Tank recommendation 30-50G with sump

[old_guyPA]

Looking for a new tank, it's time to replace a 20+ year old Oceanic. Squarish profile max width of 24 or 30", at least 18" front to back, preferably less than 20" tall .
Opinions/experience with:
Fijicube 32 ext
Waterbox EX
Innovative Marine EXT50
Neptunian Magic Pro 60
Red Sea Reef frame 170
Eshopp Mariner M40
UNS R60
Nyos Opus

 

[BryanM]

I would remove Redsea from the list.

My tank is a waterbox and I like them. The rest of the list looks solid as well.

 

[Baldyreef]

2nd vote for removing the redsea, they're famous for burst seams and other issues

 

[slingfox]

Of those you listed I would remove RedSea.

Nyos Opus and UNS make super nice tanks. The aesthetics and design come at a higher price than the alternatives.

 

[Kooma]

I’m a big fan of custom tanks, and honestly you get to make it what you want during that build. I always suggest going bigger than you think.

I am a loyal Miracles Aquarium owner, they make great tanks and the owner is wonderful to deal with. They often has some deals on extra tanks people didn’t go through with also.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

If you could stretch the budget and go for a slightly bigger tank, the Eshopps Mariner 70 is a great tank!

 

[peter-Reef]

Thanks old_guyPA — great list, and I'm in a similar spot myself, researching a 75-gallon setup with a sump, so the cabinet and stand matter as much as the tank to me.

A few questions for everyone who has run one of these: how has the included stand held up over time — any flex, wobble, or issues with the doors and hinges after a year or two? And how easy is it to actually work inside the cabinet — is there enough room to get the skimmer and sump in and out for maintenance, or is it a tight squeeze?

Also curious about the real-world price once you add everything up — did the system price end up close to what you expected, or did the extras add up fast? Photos of the cabinet interior would be really helpful if anyone has them. Thanks!

 

[Uncle99]

Innovative Marine. 40,50,60,80,100 something for everyone.

Came with everything all set up including return pumps, sock, media caddy and a mesh lid.

True plug and play!

Just add lights, saltwater and your friends.

 

[BryanM]

I'll give a 2nd for IM for this reason (among many): You can get a TON of support from people here as they are extremely popular.