New Tank Poll

HotRocks · Nov 4, 2017

Let me know what you think!

I have put a lot of thought into this! Just wondering opinions of experienced Reefers!
@4FordFamily

Antics · Nov 4, 2017

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!

HotRocks · Nov 4, 2017

Antics said:
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!

Thank you for your thoughts.
This is my first tank, have a very experienced friend in the hobby to help @4FordFamily . "By custom 180 I meant standard size, custom built stand/canopy". Price wise I think the RSR will cost me about $1,000 more than the DIY 180. I don't have gobs of spare time with two small children and running a business. I am heavily leaning towards the Red Sea just for the ease of setup. The skimmer I plan to use is the ASM G-4, which based on the specs I find online will have no problem fitting into the skim portion of the included sump.

Antics · Nov 4, 2017

If time is your most scarce resource then the Red Sea should win hands down. Depending on your LFS and if distributors have the 750 XXL (not sure how their stock is) you can get the tank in your home assembled and filled in under a week.

4FordFamily · Nov 4, 2017

HotRockTarBaby said:
Thank you for your thoughts.
This is my first tank, have a very experienced friend in the hobby to help @4FordFamily . "By custom 180 I meant standard size, custom built stand/canopy". Price wise I think the RSR will cost me about $1,000 more than the DIY 180. I don't have gobs of spare time with two small children and running a business. I am heavily leaning towards the Red Sea just for the ease of setup. The skimmer I plan to use is the ASM G-4, which based on the specs I find online will have no problem fitting into the skim portion of the included sump.

***ASM G4x or ASM G4+

Check the footprint on those. G4 a little light for the way you’ll stock, but would probably work.