If you had a choice, which one would you choose?!

[jgarza]

Hello R2R,
I'm going to be upgrading soon hopefully and I have a choice between a Red Sea Reefer 425XL or a custom 180G rimless tank. Both tanks are used and both are priced to sell. The 180 being the more expensive of the two. I do have a budget so within that budget I can purchase the Reefer and everything needed for it. Since the 180 is a bit larger I would have to buy a few extra items so I would have to wait a while before its setup. I rent my home at the moment but after this lease is up we will be purchasing a home. I'm getting a great deal on both but I feel if I pick the Reefer then I would want to upgrade in the future and by that time the 180 will be gone. I would either have to wait for one to come up for sale again or purchase a brand new tank. So if you had a choice, which one would you pick?

 

[MRodrigues1991]

180 rimless! you wont be limited with space in the stand and you can really make it what you want.

 

[Willz]

The 180g Buy big and take your time upgrading your equipment for the new tank. If you are lucky you won't have water in it when it is time to move. I have moved tanks before and it is no fun. The other tank is smaller, and you will want to upgrade it in time. Save yourself the headache and just buy what you want size wise the first time. Hopefully your new house will have spots for your existing tank and the 180g.

Whatever you do, basically is the right choice. Getting another tank is always a good idea

 

[mpjmeyer]

Go big or go home. I vote 180!!

 

[Tautog]

I'm in the 180 club, and loving it!

 

[Wrasse]

I know you clearly said Red Sea Reefer 425XL vs 180 but I just wanted to throw it out there that I saw somewhere Red Sea has a Reefer 600 just around the corner and might be worth considering. I have one of their smaller Reefer 250 tanks and love it.

 

[MaiReef]

180

 

[Willz]

I know you clearly said Red Sea Reefer 425XL vs 180 but I just wanted to throw it out there that I saw somewhere Red Sea has a Reefer 600 just around the corner and might be worth considering. I have one of their smaller Reefer 250 tanks and love it.

I think he also mentioned a budget. Red Sea is pretty proud of their tanks and it shows in their prices. I might buy used, but I wouldn't pay a premium for the name.

 

[jgarza]

The 180g Buy big and take your time upgrading your equipment for the new tank. If you are lucky you won't have water in it when it is time to move. I have moved tanks before and it is no fun. The other tank is smaller, and you will want to upgrade it in time. Save yourself the headache and just buy what you want size wise the first time. Hopefully your new house will have spots for your existing tank and the 180g.

Whatever you do, basically is the right choice. Getting another tank is always a good idea

Well the thing is my lease isn't up until May 2018 So keeping it empty that long will kill me! But I already know how much of a pain it is to move a tank. It isn't fun at all. The Reefer would be much easier when the time comes to move. That is what's making me second guess myself!

Thanks everyone so far for the replies! The 180 is definitely the one I'm leaning towards but I just want to make sure I make the right choice.

 

[mpjmeyer]

Good news is with the 180, you will have time to save $$ for more equipment since you have til May. No brainer if you ask me.

 

[jgarza]

I know you clearly said Red Sea Reefer 425XL vs 180 but I just wanted to throw it out there that I saw somewhere Red Sea has a Reefer 600 just around the corner and might be worth considering. I have one of their smaller Reefer 250 tanks and love it.

As Willz said I'm probably not looking to buy new. I do have the Reefer 250 also. It's a great tank that is why the Reefer 425xl is in the running. Both are used so they are priced accordingly. No problems with either one and they both look new.

 

[Rick.45cal]

Buy the 180, then when you buy your new house, it will be a good time to upgrade to a 340, in which case you can then turn the 180 into a refugium for the 340... Isn't that how this hobby works beside it will make moving much easier! Lol

 

[Wrasse]

As Willz said I'm probably not looking to buy new. I do have the Reefer 250 also. It's a great tank that is why the Reefer 425xl is in the running. Both are used so they are priced accordingly. No problems with either one and they both look new.

Ahh well if you've already had a chance to play with a Reefer and have the 250 currently you know what there is to expect on the Red Sea front. Given this the 180 does sound like a fine direction to go. If I get any more tanks I'm going to need an industrial dehumidifier so I'm glad that 180 isn't for sale anywhere near me.

 

[becks]

I would go with the same size tank as the BRS 160, 6ft,2ft, 20" rimless

 

[MRodrigues1991]

Well the thing is my lease isn't up until May 2018 So keeping it empty that long will kill me! But I already know how much of a pain it is to move a tank. It isn't fun at all. The Reefer would be much easier when the time comes to move. That is what's making me second guess myself!

Thanks everyone so far for the replies! The 180 is definitely the one I'm leaning towards but I just want to make sure I make the right choice.

I just bought a used 150 reef savvy and will not be setting it up until the same time as you, early 2018. I would not go back and think twice about it, I simply couldnt pass on the deal. Will be worth moving twice and when you do the move once, it isnt so bad the second time as you know what to expect.

 

[Tautog]

Buy the 180, then when you buy your new house, it will be a good time to upgrade to a 340, in which case you can then turn the 180 into a refugium for the 340... Isn't that how this hobby works beside it will make moving much easier! Lol

I like your thinking

 

[jgarza]

Buy the 180, then when you buy your new house, it will be a good time to upgrade to a 340, in which case you can then turn the 180 into a refugium for the 340... Isn't that how this hobby works beside it will make moving much easier! Lol

Hahaha this is great! If the girlfriend allowed that then I will make it happen! That would be one expensive refugium!

I still have to discuss this with the girlfriend too

 

[Rick.45cal]

Hahaha this is great! If the girlfriend allowed that then I will make it happen! That would be one expensive refugium!

I still have to discuss this with the girlfriend too

Better to just ask for forgivness than permission

 

[aaron23]

Save the money now if you'll be itching to "upgrade" again later.

I dropped more money on an upgrade from a 40 AIO to a 60 (80 total with sump and all that space will allow) because this is my upgrade for the next 2-3 years sadly little studio in NYC sucks

 

[Walts O]

180 for sure