Choosing a tank....?

lostgaurd · 2026-10-06T13:58:13-0400

So I’ve been looking around at different online stores, and right now I’m seriously considering the Innovative Marine EXT 150G Lagoon.

My main limitation is space. I have roughly a 4 ft x 3 ft footprint to work with, and budget wise I’d really like to stay around $3,000 to $4,000.

I’ve already checked out quite a few other options and brands, including Waterbox (which feels to tight 2 feet long), Glass Cages, Advanced Acrylics. The problem I keep running into is that the tanks are either too large for my space, noticeably more expensive once you add the stand and sump, or they just don’t seem like a better overall deal than the Innovative Marine.

So I figured I’d reach out to you guys and see if there are any better deals or tanks I may have missed.

Are there any brands or systems you would consider better than Innovative Marine in this price range?

From everything I’ve read, Innovative Marine seems to have a pretty good reputation, and the EXT 150G looks like a lot of tank for the money. I just want to make sure I know all of my options before spending that much.

And no, I’m not buying Red Sea. I’ve read way too many nightmare posts about them.

Saltyreef · 2026-10-06T14:00:38-0400

+1 for inovative marine.

lostgaurd · 2026-10-06T19:35:46-0400

Saltyreef said:
+1 for inovative marine.

that's good to hear haha! anyone else, love to hear your feedback on innovative marine thanks as well!

kevgib67 · 2026-10-06T19:55:47-0400

Wait until Blue Monday or Black Friday for the Best deals next month. That’s when bought my Waterbox and it was worth the wait.

mcarroll · 2026-10-06T20:16:01-0400

lostgaurd said:
So I’ve been looking around at different online stores, and right now I’m seriously considering the Innovative Marine EXT 150G Lagoon.

My main limitation is space. I have roughly a 4 ft x 3 ft footprint to work with, and budget wise I’d really like to stay around $3,000 to $4,000.

I’ve already checked out quite a few other options and brands, including Waterbox (which feels to tight 2 feet long), Glass Cages, Advanced Acrylics. The problem I keep running into is that the tanks are either too large for my space, noticeably more expensive once you add the stand and sump, or they just don’t seem like a better overall deal than the Innovative Marine.

So I figured I’d reach out to you guys and see if there are any better deals or tanks I may have missed.

Are there any brands or systems you would consider better than Innovative Marine in this price range?

From everything I’ve read, Innovative Marine seems to have a pretty good reputation, and the EXT 150G looks like a lot of tank for the money. I just want to make sure I know all of my options before spending that much.

And no, I’m not buying Red Sea. I’ve read way too many nightmare posts about them.

What do your local stores carry?

lostgaurd · 2026-10-07T07:08:03-0400

mcarroll said:
What do your local stores carry?

i am not sure... i called some local salt water maintainer guys, and most of them pushed their own custom builds... and, to be frank, i just didn't want a full Acrylic tank system, cause that is what they mostly offered, i was like no guys thank i just want an install help lol

Piotrek · 2026-10-07T07:33:34-0400

Custom builds don't have to be bad. The tanks I have are custom builds. On the pros - you can adjust it to exactly the dimensions you need. I really enjoyed putting it all together (does require some work though). Here where I live, you get to safe 50% or more on the total price by getting a custom build - with optiwhite glass, not acrylic - those are expensive. And the sump can be a repurposed old display tank you can get second hand, if you are looking for savings. The live stock and hardware is an endless pit for money :)

Gumbies R Us · 2026-10-07T11:18:03-0400

Personally, I am a fan of the Eshopp Mariner series!

Uncle99 · 2026-10-07T11:22:44-0400

lostgaurd said:
So I’ve been looking around at different online stores, and right now I’m seriously considering the Innovative Marine EXT 150G Lagoon.

My main limitation is space. I have roughly a 4 ft x 3 ft footprint to work with, and budget wise I’d really like to stay around $3,000 to $4,000.

I’ve already checked out quite a few other options and brands, including Waterbox (which feels to tight 2 feet long), Glass Cages, Advanced Acrylics. The problem I keep running into is that the tanks are either too large for my space, noticeably more expensive once you add the stand and sump, or they just don’t seem like a better overall deal than the Innovative Marine.

So I figured I’d reach out to you guys and see if there are any better deals or tanks I may have missed.

Are there any brands or systems you would consider better than Innovative Marine in this price range?

From everything I’ve read, Innovative Marine seems to have a pretty good reputation, and the EXT 150G looks like a lot of tank for the money. I just want to make sure I know all of my options before spending that much.

And no, I’m not buying Red Sea. I’ve read way too many nightmare posts about them.

IM makes a great tank.
Below is their 80g AIO.
It came with return pumps, filter sock, media caddy with carbon and GFO, and a real nice tight fit mesh lid, all ready to go out of the box.

Their stands are Aluminum and so, so so easy to put together. I took me 30 minutes.

Much smaller than you need but still, 4feet.
I paid $3500 Canadian, delivered to my door.