Tank Decision: What Would You Do?

Jay_M · Nov 24, 2016

Hello all,

I have been given the green light on finally starting up my dream tank. The deal was get the wife a house, I get a tank. Fair enough.

We are 2 weeks into the new house and rocks are curing, but I have a big problem. I can't decide on a tank.

I've been planning for months and now with Christmas coming up, this is my time to make a decision. I've contemplated buying the all in 1 Red Sea packages, or just buying a 90 gallon tank to go on the 90 gallon stand I have.

Scenarios and thoughts:

Option 1:

I have thought about using my existing equipment to get back up and running.. I have 2 sumps 1 of which is a 20 gallon long with 8" baffles so protein skimmer should be fine. 2 canisters one of which is a fluval g6. I have a 20 high and a 75 neither of which are drilled. If I went with drilling the 75 route I was thinking of getting the ghost overflow from synergy reef, but I don't know that I have the nerve for this.. also if I'm given the green light to get what I want, I was thinking I better go 100+ gallons as this allows me to responsibly keep more/ larger fish as we know 100+ unlocks larger group of fish. Also this overflow is half the price of a drilled 90.

Option 2:

Buy just a drilled 90 to go on 90 stand. Cons, my 90 stand is in terrible shape. Also I hear mention of warranties voided if you put a tank on a non manufactured stand.

Option 3:

Buy the 90 tank stand hood combo from the LFS for discounted price as the guy says he'll give me a deal. Tanks been there a while. The hood and stand look good but the 90 is a corner overflow. The problem with this is, if I'm buying new, and spending that much money, why limit at the 90 and aim for the 100-120.
Also this tank is a corner overflow, and I just don't think I like that.

Option 4:

I saw CAD tank combo I believe, 100 gallons comes with everything but the light for the price of the 90 gallon tank stand hood combo at the LFS, but it's the modern looking stand instead of furniture grade.

Lighting:

I currently have a 6 bulb ATI fixture that's only 36" and a generic led fixture. Neither of these would be on my "dream tank" for the long haul, so should I work this into a package or use until up and running as we all know corals are miles down the road.

If your still with me after this novel, Id appreciate any suggestions or input. Or throw me a curveball and tell me exactly what you did/ would do that's not one of those options.

Thank you in advance.

Antics · Nov 24, 2016

My advice would be patience. Don't make any decisions because you feel like you're racing against time. If I owned my own home I would certainly consider a 6 or 8 foot tank over the standard 90 size. Just personal preference, but why buy something today you're going to be trying to upgrade tomorrow?

If you know you want the 4" tank I think buying a reefer is the best route if you want a beautiful tank and stand while also having the ability to mess around with the other equipment choices.

Bubs2 · Nov 24, 2016

Option 4

Elementalj · Nov 24, 2016

Bubs2 said:
Option 4

X2

bw777 · Nov 24, 2016

Buy all new and go as big as you can

Zoaeasy · Nov 24, 2016

CAD lights are great. Very good quality and the stand is piano grade. I have Two. I think they are reasonably priced and looks very clean.
They frequently have sales and check Black Friday sales as well. I'd start with the ATI and you can allways change later allthough it grows most Coral . I am getting an 6 bulb ATI for my Versa Cube 60

Lovemycj7 · Nov 24, 2016

You have a blank check. Take advantage of it and get whatever makes you happy!

Jay_M · Nov 24, 2016

Bubs2 said:
Option 4

Do you have experience with this combo? I saw it comes with stand sump plumbing and tank. Is the quality good?

Salty1962 · Nov 24, 2016

I have the CL 70G Artisan II and I love it. Build quality is great, CS is bad. I'm glad I got the 70G, it gives me a package for plenty of corals and my wrasses.

