Help me build...

[chrislynn]

I have a Biocube 32 and have completely fallen in love. Would like to go bigger and the space I’m looking at can easily support a 48”-51” tank. I’m used to plug and play, all in one....so not sure what all to look at. The Red Sea Max S series is beautiful and I could do the price, but just curious: if you could build a reef tank to fit in that size space, what would you build?

Give me the details, elements needed, and reasons why and we’ll build it “together” in a build thread once I decide on the setup!

 

[JCM]

I would strongly consider skipping the all in one on a tank that size in favor of a sump.

 

[Dunc]

Do

I have a Biocube 32 and have completely fallen in love. Would like to go bigger and the space I’m looking at can easily support a 48”-51” tank. I’m used to plug and play, all in one....so not sure what all to look at. The Red Sea Max S series is beautiful and I could do the price, but just curious: if you could build a reef tank to fit in that size space, what would you build?

Give me the details, elements needed, and reasons why and we’ll build it “together” in a build thread once I decide on the set

I have a Biocube 32 and have completely fallen in love. Would like to go bigger and the space I’m looking at can easily support a 48”-51” tank. I’m used to plug and play, all in one....so not sure what all to look at. The Red Sea Max S series is beautiful and I could do the price, but just curious: if you could build a reef tank to fit in that size space, what would you build?

Give me the details, elements needed, and reasons why and we’ll build it “together” in a build thread once I decide on the setup!

Hi there. Does it have to be an AIO or would you consider a sump?

 

[lstmysock11]

Look at Sca aquariums, look at their PNP setups. Will include most everything you need and most have free shipping.

 

[chrislynn]

Do


Hi there. Does it have to be an AIO or would you consider a sump?

I would definitely consider sump, just kind of overwhelmed with all the equipment options.

 

[chrislynn]

Look at Sca aquariums, look at their PNP setups. Will include most everything you need and most have free shipping.

Thanks!

 

[Dunc]

I would definitely consider sump, just kind of overwhelmed with all the equipment options.

It’s really not that hard. We will help you

 

[Jekyl]

I would do at least a 120 with sump.

 

[chrislynn]

It’s really not that hard. We will help you

Perfect! Appreciate that!

 

[Dunc]

So a sump will increase your tanks water volume, which will help make the tank more stable than an AIO. My favorite manufacturers are CADE, MODE, and Waterbox. Google them and you will find different models that will fit your space. The type you are searching for are under the “Reef” category.

 

[lstmysock11]

Check out the BRS videos on youtube. Bigger tanks are less worrysome believe it or not. Little mistakes and changes are not as dramatic with small tanks.

 

[chrislynn]

Look at Sca aquariums, look at their PNP setups. Will include most everything you need and most have free shipping.

These look awesome! I have a message in to them.

 

[lstmysock11]

These look awesome! I have a message in to them.

Good for you, out of all the tank makers they seem to give the most bang for your buck. Only cheaper way is to find someones used tank. Like I got a 75 gallon with a 20 gallon sump stand and canopy for 150 dollars. Also for sumps there are kits to turn 20 gallon, 29 gallon and 40 gallon tanks into a sump. Those kits and the tank run a fraction of what the Sumps would cost normally.

 

[zukihara]

SCA tank and cabinet... Buy everything else to your specifications.

 

[chrislynn]

SCA tank and cabinet... Buy everything else to your specifications.

Thanks! You’re the second to recommend them. They look great.

 

[zukihara]

Thanks! You’re the second to recommend them. They look great.

Just realize their sump, skimmer, bulkheads, etc are likely not worth it.

 

[dhnguyen]

I will second having a 120 g with a sump. The 120 is almost a perfect dimension for a reef tank really. Easy to aquascape.

 

[JumboShrimp]

I went with custom tanks and stands, but for more of a ready-made package, I probably would have gone with SCA, as others have said. I think Innovative Marine would have a nice AIO in a size you are looking for (go directly to their website to check them out), but I have to agree that if you can make the leap to something in the 100-120 gallon range with a sump, you’ll enjoy the experience.

 

[Tcook]

I would get a roller mat sump. You could fit the Trigger Systems platinum 39 in that space. Plenty of room for equipment and refugium.

 

[chrislynn]

Just realize their sump, skimmer, bulkheads, etc are likely not worth it.

So just tank and cabinet and then get a sumo kit and all elsewhere? That part of the build scares me.