if You started a new tank would it be a complete system or something you put together

dreamcatcherr9 · Mar 16, 2020

So what’s the DYI guys biggest complaints on equipment or modifications? I see a lot of responses but no specifics. What are these new PNP tanks missing? What would you change if you resigned a PNP all tank?

Mastiffsrule · Mar 16, 2020

Salty Lemon said:
I want an AIO with everything I like in it. But they don't make one... yet.

Not true, need to know where to look.

PerplexyHexy · Mar 16, 2020

Tried the Red Sea setups... wasn’t impressed at all... will always piece together a system every time... I learned my lesson after that purchase

Mastiffsrule · Mar 16, 2020

For me, I just didn’t know about them when I did my 180, I’m not sure if they were around then or maybe just coming out. I still would not do one, just due the the ability to modified Is a lot easier if you set up your own tank. You know all the plumbing and what parts are needed and how to fix or change what you want easily.

PerplexyHexy · Mar 16, 2020

Mastiffsrule said:
For me, I just didn’t know about them when I did my 180, I’m not sure if they were around then or maybe just coming out. I still would not do one, just due the the ability to modified Is a lot easier if you set up your own tank. You know all the plumbing and what parts are needed and how to fix or change what you want easily.

Exactly... and a few other reasons... lol

Mastiffsrule · Mar 17, 2020

I also just thought about most of the complete tanks are rimless for some reason. I don’t trust those.

Lowell Lemon · Mar 17, 2020

I would build everything cause I have the equipment, experience, and shop to build what ever I could want. I am especially nervous about any stand made out of any type of pressed wood product. I feel it is only one leak away from a failed stand. I have seen many of them swell up from a small leak that exposed the cabinet to water for a very short time. Not a good idea!

Lowell Lemon · Mar 17, 2020

dreamcatcherr9 said:
So what’s the DYI guys biggest complaints on equipment or modifications? I see a lot of responses but no specifics. What are these new PNP tanks missing? What would you change if you resigned a PNP all tank?

The cabinets in particular.

Lowell Lemon · Mar 17, 2020

dreamcatcherr9 said:
So what’s the DYI guys biggest complaints on equipment or modifications? I see a lot of responses but no specifics. What are these new PNP tanks missing? What would you change if you resigned a PNP all tank?

The cabinets in particular.

ca1ore · Mar 17, 2020

Building out a system, including actually building some of the components, is most of the fun. Tank by numbers seems completely boring. BUT, I’m at the very high end of the tank size spectrum where it’s almost all DIY.

dreamcatcherr9 · Mar 18, 2020

Lowell Lemon said:
The cabinets in particular.

Please elaborate more? The materials? The durability?

dreamcatcherr9 · Mar 18, 2020

ca1ore said:
Building out a system, including actually building some of the components, is most of the fun. Tank by numbers seems completely boring. BUT, I’m at the very high end of the tank size spectrum where it’s almost all DIY.

Yes. I am guessing anything over 300g will be DIY.

dreamcatcherr9 · Mar 18, 2020

Mastiffsrule said:
I also just thought about most of the complete tanks are rimless for some reason. I don’t trust those.

Why don’t you trust? Personal experience or have you heard horror stories? Please share!

ozborn99 · Mar 18, 2020

Dom said:
I'd rather build from the ground up. While complete systems are appealing, they lack the flexibility we sometimes need in the hobby.

What kind of flexibility are you talking? Aio? They are definitely limiting. Now if they had an aio 120 with a 30 gallon sump...

Dom · Mar 18, 2020

ozborn99 said:
What kind of flexibility are you talking? Aio? They are definitely limiting. Now if they had an aio 120 with a 30 gallon sump...

An AIO with a 30 gallon sump wouldn't be an AIO.

dreamcatcherr9 · Mar 18, 2020

Dom said:
An AIO with a 30 gallon sump wouldn't be an AIO.

I thought the discussion was PNP vs build DIY. So a 30-40g sump under a 100+ gallon PNP tank is what I imagined we was discussing.

Lowell Lemon · Mar 18, 2020

dreamcatcherr9 said:
Please elaborate more? The materials? The durability?

Processed wood products made of fibers or particles MDF board.

Water proof materials such as plastics, water resistant wood plys, aluminum, or solid surface materials are all better choices.

Dom · Mar 18, 2020

dreamcatcherr9 said:
I thought the discussion was PNP vs build DIY. So a 30-40g sump under a 100+ gallon PNP tank is what I imagined we was discussing.

I misunderstood. My mistake.

DeniseAndy · Mar 18, 2020

If money was not an issue, I would have my ultimate tank built by someone else, but with my design. I have wanted this for my traveling tank for years, but the cost is way over what my little outreach program can afford.