Opinions on quality Aquarium Brands

[tcannon]

I love Red Sea but for 2k or more for the models I’d want I feel I could buy pieces separately and create a really nice reef system for a lot less. The part I’m stumped on are nice aquariums comparable with the Red Sea tanks. Any 75-100g tanks you recommend that are really clear and well built? I want reef ready/plumbed as I don’t want to drill a new tank if possible.

Thanks everyone

 

[JoshH]

Honestly for the Tank and stand, you're really not going to find something of red sea quality for cheaper. You could look into a custom tank from Planet Aquariums or another custom manufacturer. But then you would still have to buy or build a stand and buy a sump as well. Things the Red Sea already comes with. You could go with an Innovative Marine tank and get just the tank then find a stand and sump to go along with it.

What size tank are you looking for dimensions wise not volume??

Innovative Marine makes a 75 Gallon Rimless external overflow for $900 for just the tank and a 100 Gallon for $1300. You could wait for a sale and maybe save 10%

 

[sharpimage]

waterbox. I had a red sea. Loved it. The quality was worth it, in my opinion.

 

[tcannon]

So between Waterbox and Red Sea what is your preferred brand? I’m really wanting to go with Red Sea but I’m not opposed to just building my own.

 

[hart24601]

I just got a Waterbox 100.3, the tank and in particular the cabinet are very impressive. Sump included is all glass and very well built along with the glueless plumbing, although I am using a Rubbermaid 150g sump in the basement.

I also have a couple custom built miracles aquariums and the waterbox seems to be on par with the custom tanks. I just don't see any areas the WB is lacking.

 

[408Dartfish]

I really like the quality of my Redsea maxe260. Been running flawlessly for 1 year now. Also have a waterbox but a small 10g really nice also.

 

[Forsaken77]

Planet Aquariums started a new line they put out with a stand in multiple sizes. I think Saltwateraquariums.com has them if I remember correctly.

I don't have personal experience with it, just know of their quality tanks.