Aquarium Build Brainstorming

[Bear Claw]

I am looking to build a 90-120-gallon aquarium. I already have a 32.5-gallon tank and 3 years of experience. Just brainstorming my next project right now. I was wondering what the estimated total cost is for an almost self-sufficient fully maxed out around 90-110-gallon aquarium livestock and all. My budget is probably a maximum of $8,000 but less than that is better. I was thinking of getting the Reefer Max 525 G2+System (112 gallon) or the Reefer Max 425 G2+System (91 gallon). Thoughts?

 

[tsharpe291]

check out innovative marine

 

[Bear Claw]

check out innovative marine

Is the 100-gallon tank good?

 

[Kfactor]

for that money build it your self you will get more for your money just my 2 cense

 

[Bear Claw]

for that money build it your self you will get more for your money just my 2 cense

You don't think the AIO Red Sea aquariums would be a better investment? I'm willing to pay more money if it's more reliable and better looking. If not, what would be a good DIY setup?

 

[Nate Chalk]

I built mine for ~$1000 2018

Build thread starts with me bringing home glass sheets for the 200g

 

[tsharpe291]

Is the 100-gallon tank good?

I have a 75 and couldn't be happier with it. I did purchase before they made you buy stand and sump with it.

 

[tsharpe291]

for that money build it your self you will get more for your money just my 2 cense

I agree, I don't like the manufacturers are forcing there stands and sumps on you. should have the option for tank alone purchase.

 

[Rusty_L_Shackleford]

I am looking to build a 90-120-gallon aquarium. I already have a 32.5-gallon tank and 3 years of experience. Just brainstorming my next project right now. I was wondering what the estimated total cost is for an almost self-sufficient fully maxed out around 90-110-gallon aquarium livestock and all. My budget is probably a maximum of $8,000 but less than that is better. I was thinking of getting the Reefer Max 525 G2+System (112 gallon) or the Reefer Max 425 G2+System (91 gallon). Thoughts?

I usually tell people that for a reef tank with livestock you should budget $30-$50 per gallon. Error on the high side. A little automation goes a long way.

 

[Bear Claw]

I have a 75 and couldn't be happier with it. I did purchase before they made you buy stand and sump with it.

I'm looking for something a little bigger than the 75 but the 100 does look nice. Do you think adding everything to the Innovative Marine would be more worth the money/cheaper than buying the Red Sea AIO?

 

[Bear Claw]

I usually tell people that for a reef tank with livestock you should budget $30-$50 per gallon. Error on the high side. A little automation goes a long way.

That's really helpful thanks! What tank would you recommend? I liked the look of those Red Sea tanks but not sure if they're worth the cost.

 

[tsharpe291]

I'm looking for something a little bigger than the 75 but the 100 does look nice. Do you think adding everything to the Innovative Marine would be more worth the money/cheaper than buying the Red Sea AIO?

I was just saying I had innovative tank not recommending the size. I myself wouldn't go the AIO route just because your limiting yourself to expansion, IMO

 

[SteveMM62Reef]

There’s several Aquariums for Sale in your area on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist.

 

[Reefering1]

Is that 8k budget total or 8k up front?

 

[Jekyl]

I am looking to build a 90-120-gallon aquarium. I already have a 32.5-gallon tank and 3 years of experience. Just brainstorming my next project right now. I was wondering what the estimated total cost is for an almost self-sufficient fully maxed out around 90-110-gallon aquarium livestock and all. My budget is probably a maximum of $8,000 but less than that is better. I was thinking of getting the Reefer Max 525 G2+System (112 gallon) or the Reefer Max 425 G2+System (91 gallon). Thoughts?

My 90g system before I upgraded to kessil was done for about $1000. Large part of budget will be how much of the hype you buy into as well as maintenance goals.

 

[Bear Claw]

Is that 8k budget total or 8k up front?

8k-9k total budget

 

[Reefering1]

Including livestock or on equipment?

 

[Rusty_L_Shackleford]

That's really helpful thanks! What tank would you recommend? I liked the look of those Red Sea tanks but not sure if they're worth the cost.

I have a red sea 130dd that I got on fb marketplace for $200 that was basically plug and play for a beginner tank. If you're comfortable with used gear then that's rhe way to go. Of you're patient you can get stuff for pennies on the dollar.

 

[Bear Claw]

Including livestock or on equipment

Ideally everything (livestock + equipment) but I'm willing to raise the budget some or spread out getting it for the livestock.

 

[Bear Claw]

I have a red sea 130dd that I got on fb marketplace for $200 that was basically plug and play for a beginner tank. If you're comfortable with used gear then that's rhe way to go. Of you're patient you can get stuff for pennies on the dollar.

Yea, that's probably the route I'm going to go. Someone is selling a Red Sea 350 for $950 about 5 minutes from my house. Do you think that's a good deal or should I keep looking and waiting?