New tank e260 or reefer 300xl deluxe?

Bruce Burnett · Mar 10, 2021

I am not sure when but I will be doing a new tank. Trying to decide between the two, they take same floor space. The reefer 300xl will require the purchase of skimmer and return pump so cost is a little more. The E-260 has a little more volume than reefer 250 and 9 gallons less than reefer 260. The E-260 does not have overflow projecting into tank. I don't need to keep upgrading equipment. The e260 would add an ato and doser and have the rest of the space in cabinet for supplies. Looking for recommendations especially from those that have owned E-260 or reefer 300xl. I won't be going larger at a later date already been there, 300 gallon. I don't care about filter socks as I stopped using them. The reefer 300xl can add refugium but not required. I am also going back to sand from being bare bottom for years.

lapin · Mar 11, 2021

Any new tank is better than no new tank

Bruce Burnett · Mar 11, 2021

lapin said:
Any new tank is better than no new tank

I agree. Was going to get out completely but have got wife's ok to start another one. Been doing starting with fresh in 1973 and salt in 1984.

Donslaught · Mar 16, 2021

I just made the same decision. Went for the 300xl. I think everything would get tight in the back of the E260. Especially if you are considering a controller like I am.

Bruce Burnett · Mar 16, 2021

Donslaught said:
I just made the same decision. Went for the 300xl. I think everything would get tight in the back of the E260. Especially if you are considering a controller like I am.

I have seen setup on an E-260 with Apex controller and Tunze ato. But I have made decision to go with the 300xl deluxe also. I have seen plenty of tanks with the reef leds and if they can keep clams alive then plenty of light. Have started buying some items to have ready but tanks are out of stock again. All I need to order now is tank, skimmer and test kits. Now I wish I had not sold everything from previous tanks.

Bruce Burnett · Mar 17, 2021

So I now have everything coming to setup 300xl deluxe used my stimulus money. I have to wait for tank to be back in stock. If only I had a couple of children so I could get more stimulus but too old for them