I'm thinking about getting a RSM C-250 and just looking for some up-to-date feedback about going with this tank vs something that is not an AIO.
Background on me: I had an AIO nano saltwater tank (24g) several years ago. It was my first SW tank and I really loved the process of setting it up and caring for it. It was mostly fish only, I had a few softies but my main interest was the fish and critters then. After a move while I was 7 months pregnant with my first child the tank was never quite the same. After our baby arrived I really started lacking the same amount of time/energy to devote to it. About a year later I had a heater malfunction that wiped out my livestock and I decided to break it down.
Now a few years (and two more kids) later, I have found myself really wanting to do it again. I miss it and I also think my two older kids would absolutely love it. I'd like to get more into trying corals this time as well. My birthday is next month so I thought what better excuse to get a tank started again? Back when I had my last tank I remember really admiring the RSM tanks (and wishing I had one) so I started looking at them recently. I want a bigger tank than I had before (but not too big) so the size seems good to me. The C-250 seems pricey, but I wonder if I am just not thinking about the cost of all the different parts added all together? I love the look of them (and that is important as the tank would likely end up in a highly visable area and so needs to look more furniture quality), they seem to be really well made and well liked, and also - while I love the "idea" of DYI stuff I honestly have zero skills in that area. I have no ability to drill tanks or plumb sumps etc. So getting something that comes pretty much ready to go is pretty great for me.
So now that I just wrote a ton......what I am wondering is, from people who have them currently - would you buy one again if you were to do it over? Are there things about them that would send you in another direction? Or do you find any potential drawbacks worth the benefits? Anything I might not be thinking of that I should keep in mind?
Thanks so much for any thoughts/advice!
Background on me: I had an AIO nano saltwater tank (24g) several years ago. It was my first SW tank and I really loved the process of setting it up and caring for it. It was mostly fish only, I had a few softies but my main interest was the fish and critters then. After a move while I was 7 months pregnant with my first child the tank was never quite the same. After our baby arrived I really started lacking the same amount of time/energy to devote to it. About a year later I had a heater malfunction that wiped out my livestock and I decided to break it down.
Now a few years (and two more kids) later, I have found myself really wanting to do it again. I miss it and I also think my two older kids would absolutely love it. I'd like to get more into trying corals this time as well. My birthday is next month so I thought what better excuse to get a tank started again? Back when I had my last tank I remember really admiring the RSM tanks (and wishing I had one) so I started looking at them recently. I want a bigger tank than I had before (but not too big) so the size seems good to me. The C-250 seems pricey, but I wonder if I am just not thinking about the cost of all the different parts added all together? I love the look of them (and that is important as the tank would likely end up in a highly visable area and so needs to look more furniture quality), they seem to be really well made and well liked, and also - while I love the "idea" of DYI stuff I honestly have zero skills in that area. I have no ability to drill tanks or plumb sumps etc. So getting something that comes pretty much ready to go is pretty great for me.
So now that I just wrote a ton......what I am wondering is, from people who have them currently - would you buy one again if you were to do it over? Are there things about them that would send you in another direction? Or do you find any potential drawbacks worth the benefits? Anything I might not be thinking of that I should keep in mind?
Thanks so much for any thoughts/advice!