Planning our Build. Advice welcome!

[SteedC]

Hello all,
I am not entirely new to the hobby but I have "been out of the game" for some time. My 10 year old son kept asking about my old reef tank and was always very interested,so we have decided to start a build of our own. The last time I had a tank, I was using a wet/dry, and things have changed, so I have been doing some research, and the BRS video's on YouTube have been amazing. We have decided that we want 120 gallon reef tank, the question now is which one to get. Here is where I would like people to weigh in. I have been looking at the Crystal Dynamic 120 Synergy overflow with a stand Starfire glass but it's a bit pricey at $2,800. I was then thinking the Red Sea REEFER XXL 625 SYSTEM at around $2,800 and it comes with a sump and is 133gal but not a stained wood stand. Thoughts? I like the rimless or Eruobraced Aquariums I like the Synergy Ghost Overflow and drilled returns, but I am flexible.

 

[SteedC]

Oh I was looking at the Waterbox too but was not happy that the sump didn't have a refugium area

 

[madweazl]

SCAquarium's prices are just about impossible to beat if cost is a priority (their 150g is typically around $1000 shipped). Crystal Dynamics (formerly LeeMar I believe) has been making tanks as long as I can remember and always had a nice product. Never had a Red Sea aquarium so I cant provide any first hand feedback in regard to them.

 

[Hentz]

Red Sea Reefer series are absolutely amazing tanks. Their work is very high quality. The 625 is amazing dimensions with the 24" front-to-back. Their stand may not "sound" like quality.. But let me reassure you the whole entire setup from the Nano to the 725 is absolutely top notch. The stand is incredibly durable and can with stand multiple saltwater spills.

I myself run a Visio 120 with a corner overflow that is euro-braced. I lucked out and found it used in pretty great condition. (Upgraded from a Red Sea Reefer 170)

Truly I would go with what your heart wants you to go with. Sounds cliche but an incredibly accurate statement.

Seeing as you prefer the euro-braced aquarium, go with Crystal Dynamics or even the SCAquariums. They have a plug-n-play 120 setup which includes sump, skimmer, return pump, stand and the euro-braced tank sitting at $1,899.

However with any overflow, you'll lose real estate which is why I preferred the ghost overflow or a corner overflow.

Just looking, it seems Crystal Dynamics has a sale on their starphire 120 with stand and synergy overflow for $2,480.

If your budget is some-what tight, look used first in your local or surrounding area's. Post on local reef groups what you're looking for. There are often gems people haven't posted for sale.

+1 @madweazl - completely forgot they're the old LeeMar folks which was some of the best quality tanks you can buy.

 

[madweazl]

Red Sea Reefer series are absolutely amazing tanks. Their work is very high quality. The 625 is amazing dimensions with the 24" front-to-back. Their stand may not "sound" like quality.. But let me reassure you the whole entire setup from the Nano to the 725 is absolutely top notch. The stand is incredibly durable and can with stand multiple saltwater spills.

I myself run a Visio 120 with a corner overflow that is euro-braced. I lucked out and found it used in pretty great condition. (Upgraded from a Red Sea Reefer 170)

Truly I would go with what your heart wants you to go with. Sounds cliche but an incredibly accurate statement.

Seeing as you prefer the euro-braced aquarium, go with Crystal Dynamics or even the SCAquariums. They have a plug-n-play 120 setup which includes sump, skimmer, return pump, stand and the euro-braced tank sitting at $1,899.

However with any overflow, you'll lose real estate which is why I preferred the ghost overflow or a corner overflow.

Just looking, it seems Crystal Dynamics has a sale on their starphire 120 with stand and synergy overflow for $2,480.

If your budget is some-what tight, look used first in your local or surrounding area's. Post on local reef groups what you're looking for. There are often gems people haven't posted for sale.

+1 @madweazl - completely forgot they're the old LeeMar folks which was some of the best quality tanks you can buy.

They produce tanks drilled for the ghost overflows now as well (without going custom).

 

[SteedC]

I would like to thank everyone for the advice and guidance it is greatly appreciated. After much deliberation and the family voting we have decided to go with the Red Sea Reefer XXL 625. The aesthetics of the tank and the price were the determining factors here. I will be ordering from BRS today but wanted to get some thoughts on supplies. I am going to go with the following but am open to other ideas.

• 80lbs of reefsaver dry rock (avoid pests) I am taking a long term approach here based on a few recommendations
• BRS 5 Stage RO/DI system
• 2 HMO-200 FINNEX HEATER
• Syncra Silent 5.0 pump (1321 gph) Concerned about this since 1600 gph is recommended but 5.0 is largest Syncra silent sold
• Dr Tim's One and Only (for cycling)
• Red Sea Marine Care test kit
• Red Sea Blue Salt Mix
• Kessle H380 (Refugium light)
• I am stuck on wavemakers would love to get some thoughts
• Also lights I am thinking 60" HYBRID T5HO 4X80W FIXTURE WITH LED MOUNTING SYSTEM - AQUATIC LIFE and adding some Kessle A360W-E TUNA BLUE LEDs approx 3.

Thank you again for all of your help and suggestions!

