Help choosing new tank and equipment

[Drkknght145]

Hi everyone

I am looking at starting a new set up and would love to get any and all opinions. A little background, I am in Spokane WA and while I owned a FOWLR tank and a Predator tank in the 90s/early 2000s I have been out of the hobby for many moons. So much has changed since having no resources to now it feels overwhelming!!!

I would like to do a big reef tank and not have the ‘I wish I went bigger’ regret right off the bat. I am hoping to score some deals around Black Friday and planning a budget around $5000 for tank and equipment and then planning about that much for live rock/sand and inhabitants/corals.

I am considering a set up like this in either 75 or 100.
https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/EXT-100-Gallon-Complete-Reef-System-Black-p532598001
Am I going in the right direction or are there other options I should consider? What other equipment will I need if I do choose to go with this set up, including any upgrades I can make that will make life easier etc

 

[Peace River]

IMO, unless you are space-constrained, 40-75 gallon is a good starter range; 75-125 is a good midpoint for many reefers; 150-300 is a large tank that is often harder to get into and needs more equipment; over 300 is "industrial scale" that takes even more of a commitment and more emphasis on life support system. IMO IM is a middle of the road tank that you will likely be pleased with - good quality but not the best. There are a wide range of options and pricing for the tank and the supporting equipment. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[Drkknght145]

IMO, unless you are space-constrained, 40-75 gallon is a good starter range; 75-125 is a good midpoint for many reefers; 150-300 is a large tank that is often harder to get into and needs more equipment; over 300 is "industrial scale" that takes even more of a commitment and more emphasis on life support system. IMO IM is a middle of the road tank that you will likely be pleased with - good quality but not the best. There are a wide range of options and pricing for the tank and the supporting equipment. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Are there some higher end options I should look into instead? The 100 fits the space well. If it was between a 75 and 100 would you recommend the 100?

 

[Peace River]

Not all tank manufacturers make their tanks in the same dimensions. Typically for a reef tank, a deeper tank (e.g., front back) is preferable rather than a taller tank. For example, IMO I would recommend a 125 over a 150 because the 150 is the same footprint but is a pain to reach the bottom of the tank because of the height. If you have a specific space to fit the tank, then you could also consider reaching out to a custom tank builder like @Joe Glass Cages.

 

[Fish Fan]

Are there some higher end options I should look into instead? The 100 fits the space well. If it was between a 75 and 100 would you recommend the 100?

I have 5 of the smaller IM AIO tanks from 10-25 gallons, as well as one of their old 40 gallon non-AIO tanks; all are solid tanks, in my humble opinion.

I believe @edsbeaker and others here have run IM tanks in the size you're considering, and been quite happy with them.

On the premium end, I think Glass Cages is a top choice for sure. Waterbox is another brand that's similar in quality to IM, from what I've read. I've also heard good things about Cade, though I don't know as much about them.

Personally, I went with an SC Aquariums tank for my next build; a 150 gallon. These are decent, Chinese made tanks, but they don't have much if you want a complete system with a sump and everything all in one purchase.

I think you'd be quite happy with a system from IM, most members here are, from what I've seen.

Good luck!

 

[rtparty]

IM 112 and 150 are awesome choices. Especially if you can do the 36” front to back

If you can find one, the NYOS 440 is a great setup as well. It’s what I went with just recently.

 

[Drkknght145]

Thanks for all the help so far. It sounds like the IM is a good brand to go with? The 100 g fits the space just about perfectly. I’m worried the 112 sticks out into the walk way past where the rest of the furniture would be.

I feel pretty lost when it comes to the sump. I mean I know I will need lights on the main tank but then everything else will go in the sump. Do I just need protein skimmer and a filter roller? Should I also purchase these from IM?

 

[RocketEngineer]

Thanks for all the help so far. It sounds like the IM is a good brand to go with? The 100 g fits the space just about perfectly. I’m worried the 112 sticks out into the walk way past where the rest of the furniture would be.

I feel pretty lost when it comes to the sump. I mean I know I will need lights on the main tank but then everything else will go in the sump. Do I just need protein skimmer and a filter roller? Should I also purchase these from IM?

My current system is a IM 100EXT. The only downside is a limited selection of Tangs but the smaller ones are likely to work. I’m slow rolling my system but my build thread may give you some ideas.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Thanks for all the help so far. It sounds like the IM is a good brand to go with? The 100 g fits the space just about perfectly. I’m worried the 112 sticks out into the walk way past where the rest of the furniture would be.

I feel pretty lost when it comes to the sump. I mean I know I will need lights on the main tank but then everything else will go in the sump. Do I just need protein skimmer and a filter roller? Should I also purchase these from IM?

I'll throw out there too that @ESHOPPS.INC makes amazing tanks in the 100g range

 

[Drkknght145]

My current system is a IM 100EXT. The only downside is a limited selection of Tangs but the smaller ones are likely to work. I’m slow rolling my system but my build thread may give you some ideas.

Any chance you can link me? Tried going through your post history and couldn’t find it. And my plan is to buy the equipment around Black Friday hoping for some sales but I’m definitely going to take my time setting it up etc. not planning to even stock it till next spring/summer.

 

[FishLvR]

Hi everyone

I am looking at starting a new set up and would love to get any and all opinions. A little background, I am in Spokane WA and while I owned a FOWLR tank and a Predator tank in the 90s/early 2000s I have been out of the hobby for many moons. So much has changed since having no resources to now it feels overwhelming!!!

I would like to do a big reef tank and not have the ‘I wish I went bigger’ regret right off the bat. I am hoping to score some deals around Black Friday and planning a budget around $5000 for tank and equipment and then planning about that much for live rock/sand and inhabitants/corals.

I am considering a set up like this in either 75 or 100.
https://www.innovative-marine.com/shop/EXT-100-Gallon-Complete-Reef-System-Black-p532598001
Am I going in the right direction or are there other options I should consider? What other equipment will I need if I do choose to go with this set up, including any upgrades I can make that will make life easier etc

Just come get mine. I am so tired of this hobby. I'm an hour away when should I be there?

 

[RocketEngineer]

Any chance you can link me? Tried going through your post history and couldn’t find it. And my plan is to buy the equipment around Black Friday hoping for some sales but I’m definitely going to take my time setting it up etc. not planning to even stock it till next spring/summer.

The “My Tank Tread” tag is actually a link. But here it is: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/rocketengineer-launches-again.867239/

 

[Drkknght145]

Just come get mine. I am so tired of this hobby. I'm an hour away when should I be there?

Haha for once in my life I am going to go all new! I loved reading about your tank though

 

[FishLvR]

Haha for once in my life I am going to go all new! I loved reading about your tank though

I have phytoplankton BTW. So don't buy it. I'll just give it to you. The only thing I ask in return is you return the bottles when you get new phyto. I disinfect them and reuse. DM me when you are ready. I am currently working on pods but have had limited success with those.