Custom 180 or RS Reefer 750 XXL

[HotRocks]

Let me know your thoughts...
I Have been researching and thinking through all my ideas for a couple of Months Now. Still Torn Between Custom Building and Ordering RSR!
Making final decision today and ordering 1 or the other!
@4FordFamily

 

[Friday24]

I’ve got an older Red Sea Max S 400L and a 34D and have no complaints other than I don’t like their skimmer. Craftsmanship is great. The only thing I don’t like about Red Sea (newer models might be different than mine) is that it can be difficult to add or change components later. I’m very limited on room in the sump area, plumbing is also metric if you need or want to change any of that. I just put up a 300g and built my own stand and plumed myself and am much more happy being able to set it up how it can make things easier for me as far as cleaning/maintenance, and changing/adding/removing components. And actually today I’m doing it all over again to replace the 400L with another 300g. I think it really comes down to a preference and how much DIY you’re willing to put in. Either way congrats on a new tank and enjoy! New is always fun.

 

[HotRocks]

I’ve got an older Red Sea Max S 400L and a 34D and have no complaints other than I don’t like their skimmer. Craftsmanship is great. The only thing I don’t like about Red Sea (newer models might be different than mine) is that it can be difficult to add or change components later. I’m very limited on room in the sump area, plumbing is also metric if you need or want to change any of that. I just put up a 300g and built my own stand and plumed myself and am much more happy being able to set it up how it can make things easier for me as far as cleaning/maintenance, and changing/adding/removing components. And actually today I’m doing it all over again to replace the 400L with another 300g. I think it really comes down to a preference and how much DIY you’re willing to put in. Either way congrats on a new tank and enjoy! New is always fun.

Thanks for the Insight!

 

[HotRocks]

Sorry I am an Idiot! I Have no idea how I posted this in the LPS Discussion!
I Cant figure out if there is a way to delete either!

 

[Antics]

This question is best answered by considering the plumbing/overflow situation. Red Sea makes BEAUTIFUL tanks. The glass is pristine, the silicon work is excellent and everything is designed and functions together as expected. The only reason to not go with a Red Sea tank (if we're talking about the same footprint custom) is because you want a shadow or ghost overflow or if you want to go with a closed loop/want your returns elsewhere.

If we're talking about the "custom 180" being different than the standard 6x2x2 then of course custom is superior. It really depends on what footprint you want.

Consider this though; the Red Sea is (probably) going to arrive much quicker and be a lot less hassle. Custom 180 means finding/designing a sump, building/buying a stand, finding a builder you like, waiting X amount of weeks for production and curing, dealing with a delivery company, etc. On top of that, all of these independent parts will be a little more tedious to assemble and plan for. They will also not come with the blanket warranty that Red Sea will offer with the Reefer.

Pricing is another consideration, but the topic in general is too vague and varies too widely to be of much use for a general discussion.

Best of luck with your decision!