Tank Upgrade Advice

Randy Ruiz · Jun 21, 2018

Planning on upgrading my 100 gal to most likely a 180.
Have avoided SPS due to being too lazy to keep required parameters. So, have had LPS/softies to FOWLR, now back to LPS/softies & tank looking ok, experimenting with/ more difficult critters/corals.
Soon to succumb to the upgrade itch. Have never really had much if the high tech hardware. Have been following lots of threads here, learning. Considering either a Red Sea xxl750 or a 180 gal from customaquariums.com which will come nearly 100% complete. Not sure I like the small overflow socks on the xxl750. I want this to be easier maintenance yet better water quality. Looking for advice on equipment. Not sure I care for the Custom Aq sump design. Want a refuge & ATO in sump. Lighting; want simple to set controller. My LED Current controller is too complicated to set. I'm not a computer geek. Trying to keep this under $5500.
Probably should have put this into separate forums, sorry, but any advice helpful. I may try to hook up with/ local club for advice as well. Have been hard to make it to their meetings & LFS want to push their brand of stuff. Thanks guys.!

HotRocks · Jun 21, 2018

Randy Ruiz said:
Planning on upgrading my 100 gal to most likely a 180.
Have avoided SPS due to being too lazy to keep required parameters. So, have had LPS/softies to FOWLR, now back to LPS/softies & tank looking ok, experimenting with/ more difficult critters/corals.
Soon to succumb to the upgrade itch. Have never really had much if the high tech hardware. Have been following lots of threads here, learning. Considering either a Red Sea xxl750 or a 180 gal from customaquariums.com which will come nearly 100% complete. Not sure I like the small overflow socks on the xxl750. I want this to be easier maintenance yet better water quality. Looking for advice on equipment. Not sure I care for the Custom Aq sump design. Want a refuge & ATO in sump. Lighting; want simple to set controller. My LED Current controller is too complicated to set. I'm not a computer geek. Trying to keep this under $5500.
Probably should have put this into separate forums, sorry, but any advice helpful. I may try to hook up with/ local club for advice as well. Have been hard to make it to their meetings & LFS want to push their brand of stuff. Thanks guys.!

For what it is worth I absolutely love my 750XXL! Great setup. Filter socks have never been an issue for me. I run a huge skimmer, GAC GFO etc. I also recently added a GHL dosing pump!

Randy Ruiz · Jun 22, 2018

Thanks! Great feedback, worth a lot. Having difficulty getting wife to buy off on spending $$$. Found one for $3800 including 4 AI lights.
Did yours come with a return pump? Any issues with the top off ?
Thanks

HotRocks · Jun 22, 2018

Randy Ruiz said:
Thanks! Great feedback, worth a lot. Having difficulty getting wife to buy off on spending $$$. Found one for $3800 including 4 AI lights.
Did yours come with a return pump? Any issues with the top off ?
Thanks

No return pump included. I also like the AI lights, I bought the deluxe model that came with them as well. I haven't had any issues with the top off.

Gareth elliott · Jun 22, 2018

Cant wait for the build thread!

I love my ai primes. I have had no issues with growing softies, lps or sps under them. I find the strike a nice balance between cost and viewing appeal. Its great they are 100% controllable out of the box with no extra purchases.
Apex is also adding connectivity in the near future.