Please help me evaluate this system (120 gallons)

[Idech]

I said I was never going to upgrade but I saw someone’s 120 gallons tank and fell in love.

So now I’m contemplating the idea of changing my sumpless 75 gallons (getting tired of fiddling with equipment in DT) for a 100-120 gallons DT + sump.

I’m really scared of getting a sump as I’m afraid it’s going to leak or need fixing and I can’t do plumbing, don’t have tools and I am overall weak and don’t have strong hands. I am afraid I wouldn’t have the knowledge to stop a leak in the plumbing if need be and the house would flood…. Maybe that’s just a bad idea in my case, or maybe I’m worrying too much and overthinking this ?

I also never had a tank without a center brace, so this scares me a bit too. Is Euro brace a solid choice ?

Is the sump okay with those chambers ? Should I have less ? More?

Anyways, here is the proposed system. I don’t know anything about any of it so I would really appreciate advice from experienced reefers. These guys can do custom made so I can probably ask for different set-ups. They let you provide drawings too.

I would have them install the whole thing but I need to feel comfortable with maintaining and fixing little quirks if need be.

Thanks !

 

[exnisstech]

Maybe look into a larger aio or a complete system like an innovative marine int 150. It will be a more money but you'll have everything you need including a stand which you don't have listed.
I'm not sure how they calculate the plumbing you show above without knowing the stand height.
I have two redsea systems that come with everything needed and they are really easy to assemble. I assume the IM would be just as easy. I don't recomend larger redsea tanks but supposedly the new ones are much better than they used to be but I have no first hand experience.

 

[Idech]

I'm not sure how they calculate the plumbing you show above without knowing the stand height.

I forgot to mention but they quoted a stand also so they know the height.

They also quoted me a skimmer and pump that I didn’t mention because those will be part of another thread if need be.

The system is complete, all I need are more rocks and sand that they can probably sell as well.

Maybe look into a larger aio or a complete system like an innovative marine int 150.

I can’t see to find any of those in Canada. Those systems don’t have sumps ?

 

[exnisstech]

I can’t see to find any of those in Canada. Those systems don’t have sumps

Sorry I didn't see your location. The all in one's do not have a sump but they have a chamber built in for all your filtration and heater etc. Not quite as nice as a sump but better than a regular tank and no plumbing to mess with. Sump would be my choice but I can plumb even if it is a little ugly when I do lol.
If the company your dealing with is reputable it looks like it maybe a good option with the plumbing already being designed. Maybe ask here and see if anyone has any experience with them unless your already confident with them?

 

[Idech]

Maybe ask here and see if anyone has any experience with them unless your already confident with them?

They’re a small local company so I doubt anyone on here knows them.

Once the plumbing is done , how often do you need to play with it ? Is it pretty much « set and forget » ?

 

[exnisstech]

Really once plumbing is done it's pretty much set and forget. Most leaks will occur soon after it's up and running but there's alway a possibility of something happening. A local company would be a positive IMO

 

[Idech]

Really once plumbing is done it's pretty much set and forget. Most leaks will occur soon after it's up and running but there's alway a possibility of something happening. A local company would be a positive IMO

They’re 2 hours away so not cheap to come for a visit but yes, it would give me peace of mind.

 

[Idech]

Anybody else has any thoughts ?

 

[DIFish]

Sumps are pretty easy to setup and once you get them tuned they are not likely to leak or cause issues in my experience. I do have to change the gate valve on my red sea after maintenance as the overflow can get a little louder when the water flow changes, but after using a sump you won’t go back. The above looks like a good price if you trust the company and are confident in their ability to deliver. As others have said there are other options that are a little easier to setup but if they are making the tank/stand/plumbing/sump then I would imagine it will be very easy to do. Enjoy the new setup and I 100% think you will enjoy the clean look and ease of maitenence as well as the extra space.

 

[jft]

The way I see it that s going to be a job cleaning the front glass due to the construction. I had a tank like that and I HATED it. Good Luck

 

[Idech]

The way I see it that s going to be a job cleaning the front glass due to the construction. I had a tank like that and I HATED it. Good Luck

Hmm that’s a very good point ! I hadn’t thought of that but yeah, it must a pita to clean the front glass.

I’m going to have to do some research on that. Maybe I’ll ask for a different model.

 

[jft]

Yes I would based on my experience, REAL pain to access for cleaning, Trust me.