Help me decide which tank to get

Atherial · Mar 30, 2022

I am new to this hobby and looking to buy my first tank. I'd like to keep my tank/pump/heater/etc.. budget close to $2k. Fish, coral, and lights are a separate budget. My max space is 50" wide. The aquarium systems that I'm considering are the Waterbox AIO 65.4, Waterbox Marine X 90.3, RedSea 300XL or 350, ProStar Rimless 90, or possibly a Marineland one but those seem to be sold out everywhere. My local tank guy would like to sell me a Waterbox but they seem more expensive for the size. He said the RedSea ones have had seam issues lately. He doesn't know much about the ProStar but was concerned that it doesn't have the bean animal drain and the type that it does have can be noisy.

Can anyone help me out with this decision?

blaxsun · Mar 30, 2022

Forget Waterbox and increase your budget to get a Cade. If that isn't an option, get the Red Sea.

The new Red Sea tanks don't have any seam issues, but do a search for Waterbox on R2R and and read some of the customer service horror stories for yourself.

I have a Red Sea - absolutely love it - and would've got a Cade as my first choice if I could get them here in Canada.

Atherial · Mar 30, 2022

Unfortunately I can't afford the Cade.

As for the Red Sea, would you recommend the 300xl or the 350?

shakacuz · Mar 30, 2022

Atherial said:
Unfortunately I can't afford the Cade.

As for the Red Sea, would you recommend the 300xl or the 350?

whichever is bigger. will buy you more time before wanting to upgrade to a bigger tank!

Lavey29 · Mar 30, 2022

I havevthe XL300 with zero complaints and love the quality. Go as big as your budget and space allows.

Vinnie1959 · Mar 30, 2022

I have the 350 and just started setting it up. Fits your size requirements. I like it so far, still trying to get the drain and pumps dialed in.

mehaffydr · Mar 30, 2022

I would look at Glass Cages, Then you can get the tank built to your exact needs and they are reasonably priced. Also a great company to work with. @Joe Glass Cages
I would go check out their website

WvAquatics · Mar 30, 2022

I agree if I was to buy a new tank it would be glasscages. Best price out of every tank. Only downfall is shipping

davidcalgary29 · Mar 30, 2022

I have multiple tanks, and they all have their respective issues. That being said, the 350 is fine, although I note both @OrchidMiss and @Vinnie1959 -- to name two amongst many -- have had problems with drainage/gurgling/assorted plumbing problems. I haven't, but bought mine used, so perhaps there's something to be said for a "breaking in" period. The tank is both fairly sturdy and quite light, which is a nice bonus, and a nice change from my RSM250, which is insanely heavy for a tank its size.

And I would consider buying a used tank, as you'll save upwards of 60-75% on a new buy, which is quite a bit of money. I think it's feasible as long as you're willing to assume some risk, do a thorough water test first, and get a complete history of the build. I'm not sure what market conditions are like in your area, but the local facebook page for the nearest large city to me is full of ads for people who are breaking down their systems and selling their 180g tanks for less than $500 CAD! I'd buy your equipment new, though, with the exception of reef controllers and skimmers.

HudsonReefer2.0 · Mar 30, 2022

Atherial said:
Unfortunately I can't afford the Cade.

As for the Red Sea, would you recommend the 300xl or the 350?

I have a redsea xl300 and enjoy it. Fits my space and needs

Atherial · Mar 31, 2022

I have been looking into buying a used tank. There are two people near me with Aqueon systems but both of them are selling everything including the fish and I don't really want someone else's fish. I did find a forum member here selling a Waterbox system but my husband is reluctant to drive to Chicago to pick it up.

I'll take a look at glass cages. The only problem with custom is that I know so little that giving me too many options doesn't really help.

PR_nano · Mar 31, 2022

Following, I been looking for an upgrade in the 3' or 4' range. Looking at Reefer 250 and 350, WB frag 85.4 and 105.3, IM 75 and 100 ext.

Red Sea seems the cheapest and most complain seem to be from the plumbing, ATO, proprietary socks. For me I would like a bit more width than the 20" those 2 models offer.

HudsonReefer2.0 · Mar 31, 2022

PR_nano said:
Following, I been looking for an upgrade in the 3' or 4' range. Looking at Reefer 250 and 350, WB frag 85.4 and 105.3, IM 75 and 100 ext.

Red Sea seems the cheapest and most complain seem to be from the plumbing, ATO, proprietary socks. For me I would like a bit more width than the 20" those 2 models offer.

Get a 120. Great footprint

blaxsun · Mar 31, 2022

Atherial said:
Unfortunately I can't afford the Cade.

As for the Red Sea, would you recommend the 300xl or the 350?

If we're comparing apples to apples, the 425XL is approximately the same size as the 350 - so that would be my choice (and you get 2 extra filter socks/media baskets).

nereefpat · Mar 31, 2022

I would get a standard 75, 90, or 120...whichever dimensions you like better.

MichaelReefer · Mar 31, 2022

Red Sea

Vinnie1959 · Mar 31, 2022

davidcalgary29 said:
I have multiple tanks, and they all have their respective issues. That being said, the 350 is fine, although I note both @OrchidMiss and @Vinnie1959 -- to name two amongst many -- have had problems with drainage/gurgling/assorted plumbing problems. I haven't, but bought mine used, so perhaps there's something to be said for a "breaking in" period. The tank is both fairly sturdy and quite light, which is a nice bonus, and a nice change from my RSM250, which is insanely heavy for a tank its size.

And I would consider buying a used tank, as you'll save upwards of 60-75% on a new buy, which is quite a bit of money. I think it's feasible as long as you're willing to assume some risk, do a thorough water test first, and get a complete history of the build. I'm not sure what market conditions are like in your area, but the local facebook page for the nearest large city to me is full of ads for people who are breaking down their systems and seeking their 180g tanks for less than $500 CAD! I'd buy your equipment new, though, with the exception of reef controllers and skimmers.

Actually mine started quite silent. Then I messed with my rock a little and got it off balance somehow. Now have it back to very quiet again.

Atherial · Apr 1, 2022

I think I am going to get a 90 gallon Glass Cages tank. Silas helped me out with the build. My local fish guy is going to help me out with the other parts but I am sure I will be back to ask more questions.

mehaffydr · Apr 1, 2022

Atherial said:
I think I am going to get a 90 gallon Glass Cages tank. Silas helped me out with the build. My local fish guy is going to help me out with the other parts but I am sure I will be back to ask more questions.

I think you are making a good decision.