Need tips for new aquarium/ Model comparison

[michealprater]

Based off my space and needs, these are the five tanks I am comparing right now.

Waterbox Marine 90.3
Red Sea 250 G2
Innovative INT 70
Opus G2 300
Fiji Cube 57 gallon (36"L)

These all come as package deals with the stand and sump. My biggest concern is room next to the sump. I have an Apex Neptune system with a trident and dose two different chemicals. I would need around 10-12" L to allow for all this. If you own one of these tanks, please post a shot of the sump area and let me know what kind of free space you have. Also comments on the tanks quality, likes and dislikes are all welcomed.

Thanks friends!

 

[CasperOe]

I'd like to throw the king of 'package deals' into the mix as well; the Cade Reef 900 S2. As for build quality, nothing gets close.

You can even get a 'caddy'-cabinet in the same style if you are concerned about storage space.

 

[michealprater]

I guess some more detail would be nice. The tank has to be around 36"L... height and width dont matter as much, although 24" D and 24" H would be ideal. My budget is around $2100, thus being the reason I selected that list of aquariums.

In speaking to the guys at innovative, there is only 4" of free room on the sides of the sump, and they dont offer a build with a smaller sump (despite manufacturing one that would be smaller). I could purchase from them all the components separately, but the cost goes way up as it would no longer be a bundle deal. This may eliminate them from the running.

CasperOe, than you for the suggestion, but at approx $1300 higher than the most expensive tank on my list, this is not a financially viable option for me.

 

[michealprater]

Another thing to note, if there is a RO reservoir that is removable, I would count that as free space, as it will be removed and not used.

 

[CasperOe]

I guess some more detail would be nice. The tank has to be around 36"L... height and width dont matter as much, although 24" D and 24" H would be ideal. My budget is around $2100, thus being the reason I selected that list of aquariums.

In speaking to the guys at innovative, there is only 4" of free room on the sides of the sump, and they dont offer a build with a smaller sump (despite manufacturing one that would be smaller). I could purchase from them all the components separately, but the cost goes way up as it would no longer be a bundle deal. This may eliminate them from the running.

CasperOe, than you for the suggestion, but at approx $1300 higher than the most expensive tank on my list, this is not a financially viable option for me.

Fair enough mate! Only one on the list I have experience with; have the 1200 but the available cabinet/control space is the same.

I hope you find what you're looking for, the process of buying a new tank is almost as exiting as setting it up

 

[michealprater]

Fair enough mate! Only one on the list I have experience with; have the 1200 but the available cabinet/control space is the same.

I hope you find what you're looking for, the process of buying a new tank is almost as exiting as setting it up

I have been reefing for close to 25 years, so this process is old hat for me. Over the years I have slowly built up the gear I have always dreamed of. I really love this process… and like any good reefer I have learned that patience is the key to it all. That’s why there is no rush, I want to make sure I get what fits my needs. Thank you so much for participating in my thread!

 

[exnisstech]

Redsea 300? Tank is 36"l x 23"w x 22"h will give you more room than the 250 and still close to budget. I was able to get mine xl 300 G2 in February for $2100 OTD. Paying cash has some advantages when dealing with a lfs
Not neat but this is the 300 sump area I have an external ato reservoir

 

[michealprater]

Unfortunately from what I can tell, the Waterbox sump takes up the entire bottom of the stand. This may eliminate them and Innovative. Really scratching my head as to why these companies wouldn’t allow for additional equipment. I understand the additional water volume is nice, but I still think some space would be nice. I think a 2’ sump on a 3’ tank should be plenty.

 

[michealprater]

Redsea 300? Tank is 36"l x 23"w x 22"h will give you more room than the 250 and still close to budget. I was able to get mine xl 300 G2 in February for $2100 OTD. Paying cash has some advantages when dealing with a lfs
Not neat but this is the 300 sump area I have an external ato reservoir

Great information! Thank you so much for the post!

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Based off my space and needs, these are the five tanks I am comparing right now.

Waterbox Marine 90.3
Red Sea 250 G2
Innovative INT 70
Opus G2 300
Fiji Cube 57 gallon (36"L)

These all come as package deals with the stand and sump. My biggest concern is room next to the sump. I have an Apex Neptune system with a trident and dose two different chemicals. I would need around 10-12" L to allow for all this. If you own one of these tanks, please post a shot of the sump area and let me know what kind of free space you have. Also comments on the tanks quality, likes and dislikes are all welcomed.

Thanks friends!

I have two fijicube 48g and a 11g, I like the way they look the water height is a little low in the ext versions I can't say for the int, I have one sump from them that comes with the tank and has enough room to the side of it I'm sure they pair the sumps accordingly to leave room i wish i went up a size with the sump. I have noticed the glass scratches easily but not much different than other tanks it could be my luck, the stand build quality is pretty good for a manufactured stand overall I like their product but honestly I wouldn't get another one if I was starting a new tank and I would build my own stand again as my wood built stands are "stronger" I feel, these stands that come with tanks have that ikea like feel to me imo, but its a lot less work and gets the job done but no running around or leaning on the stand please! lol good luck

 

[michealprater]

I have two fijicube 48g and a 11g, I like the way they look the water height is a little low in the ext versions I can't say for the int, I have one sump from them that comes with the tank and has enough room to the side of it I'm sure they pair the sumps accordingly to leave room i wish i went up a size with the sump. I have noticed the glass scratches easily but not much different than other tanks it could be my luck, the stand build quality is pretty good for a manufactured stand overall I like their product but honestly I wouldn't get another one if I was starting a new tank and I would build my own stand again as my wood built stands are "stronger" I feel, these stands that come with tanks have that ikea like feel to me imo, but its a lot less work and gets the job done but no running around or leaning on the stand please! lol good luck

I built my last stand, and let’s just say, I’m no carpenter lol. I have been nervous about that stand since day one. I would prefer to let someone else do it for me. Coming from a manufacturing background, I would assume regardless of how the stands “feel”, they are likely built to hold far more than they do. I could be wrong, but aluminum reinforcement goes a long way inside a wooden frame. Thanks for your input and insight! Very much appreciated.

 

[michealprater]

Innovative has officially been ruled out. Their customer service says they will not alter models and what they have to offer is what it is. Nothing bad towards them, just doesnt fit my needs.

Adding to the list- Red Sea 300XL G2 (thanks @exnisstech )

 

[michealprater]

Planet Crystalline G2 added to list on recommendation of my LFS.

 

[nickng]

May I suggest looking into the prostar v2 90? Dimensions are 36x20x22
Stand is solid metal frame with replaceable mdf/wood panels. Plus points for me are sump is acrylic and pipes use standard ie not metric pipe fittings.

I am considering one of these in the future when it’s time for me to upsize from my 32+10 gal cube tank

The video shows the tank being setup and from what I can see half the stand area is left empty.

ProStar Rimless | pro clear aquatic systems

This rimless glass aquarium sits on a modern cabinet, available in black or white. This aquarium is designed for saltwater use freshwater use. In addition, it includes sump filtration made of glass.

www.pro-clear.com