New tank recommendations - 4-5ft, 100ish gallons

[Intheflesh]

I'm considering starting over with my 50 gallon IM EXT (you can see my build thread, and crash that happened about 4 years ago.)

I've had it running since the crash, just haven't added any new corals. I just have a handful of fish, few zoas, an encrusting monti that won't die, and candy cane. The tank has been looking quite sad. Wifey has given the green light (and motivation really) to rebuild bigger.

I have a few contenders, and making a list of pros and cons:

IM 100 EXT/INT - currently have IM, all the build threads I have seen are positive.

Red sea 425 G3 - previously had a 350 G1. Pros: always like the sump design and separate cabinet compartments. Like the dimensions. My LFS sells Red Sea, and it would be nice to buy through them to support local business. Cons: Seam separation still seems to be a problem. (Also the front glass panel 'floating' off the stand literally kept me up at night)

Fiji Cube 76/95- really like the low profile and that it can be purchased as a tank only, as I like building stands.
I like the 95 over the 76 because of the added length. Cons: the few threads I've seen have reported QA issues and shipping mishaps. Although I can say I was happy with my Fiji cube I owned 15ish years ago.

its honestly been a while since I have even been on the forum, and completely fallen out of touch with manufacturers reputations. I was hoping for a little guidance from the forum.

For equipment, I will be re-using a lot of stuff I have lying around that all seem suitable for something in the 4 ft, 100 gallon range: (2) MP40s, (2) XP30 Pro Gen 4s, Aqua-Ready Cone Q1, 1L Zeovit Reactor.

So, what would you pick? Something not on my list? Is glass cages a good option? (Side note, I am not opposed to custom, just not looking to spend Reef Savvy money)

 

[JTP424]

Based on what you've listed, I think the IM is the way to go, otherwise you would have noted some negatives for it :)

 

[kevgib67]

Waterbox 150.4 needs on your list.

 

[X-37B]

IM makes good systems.
I have 3 with another on the way.

 

[NanoSteam]

IM!!!

 

[Intheflesh]

My current IM is an EXT. Is there a general consensus on the INT vs EXT on which is preferred?
I can see both augments: more tank depth vs getting closer to the wall

 

[NanoSteam]

My current IM is an EXT. Is there a general consensus on the INT vs EXT on which is preferred?
I can see both augments: more tank depth vs getting closer to the wall

That's exactly it, what's more important to you? there's also the easier access to maintain the external box, trying to reach into the coast to coast internal overflow may be a nightmare if it's ever needed. All this being said I know it sounds like more negatives for the INT but I would go INT in my own home just because space is limited and I can't have a tank sticking that far into the room.

 

[mmorrison55]

Look at UNS.

I don’t have one, but they are slick and if I were not going custom, I would likely order a UNS system

You probably want the 120 if you want ~100 gallon

 

[keithw283]

My current IM is an EXT. Is there a general consensus on the INT vs EXT on which is preferred?
I can see both augments: more tank depth vs getting closer to the wall

I personally like having space for me to get behind the tank if needed. My custom tank I went internal and left 2 feet behind the tank for more space for me.