many of the reviews I saw talk about how great the book is but then describe overstocked tanks that will likely crash soon or kill everything in them! __________________ ~Sheila tempus edax rerum Ideas do not have to be correct in order to be good; its only necessary that, if they do fail, they do so in an interesting way. ~Robert Rosen

11-19-2007, 01:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
zanzimog smile! Join Date: May 2006 Location: Inside the Beltway Posts: 2,242	I'm with OG on this one. For less money, you could buy a tank, heater, HOB filter and salt, and have less hassle. Just like FW kits, the SW startups aren't all that useful. SW doesn't have to be all that intimidating. If you have circulation, heating and live rock, then you have a great start for SW fish. After that, adding more intense lights, and maybe an HOB skimme, you can have a nice setup to start out with some corals. __________________ XOXOXO, Dave Washington DC Area Marine Aquarist Society Hear that crazy rhythm Driving me insane Strike your partner on the bonce! Ooh, I fet no pain! -Spike Milligan

11-19-2007, 04:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
Lobo. sheep in wolf's clothing Join Date: May 2006 Location: Nashville Posts: 563	Id go with the 'experts' on the subject of the starter but if your still wondering whether to do the 12 gal or 29, go for a 29 gallon tank, its a great size for a first saltwater. 10-12 gallon nanos are possible (and fun) but the water chemistry can change quickly and the small size limits you to only a few varieties of fish. __________________ "So long and thanks for all the fish!" The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy He was a playful guy but often used his ink at the worst times.

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11-19-2007, 08:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
Slick Fork Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Wild Rose Country Posts: 278	Yeah, Same as all the above. Those kits typically consist of el-cheapo hardware for premium quality prices. Keep an eye out for local deals on pre-owned quality stuff. Get as big a tank as you can afford/fit/carry on your back. Stability counts for a lot in a reef and more volume means more stability.

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