Peninsula Tank Recommendations

[FirstSalt24]

Hi All,

I'm interested in a peninsula style tank. I have been doing a lot of research, but thought i would come to were the experienced/expert hobbyists hang out. :-)

I am considering the following options:

- UNS R150 / R180 Peninsula
- Waterbox Peninsula 7225
- CADE S/2 1500 Peninsula
- IM EXT 200 Peninsula

Red Sea did not make the list...I'm not willing to take the chance. :-)

This is where it becomes a "difficult" decision based on reviews out there.... (1) Waterbox...stand quality issues, lining up of cabinet doors, extremely long wait times once ordered, damage issues, sub-par/ non-existent customer service. (2) IM...read of multiple seam leaks, one person had two tanks leaked on him....very expensive experience, sump not the greatest. (2) CADE seems solid, sumps less customizable, just really expensive..that is why I'm looking at the S2 and not S3. Only negative I was able to find, is feedback that their sumps are limited. (4) UNS looks promising, quality build. Not able to find many reviews of people that own these tanks.

It feels like you win some you loose some.

Any advise will be really appreciated. It is a big investment. :-)

Thanks!

​

 

[NeutronMan]

I’m looking at the CADE peninsula 1200 for my next move.

 

[FirstSalt24]

I’m looking at the CADE peninsula 1200 for my next move.

Yeah..that is my first choice as well. Wish they were a little bit cheaper. The S3's are awesome with the bracing, and the high quality lid now included. I guess if you end up having to replace one of the other brands, you have spent more money if you include any fish or coral lost. :-)

 

[rtparty]

If it isn’t Eurobraced, it wouldn’t even make my list these days

 

[NeutronMan]

Yeah..that is my first choice as well. Wish they were a little bit cheaper. The S3's are awesome with the bracing, and the high quality lid now included. I guess if you end up having to replace one of the other brands, you have spent more money if you include any fish or coral lost. :-)

I’m just now seeing the s3 version. What’s the difference between the s3 and s2? Is it euro bracing and a lid?

 

[exnisstech]

Eshopps Mariner series offers some peninsula tanks. I almost bought an MP100 but decided to go with a lagoon instead. Haven't received the tank so I can't comment on quality. I do know the Mariner peninsulas have and aluminum framed stand.
That's to bad about water box. I bought my 330.7 two years ago and it was a smooth transaction and CS was very responsive when I had questions. The doors are a non issue people just have be patient and spend a little time adjusting them without getting frustrated. I've had to adjust any door that uses the same type of hinges.

PS my WB stand is solid but it has an aluminum frame. Any plywood stand feels a bit flimsy to me regardless of the manufacturer since they're all assembled using similar methods pretty much like any entertainment center or stand sold in a box.

 

[FirstSalt24]

If it isn’t Eurobraced, it wouldn’t even make my list these days

Yes that is why I like the Innovate Marine EXT 200 as well, especially the price point. One just have to be willing to wait 4 to 6 months, and to mod the sump to fit a roller mat.

 

[Viking_Reefing]

If I were to go with a reef ready tank and not a custom build my choice would definitely be the Cade. Looks the best by a fairly wide margin.
If they were available in Europe I would have gotten one of their tanks rather than moving my current tank now that I’m moving houses.

 

[FirstSalt24]

If I were to go with a reef ready tank and not a custom build my choice would definitely be the Cade. Looks the best by a fairly wide margin.
If they were available in Europe I would have gotten one of their tanks rather than moving my current tank now that I’m moving houses.

I agree. I do like the Eshopps Mariner series that exnisstech mentioned. There larger tanks have top and bottom bracing with a 4 year warranty. I have not really looked into them before, but they seem to be high quality tanks as well. Very tempting. :-)

 

[FirstSalt24]

I’m just now seeing the s3 version. What’s the difference between the s3 and s2? Is it euro bracing and a lid?

Yes....they are Euro braced with cut outs for lights, wave maker cords and comes with a poly carb lid.
The the sump has been overhauled with a refugium and algae trap and the power board has been upgraded. The sump is larger and roller mat ready (no filter socks).

 

[Sandbox]

I have owned a Waterbox 5526 peninsula for 8 years. It has been a great tank for me and I've never had a problem with customer service. That being said, I do have the old marine plywood stand andnits time to upgrade to an aluminum one. I purchased the Cade S3 peninsula and I'm waiting to receive it. Yes they are expensive, but they will last as long as your house and they are stunning. What did you end up picking?

 

[FirstSalt24]

I have owned a Waterbox 5526 peninsula for 8 years. It has been a great tank for me and I've never had a problem with customer service. That being said, I do have the old marine plywood stand andnits time to upgrade to an aluminum one. I purchased the Cade S3 peninsula and I'm waiting to receive it. Yes they are expensive, but they will last as long as your house and they are stunning. What did you end up picking?

The CADE S3 is the best one by far. I ended up the Eshopps Mariner series. Also a solid build so I’m excited to set it up. Enjoy your CADE. It’s going to be awesome!

 

[Sandbox]

The CADE S3 is the best one by far. I ended up the Eshopps Mariner series. Also a solid build so I’m excited to set it up. Enjoy your CADE. It’s going to be awesome!

Enjoy yours as well!

 

[BryanM]

The waterbox 7225 uses the same stand material, like likely the same stand, that my waterbox infinia 230.6 uses. That stand is very solid and I have no complaints.

 

[joseph scott]

I was shopping for approximately the same tank as you recently. I decided custom was best for me. Went with Tsunami acrylic. 60x36x24 peninsula. It was so great to talk to the owner/builder of the tanks so could get everything i wanted down to the last detail. I couldnt find a mass produced tank in the dimensions i wanted anyway. If hadn’t picked Tsunami my next choice was Glass cages. i think being able to drive to Tsunami in Clearwater Fl less than a hour from my house was part of my decision as well.