 

[madweazl]

Looks like a solid setup to me. If you went with Vortechs for water movement, Two MP40s (sides) and two MP10 (back) would likely work quite well. Three or four A360s will work with the T5s.

 

[SteedC]

Looks like a solid setup to me. If you went with Vortechs for water movement, Two MP40s (sides) and two MP10 (back) would likely work quite well. Three or four A360s will work with the T5s.

Awesome thank you!!

 

[SteedC]

Also thoughts on Sand vs no Sand?

 

[madweazl]

Also thoughts on Sand vs no Sand?

I love pistol shrimp/goby pairs so sand is an absolute must in my opinion. With the right critters (diamond goby, pistol shrimp, conch, nassariuss snails, etc.), it's almost maintenance free. On top of that, it's aesthetically pleasing

 

[Hentz]

I’ve always been a bare bottom guy until I decided to try sand again lol. I love the look of both but love the “white” pop the sand gives off. That being said, I highly recommend a thin layer (about 1” or so”) of sand. I’ve used the Carib Sea Special Grade with high flow tanks with no issues. Any smaller sand and you’ll likely face dust storms.

As mentioned above, Vortechs. They’re absolutely amazing powerheads with very high quality builds. You don’t have to clean them as often, but when you do, it’s so incredibly simple and you don’t feel like you’re going to break any plastic.

As for lighting, absolutely perfect choice. It seems the “better” combinations is the Kessil/T5 combo. You really can’t beat that natural Kessil shimmer. I’d say start with three for now and if need be, you could always add a fourth unit.

Have you thought about an Apex controller at all?

It sounds like so far you have a pretty great setup ahead of you.

 

[SteedC]

I’ve always been a bare bottom guy until I decided to try sand again lol. I love the look of both but love the “white” pop the sand gives off. That being said, I highly recommend a thin layer (about 1” or so”) of sand. I’ve used the Carib Sea Special Grade with high flow tanks with no issues. Any smaller sand and you’ll likely face dust storms.

As mentioned above, Vortechs. They’re absolutely amazing powerheads with very high quality builds. You don’t have to clean them as often, but when you do, it’s so incredibly simple and you don’t feel like you’re going to break any plastic.

As for lighting, absolutely perfect choice. It seems the “better” combinations is the Kessil/T5 combo. You really can’t beat that natural Kessil shimmer. I’d say start with three for now and if need be, you could always add a fourth unit.

Have you thought about an Apex controller at all?

It sounds like so far you have a pretty great setup ahead of you.

Thank you!! I think I will give the sand a try I do like the way it looks and I would like to have some shrimp and Goby's in the tank.

Question on the lighting, there is a 48" option and then a 60" option which is actually 61". It would be longer than my 59" tank not sure how that would look? Think I could get away with the 48"?

 

[SteedC]

Regarding the Apex question, yes I have thought about it, and will probably do it in the future, but the $800 price tag is scaring me off a little. Do you have one? Is it worth it?

 

[madweazl]

Thank you!! I think I will give the sand a try I do like the way it looks and I would like to have some shrimp and Goby's in the tank.

Question on the lighting, there is a 48" option and then a 60" option which is actually 61". It would be longer than my 59" tank not sure how that would look? Think I could get away with the 48"?

I dont know why that one is 61", messes up my plans as well. If you dont have a canopy, you're only looking at an overhang of 1/2" on either side so I dont think would be an eyesore at all but it makes it so I cant use the 60" due to having a canopy. The 48" will work fine though.

 

[madweazl]

Regarding the Apex question, yes I have thought about it, and will probably do it in the future, but the $800 price tag is scaring me off a little. Do you have one? Is it worth it?

Take a peak at the ReefAngel Star or Plus if the cost of the Apex is prohibitive; it will do anything the Apex can and save you about $450. I've been using the Plus for about two years now and love it; I'm going with the Star on the 150g build.

 

[Hentz]

Thank you!! I think I will give the sand a try I do like the way it looks and I would like to have some shrimp and Goby's in the tank.

Question on the lighting, there is a 48" option and then a 60" option which is actually 61". It would be longer than my 59" tank not sure how that would look? Think I could get away with the 48"?

Personally I would use the 60" option for optimal coverage. However you could get away with the 48" version with no issues if you don't plan on keeping coral at each end of the tank. But being that you'll have Kessil's involved, I personally wouldn't see much of an issue with that.

Regarding the Apex question, yes I have thought about it, and will probably do it in the future, but the $800 price tag is scaring me off a little. Do you have one? Is it worth it?

$800 is a scary price tag, on top of your others.. I have one myself and probably would always have one on my main tanks in the future. I don't do anything crazy with it. I opted for the Apex Jr. since it was on my old small tank and just added over the years. Personally, its not a bad option if you buy an additional EB8, like myself. At about 1/2 the cost, you'll get 12 plugs, temp probe, and your basics. Works great because it keeps my temperature stable along with being able to press 1 button and have all the flow shut off. Absolutely not a necessity for the most part... But it really helps. I've also added a PM1 last year that a local guy had for sale used. I find it a bit more cost effective and you can still add up to 7 other modules which is likely more than enough on a simple setup.