Tank upgrade time!

[Aquaman6410]

So I currently have a 32 gallon biocube and it's time to upgrade. I've outgrown it and a lot of beginner mistakes were made but I've cut back on my freshwater planted tanks and going further into reef tanks.

Right now, I'm stuck between the Red Sea Reefer 350 and the Innovative Marine EXT 75. They both have people who like both brands but no one really out there has documented an EXT 75 build so it's a bit more of a mystery. Anyone own the 75 gallon model of the EXT line that can give an opinion?

Red Sea comes with the sump and plumbing but it needs some diy to convert to standard fittings if desired. The Innovative Marine EXT does not come with that so I have to provide it but its standard plumbing. (thinking a trigger 26 may work for this tank). Both are low iron glass with nice stands. I already have one ecotech radion XR15 with RMS mount for lighting from my biocube so I'll be adding another regardless. All other equipment needed is similar. I like the Red Sea because of the proven track record of the reefer series but the EXT 75 has nice depth. I'm just not sure of any weird quirks or design flaws since no one has a build thread with an EXT 75 fully setup. Its still very new.

I really want to order the new tank this weekend so any advice, experience with either, or opinions you can weigh in with to help me. I'm so torn between the two options. Buying a new tank is fun but this decision seems tougher than it should.

Thanks all!

 

[PDR]

I have a RSR 350 and love it! That being said, I would not hesitate to buy an IM tank. It really depends on how much plumbing work you want to deal with. They just announced the 120 and 150 lagoon tanks and they look awesome...might make me reconsider what I'm getting for my next tank.

 

[Aquaman6410]

I have a RSR 350 and love it! That being said, I would not hesitate to buy an IM tank. It really depends on how much plumbing work you want to deal with. They just announced the 120 and 150 lagoon tanks and they look awesome...might make me reconsider what I'm getting for my next tank.

Are you using the stock plumbing? I guess my fear with that is if something goes wrong with the plumbing, could I easily convert it over to standard once the tank is set up and running?

Both tanks seem to be nice. My worry with the IM is the glass overflow and if that will have any issues if the overflow slots ever became blocked or if that external box is fragile/common point of failure. You do get a lot more surface area though by hsving it on the outside. Super tough decision!

 

[PDR]

Are you using the stock plumbing? I guess my fear with that is if something goes wrong with the plumbing, could I easily convert it over to standard once the tank is set up and running?

Both tanks seem to be nice. My worry with the IM is the glass overflow and if that will have any issues if the overflow slots ever became blocked or if that external box is fragile/common point of failure. You do get a lot more surface area though by hsving it on the outside. Super tough decision!

Yes I am using the stock plumbing. I've had the tank for over three years and it does have a minor leak in the plumbing (so minor I haven't taken the time to fix it, more like seepage than a leak). They sell replacement parts for the entire plumbing so it's easy to fix if there ever was an issue. I've purchased the o-rings to fix it, but like I said, just haven't taken the time.

If you are concerned with the external overflow on the IM you could always go with the internal model if you still wanted to do the plumbing and sump yourself.

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Also love my Red Sea Reefer, but had an IM tank years ago that worked out great for me as well. I actually liked not having to mess with the plumbing much.

 

[Aquaman6410]

I wish someone had an up and running EXT 75 to get a setup idea. There are a ton of Reefer 350s out there. Who would think it would be this hard to pick an upgrade option?! Lol

 

[vetteguy53081]

Upgrades are exciting and do plan well in advance for the most success in transition.

 

[Jacked Reefer]

I love the quality of IM whenever I see one of their tanks at the fish store I drool because of the workmanship and how sleek it looks. I feel like the Red Sea is that song on the radio that is good but overplayed. But it is proven to be a good system (even if I dislike all their dimensions). I would just love to see a well done EXT because suck a beautiful tank deserves a beautiful reef