Devaji · Nov 24, 2016

I agree patience is key here. no rush unless your trying to get the black Friday/cyber Monday deal... also agree on a 6 or 8 foot tank.
the thing is you really need to be 100% into your tank choice or it will haunt you for ever...lol ok maybe not ever but you get the idea.

here are some more options to confuse you more.
5' starfire 12mm SC tank. $777.77 then get a 40br for a sump and DIY a stand. or ask about a wood stand prob. 300 or so..
http://www.scaquariums.com/dealoftheday.asp.

they also do PNP setup too like this one:
http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/ryan.htm

I have there 36" 90 and love the tank. build quality is amazing do a search for ScAquariums and will find lots of happy customers.
only thing I wish was I went with external overflow to give more aquascaping...in the bigger tanks not sure if that is needed or not just an FYI that option is there. they also will build you a complete custom tank to fit your new house.

all that said I would go with a least a 5' tank. that 150 then do the DIY stand or have them build one. a 40br sump form petco 1per gallon sale. you could have the tank stand and sump for a lil over 1K.

just my 2cents...good luck!

Jay_M · Nov 24, 2016

Lovemycj7 said:
You have a blank check. Take advantage of it and get whatever makes you happy!

Sometimes too many options is a bad thing.. I've been trying to decide for months..

Jay_M · Nov 24, 2016

Devaji said:
I agree patience is key here. no rush unless your trying to get the black Friday/cyber Monday deal... also agree on a 6 or 8 foot tank.
the thing is you really need to be 100% into your tank choice or it will haunt you for ever...lol ok maybe not ever but you get the idea.

here are some more options to confuse you more.
5' starfire 12mm SC tank. $777.77 then get a 40br for a sump and DIY a stand. or ask about a wood stand prob. 300 or so..
http://www.scaquariums.com/dealoftheday.asp.

they also do PNP setup too like this one:
http://www.scaquariums.com/product-p/ryan.htm

I have there 36" 90 and love the tank. build quality is amazing do a search for ScAquariums and will find lots of happy customers.
only thing I wish was I went with external overflow to give more aquascaping...in the bigger tanks not sure if that is needed or not just an FYI that option is there. they also will build you a complete custom tank to fit your new house.

all that said I would go with a least a 5' tank. that 150 then do the DIY stand or have them build one. a 40br sump form petco 1per gallon sale. you could have the tank stand and sump for a lil over 1K.

just my 2cents...good luck!

Much appreciated. I do have a 40 breeder in my possession, if I don't use it as a frag tank.

I will throws these into the pile of options. Thank you very much.

I will clarify this isn't a rushed decision, it's more of a roadblock and am trying to make a decision to get the ball rolling again.

Xathron · Nov 24, 2016

I was in the same place you were. I spent so much time looking at this tank and that tank combo. I looked at 90 and even 100gal. Too many time you hear ( I wish I would have gotten bigger ) so like everyone says take your time look around , look at having something built like you want.

hybridazn · Nov 24, 2016

You really can't go wrong with a red sea reefer series setup. they come in different sizes and budget sizes. That would be my recommendation

Jay_M · Nov 24, 2016

What about warranties voided if you build you own stand.. I realize if we have a total tank failure in the living room that tank warranty is the least of my concern but is there anything to this?

I am really interested in this 5' star fire recommendation.

Oldreefer44 · Nov 24, 2016

Just like with houses, boats, planes and most anything else, it is just a matter of time before you wish you had a bigger one. Get it now while you can.

fbodykiller · Nov 24, 2016

I would decide first of all what fish you want to keep. This may help to make your decision. I would look at the space you have and figure out the width of the tank. If it is a forever tank, I personally would do a custom tank. IMO most manufacturers do the minimum thickness to keep price point.
Like my custom rimless 75
gallon 36x24x20 tank was quoted with 3/8" glass. I upped the thickness to 1/2". I also used black silicone vs clear which will build coralline algae and be purple. These are just a few things to consider.

TRPlacek · Nov 24, 2016

I have a 90 long (5ft) and I like the tank but still wishing I had that extra foot for more swimming room for the fish. And I will be upgrading to a 180. So my vote also goes to getting a larger tank