About to make the jump!!!!

As I posted a couple weeks ago, I've been out of the hobby for about 10 years. I've been researching via the web for a couple of months now and think I'm ready for the big purchase! I'm still leaning towards a FOWLR setup. The saying used to be "get the biggest set up you can afford and maintain". So my first question is: Does anyone have any specific knowledge when the new RSM 250 will be available? My back up plan is to purchase a used acrylic 150 g set up from a friend's brother. The used tank looks great, no discernable damaged I could see. Question #2: Does anyone know of any reason to shy away from a used acrylic tank that has been empty for approx. 2 years but otherwise appears to be fine?

Thanks in advance,
-Tim

 

The only thing I would be worried about is leaks, and the front isn't all scratch up. other then that it should be alright.

 

With FOWLR and reef tanks you will get coraline algae growth that will eventually have to be removed from the inside of the tank with a razor blade. The razor will scratch the acrylic but won't harm the glass. A friend of mine has used both acrylic and glass tanks and switched to glass for his reef tank for that reason.

I've only used glass so I can't give you any 1st hand experience. Maybe somebody with an acrylic FOWLR or reef tank can give you some first hand experience. Acrylic looks nice new. I think it is actually clearer than glass. The problem is it scratches easily. The acrylic tanks at my LFS are scratched. I'm always afraid of scratching my glass tank when cleaning the glass with the magnet cleaner at the sand line when some sand gets between the glass and the magnet. So far no scratches on my glass tank.

If the price is right on the used tank maybe it is worth it. In the long run the price of the actual tank is negligible once you factor in the cost of your live rock, lighting, protein skimmer, etc... Nothing would annoy me more than a scratched tank. I'd go with glass but that's just me.

 

I made that mistake :-[. Used my old glass tank with some scratches and now its like an eye sore .

 

nope, i have a 110 gallon bow front acrylic you can purchase, its sitting in my rec room collecting dust, make an offer. PM me

 

me and nano have been talking about this lately, and the good thing about acrylic is there is no green tint like there is in glass. and you can get a plastic razor blade at any west marine or other hardware stores, and those dont scratch acrylic. so the IMO for big tanks acrylic are the way to go, no tint, over all lighter and can be dilled alot easier. so if the tank is good price go for it man...i would

 

have you filled it up yet to see if it holds?

 

I haven't filled it yet to check for leaks, but the tank was disassembled due to home construction, not leaks. The price is definately right! If I told you what my friend's brother was asking for the entire set up (tank, stand, canopy, wet/dry, lights, etc) you'd think I was stealing it, but his wife wants it gone!!
-Tim

 

Make sure copper or other medications were never dosed into that tank. If not, it sounds like a no-brainer then. Go for it.