SCA PNP Systems questions Owners please stop in

[LagunaGlide]

I have been looking at some larger "cube" aquarium setups and came across SCA 90 Gal Cube Starfire PNP system found here https://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/sca-90ggpnp.htm

The price isn't terrible for a mostly complete setup, but when I got to looking at the equipment I wasn't so sure. I wanted to get some thoughts from other reefers, and those who own other SCA PNP systems to get opinions.

The items I am most concerned with are the skimmer, and the filter medium (Ie bio balls etc). It appears the return goes directly to the skimmer via that blue tube. I have not used a skimmer this was before. Are they more prone to overflow that way? Also curious about quality of said skimmer. I would prefer a sump that has filter socks, or something of the sort. Looking at the pics I am unsure where one would place the filter medium etc for it be effective. Can anyone chime in on this?

If you have one of these systems I would love to see your build thread, or pics, and hear you overall opinion of the system. Also what have you upgraded/changed?

Thanks in advance

 

[GoTakeANap]

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[Aaron Hobaugh]

I was looking to get an SCA 120, the owner was emailing me back and forth. Then he would just take like 2 to 3 weeks to respond. That was enough for me, I never ended up getting it. A company with that poor customer service speaks for itself IMO.

 

[mattzang]

i have the 50 gallon PNP, i like it. it was a lot cheaper than most others out there so yeah

i ended up replacing both the skimmer and return pump. return seemed fine, but when i first turned it on i had to hit it a couple times (not a great sign lol), so it's a backup now

skimmer actually worked well enough, cup is kinda small so you have to empty it more. i replaced it as well, but i'm not so sure i upgraded there

i didn't use the bioballs and whatever else came in there

idk what you're saying about the return going to the skimmer? don't connect the return pump to the skimmer.. the blue pipe thing is how you tune the skimmer

i got my setup for $600 (upgraded to a wood stand via my lfs for $100 more). for 1500.. i think i'd look into those new innovative marine lagoon type tanks. their stands look nicer too

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/nuvo-int-112-aquarium-with-black-aps-stand-innovative-marine.html

it's easy for me to spend your money! but for just $500 more.. that's what i'd do. downside is you don't get the skimmer/return nor a sump. i think i'd replace both the pump and skimmer anyway so you're just down a sump which if you're handy you could just make one

 

[LagunaGlide]

i have the 50 gallon PNP, i like it. it was a lot cheaper than most others out there so yeah

i ended up replacing both the skimmer and return pump. return seemed fine, but when i first turned it on i had to hit it a couple times (not a great sign lol), so it's a backup now

Lots of good info in your reply. Thanks a lot. I am debating buying just the tank and stand, and then piecing the rest together.

 

[mattzang]

i mean if you're particular about the sump, then the innovative marine option is probably better since you pick your sump. the stock one is alright, when i set it up i didn't know much so it's a good basic sump, but i can see how i'd rather have things now.

i did use the return pump for a few months so it's not like it's total garbage, but it's not high quality either. at the least i'd have a backup on hand ready to go.

it's also a matter of footprint that IM tank is quite a bit deeper and not quite as high. which is a cool look IMO, but some prefer the standard cube look.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/sc-aquariums-50-gallon-pnp.558106/#post-5725888

this is a good build thread phil did lots of pics to give you an idea