Reefer Max G3 or Nuvo Int 75 Complete Reef system

tburton84

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Getting back into reefing after 10 years. Looking at the Red Sea Reefer max g3 and the Nuvo INT 75 complete reef system. I'm hesitant with the red sea unit because of the seam failure issues and the price. The nuvo will require additional equipment But its a larger tank and the sump seems well thought out. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
 
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tburton84

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The IM. Red Sea doesn’t deserve a dime of our money after the way they’ve handled their seam failure mess
I feel the same way but setting up the IM tank is going to be more expensive than just buying the G3 unit.
 

SpartanWarrior

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The IM. Red Sea doesn’t deserve a dime of our money after the way they’ve handled their seam failure mess
I feel the same way but setting up the IM tank is going to be more expensive than just buying the G3 unit.
Yes, but you get what you pay for. It’s going to be a lot more expensive to buy a red sea tank if the seam fails and you have to buy an IM tank anyway to restart.
 
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tburton84

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I feel the same way but setting up the IM tank is going to be more expensive than just buying the G3 unit.

Doesn’t have to be. What does each cost and what’s your budget?
The nuvo int 75 setup costs $2952 but when I add whats included with the g3 unit it totals roughly $5500. The g3 setup is $5300. If I go with the nuvo I want to use quality components. Here’s the item list for what I would need to being the nuvo up to par with the g3.
20260112_103602_697F72A9-0C7A-4CD9-815F-53B40303DBC3.png
 
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tburton84

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If the nuvo is better quality and not going to flood my house I’ll get it and just save up for the components I want. I’ve been out of the game for ten plus years. So I’d rather go slow and get quality equipment
 

exnisstech

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I feel the same way but setting up the IM tank is going to be more expensive than just buying the G3 unit.
Maybe in the short term but since the RS warranty only covers the tank itself there's loss if livestock and home damage to factor in. Homeowner insurance doesn't cover water damage unless the tank breaks. At least that was state farm's policy when I had a flood due to a leaking tank.
Also IMO choosing my own equipment is usually better for me than getting a full package deal especially if you buy some used gear.
 

B&CinB.C.

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I have a 75 EXT and unless things have changed you can't put a reef mat in the IM sump without modifying it . I still wouldn't even consider a Red Sea tank . I used a BM curve 7 Elite skimmer and it works well
 

rtparty

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The nuvo int 75 setup costs $2952 but when I add whats included with the g3 unit it totals roughly $5500. The g3 setup is $5300. If I go with the nuvo I want to use quality components. Here’s the item list for what I would need to being the nuvo up to par with the g3.
20260112_103602_697F72A9-0C7A-4CD9-815F-53B40303DBC3.png

We can get better quality components and save you money. With lighting alone we can cut that in half and have better lights. I will get a list a little later when I have a minute here at work
 
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tburton84

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I have a 75 EXT and unless things have changed you can't put a reef mat in the IM sump without modifying it . I still wouldn't even consider a Red Sea tank . I used a BM curve 7 Elite skimmer and it works well
Thank you
 
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tburton84

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The nuvo int 75 setup costs $2952 but when I add whats included with the g3 unit it totals roughly $5500. The g3 setup is $5300. If I go with the nuvo I want to use quality components. Here’s the item list for what I would need to being the nuvo up to par with the g3.
20260112_103602_697F72A9-0C7A-4CD9-815F-53B40303DBC3.png

We can get better quality components and save you money. With lighting alone we can cut that in half and have better lights. I will get a list a little later when I have a minute here at work
Thank you so much I appreciate your time!
 
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tburton84

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Personally it would be good for piece of mind. I have a reefer 170 in my scrap pile already from a vertical seam failure and am watching a seam on my reefer 300 g2 slowly being destroyed by algae eating into it.

😥
PXL_20251019_232218883.jpg
Oh man that sucks.
 

exnisstech

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Oh man that sucks.

Yep. Fortunately that is a seam guard so it has to get through that before getting to the actual seam. I have time but haven't decided on a course of action yet. The tank has really done well over the last 2 years and I'm not looking forward to moving everything out.

PXL_20251108_014004983~2.jpg
 

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