New tank build suggestions.

[hillg2784]

Hey everyone,

I’ve been in the hobby for a little over a year, but I’ve kept things pretty simple—only using HOB filters and doing things on the cheap. It’s been fun, but also frustrating at times since I haven’t invested in the equipment that makes this hobby smoother and more rewarding.

Now I’m ready to go all-in and build a proper setup.

I know I want a 72-inch tank (6 feet), but I’m open to options beyond that. My budget is around $10,000, and I’ve been eyeing the ProStar 230 (~$4,000) as a potential tank. I've read mixed things about Red Sea tanks and would rather avoid the risk of leaks, so I’m looking for something reliable.

Outside of the tank, I’m wide open on equipment — lighting, sump, return pump, skimmer, ATO, controller, etc. I’d love recommendations on what to prioritize and where it’s worth spending a little more.

The goal is a high-quality setup that can support a mixed reef (maybe SPS eventually), but also stays manageable in terms of maintenance and reliability.

Appreciate any advice or suggestions!

 

[JumboShrimp]

Joe at Glass Cages built me two 150-gallon tanks with stands 5 years ago-- still going strong. Let him give you a quote.

 

[hillg2784]

Appreciate the suggestion. Keep them coming.

 

[mpatterson42]

I was eyeing the Innovative Marine 200 INT (EXT is also available) for a while. I quite like it. I ended up picking up an AquaJapan 180 for almost $2K less but if you have a budget of $10K then I'd definitely take a look at the Innovative Marine. Their "Complete Reef" package which includes a sump is tempting as well, but I really wanted a filter roller and it looks like there's significant work you would have to do on the sump to convert it.

 

[hillg2784]

I did look at them, the sump was the only draw back I saw, I want a fleece roller.

 

[hillg2784]

Here is what I was thinking equipment wise.

Redsea ReefMat 500
Nyos Quantium 160
Radion XR16 G6 pro light
Vortech MP40’s
Tunze MAR 3181
Aqua Ultraviolet UV

I would also like to have an Apex system with trident water testing.

 

[mpatterson42]

You can get an IM 200 without the sump and just buy one that fits your equipment or get a DIY baffle kit.

 

[hillg2784]

Yes but a IM 200 is 3900 without sump and prostar v2 230 is $4100 with sump. Seems the prostar is a better deal on paper. However I don’t know much about the reliability of it. Truthfully I found it on a youtube video from Mr.Saltwater Aquarium on newbie build.

 

[bushdoc]

I am on inverted curve, started decades ago with custom 240gal, downgraded to custom 160 gal and now I am cycling brand new CADE 900 S2. (98.5gal)
Why this way? Many says the larger the tank, the easier maintenance, but there are caveats, cumbersome and expensive water changes, electricity for running pumps, lights and heating/cooling will grow exponentially with size, same cost of aquascape, fish invertebrates etc.
It is your choice though, I had same dreams before.
One more thing, if you choose 72" tank, Radeon XR 15 may not be sufficient choice, I would go for XR30.

 

[slingfox]

If you are still looking to tanks take a look at the UNS line. Those tanks look absolutely incredible. RedSea just announced the release of their Generation 3 which looks specifically built to avoid the leak issues. I have a RedSea 5 foot tank—if I could replace it I would look into a tank with an external overflow since that is a much cleaner look and allows for easier flow management.

Have you looked into Innovative Marine? Looks like they are 20% off on BRS right now.

Ways to save money if you are trying to Stanton budget:

• Jebao Return Pump: These have a good reputation for reliability
• MP40: If you can wait, you can find these for sale used for $250 or so. If you want brand new then look into the Jebao DMP wavemakers sold on AliExpress. You can find reviews of that on this board and Youtube
• Lights: Are you planning to go hardcore SPS or plan to have a more LPS/softy rank? If going LPS/softy then you can save money on lights. I believe it will be very difficult to stay in budget if you go the Radion route for a 6 ft tank. Many other more economical options with better light spread. If money is no object then the ATI Straton line looks like too of the line. Reef Breeders also look super nice. I have 3 AI Blades in my 5 ft tank. Very nice lights but I wish I could replace them with ATI but that would be out of budget!
• Dosing Pump: People say you can buy the RedSea ReefDose on AliExpress and they are legit. I have not tried this myself. Instead I bought a used set of 4 head Versa with base mount at a major discount.
• Alk Tester: Are you planning to go hardcore SPS? If just going LPS/Softies I don’t think an alk tester is needed. If you are he’ll bent on getting an alk tester look into the Aquawiz. Very good reviews on this tester.

 

[hillg2784]

Don’t plan on a hard core sps tank, mostly lps and softie. With that said what lights would be better budget wise?

 

[hillg2784]

Just looked at the new Reefer 750 G3, it now comes with a euro brace and a 5 year warranty. That’s got to help with the blowout issues they had and peace of mind with the warranty.

 

[slingfox]

Don’t plan on a hard core sps tank, mostly lps and softie. With that said what lights would be better budget wise?

AI Edge and Reefbreeders would be more bang for your buck than Radion and use newer tech. For LPS/softies you don’t need crazy par so I would focus more on getting adequate spread, budget, and preferred mounting options (non-issue if you plan to hang from ceiling vs. major issue if you want to mount on-tank).

 

[hillg2784]

I know there is a lot of bashing of Redsea but putting the leak issue aside, how is there equipment. I have been looking at the new G3 Reefer S850, it’s seems to have everything for just over 10k and that new sump looks pretty cool.

 

[hillg2784]

What about the AI hydra 44’s?

 

[hillg2784]

Innovate Marine Ext 200 Reef Ready $4,632



Quantum 160 Skimmer (up to 250 Gallons) - NYOS Aquatics $450



3x AI Hydra 44HD $400



AI HMS 72” rail $140



2x Ecotech marine vortech mp40 $480



Syncara SDC 9.0 Return Pump $550


This is where I am at so far, thoughts??

 

[mpatterson42]

That's pretty much a dream tank for me! Are you skipping the ReefMat?

 

[hillg2784]

Yes; the sump that comes with the IM read ready doesn’t allow one with modifications and I don’t want to get into that. Thought about ordering without the sump but that’s a 4-6 month wait vs 72 hours, which doesn’t make sense to me.

For the difference in money for adding my own sump and roller I can buy a lot of filter socks.

 

[mpatterson42]

Yeah I definitely looked into getting the Reef Ready version because it ships faster and then selling the sump, but I don't know what the resell market on sumps is so you might have to sit on it a long time, or try something like eBay and charge a hefty shipping fee.

 

[hillg2784]

I’m going to try and make this sump work. With 4 filter socks, skimmer, refugium and maybe a uv it should provide all the filtration I need.