Upgrading got 2k for tank, stand and sump

Daniel87 · Jan 26, 2019

Ok guys. I'm planning on upgrading I'm leaning towards a waterbox. Probably either the 70.3 AIO or the 100.3. With a sump. So let's say that you had 2 grand to spend on the biggest tank, stand and sump what would you buy and why. Only thing turning me away from waterbox is lack of refuge in the sump with out converting the ATO compartment. Which would put me having to buy a ATO reservoir and something to hid it in. This isnt a deal breaker but would prefer everything to be together. So for 2 grand what would you buy.

Obviously I'm not too worried about buying heaters, return pump, and skimmer. At some point down the road I will probably go to a Neptune controller system.

Thanks guys.

ndrwater · Jan 26, 2019

Hard to go wrong with any of the Red Sea Reefer series...

Daniel87 · Jan 26, 2019

ndrwater said:
Hard to go wrong with any of the Red Sea Reefer series...

With waterbox I can get a 70 gal display with sump for just under 2k. Granted i would still need to buy a return pump and few other items to be up and running. I've eyeballed Red Seas a couple time but not much. Maybe I need to see what they have comparable for roughly the same cost. Any reccomendations on what series to look at?

ndrwater · Jan 26, 2019

The RS 350 is a 73 gallon for around $1700, or the 425 XL is 112 gallons for $2100.
I found those prices at @MarineDepot

sde1500 · Jan 26, 2019

Could get a standard 180, diy the stand and drop the rest on a sump for it. New 180s are like 1200-1400.

virtual reality · Jan 26, 2019

Go custom get what you want. I would.

Highgrade · Jan 26, 2019

IM INT-75 For around $1100-1250 for the tank,APS stand and screen. You would need to add sump, plumbing, and a return pump.

Daniel87 · Jan 26, 2019

ndrwater said:
The RS 350 is a 73 gallon for around $1700, or the 425 XL is 112 gallons for $2100.
I found those prices at @MarineDepot

Really digging the 350 and 425. Nothing states I have to use the ato compartment. Can always add something different for ATO. I do like the v3 sump

JoshH · Jan 26, 2019

Daniel87 said:
Really digging the 350 and 425. Nothing states I have to use the ato compartment. Can always add something different for ATO. I do like the v3 sump

The 425 is a really good option long term, more volume vs the 350 or 70.3, brings much more opportunities for a longer lasting setup so you don't need to upgrade as soon in the future. Another optioned previously mentioned is custom, if need be, save up a little longer and get EXACTLY what you want long term. It's what I did and I'm glad I'm going that route

Daniel87 · Jan 26, 2019

JoshH said:
The 425 is a really good option long term, more volume vs the 350 or 70.3, brings much more opportunities for a longer lasting setup so you don't need to upgrade as soon in the future. Another optioned previously mentioned is custom, if need be, save up a little longer and get EXACTLY what you want long term. It's what I did and I'm glad I'm going that route

Well we are saving up to go custom once we move but that's a couple years down the road. Got to keep wife happy till we move and I get what I want. My goal is to eventually have a trigger or 2. But until then I got to start looking at stocking options for both sizes to see what the wife is wanting.

JoshH · Jan 26, 2019

Daniel87 said:
Well we are saving up to go custom once we move but that's a couple years down the road. Got to keep wife happy till we move and I get what I want. My goal is to eventually have a trigger or 2. But until then I got to start looking at stocking options for both sizes to see what the wife is wanting.

Funny you mentioned moving, that's exactly what I was waiting for, we purchased out home and the tank was ordered a month later lol. Personally I'd go with the 425 or atleast the 100, if your not upgrading for atleast a few years you're going to want the extra room. It will make the wait that much more bearable

Highgrade · Jan 26, 2019

Also there is the IM 36x36in 112gal -tank, stand, screen and 15gal ATO reservoir for $1800

Daniel87 · Jan 26, 2019

Highgrade said:
Also there is the IM 36x36in 112gal -tank, stand, screen and 15gal ATO reservoir for $1800

Where at?

Highgrade · Jan 26, 2019

Daniel87 said:
Where at?

You have to call IM directly. Ask for Paul. They’re shipping out in Feb. I have one on order. Decided to go with IM for another tank. I was on the fence between waterbox and Red Sea again. I’ve had too many issues with my Red Sea 650 peninsula.

Highgrade · Jan 26, 2019

Another option for the largest tank with the most bang for your buck is SCA aquariums. Full systems, tank, stand, sump, return pump, skimmer and plumbing. You could probably get the 150 gal for around $1600-2000. If interested call Will the owner. Tanks are pretty decent but not as nice of quality as Red Sea, Waterbox, IM, etc...

JoshH · Jan 26, 2019

Highgrade said:
You have to call IM directly. Ask for Paul. They’re shipping out in Feb. I have one on order. Decided to go with IM for another tank. I was on the fence between waterbox and Red Sea again. I’ve had too many issues with my Red Sea 650 peninsula.

;Drool;Drool;Drool;Drool;Drool That's Sexy. I want one now.

Highgrade · Jan 26, 2019

JoshH said:
;Drool;Drool;Drool;Drool;Drool That's Sexy. I want one now.

I wanted the 4x3 but didn't have the room. I'd have to get rid of the RS 650P first.

Daniel87 · Jan 26, 2019

Highgrade said:
You have to call IM directly. Ask for Paul. They’re shipping out in Feb. I have one on order. Decided to go with IM for another tank. I was on the fence between waterbox and Red Sea again. I’ve had too many issues with my Red Sea 650 peninsula.

So the tank, stand, screen and ato for that. How's it drilled? Herbie style? 1 inch and 3/4 internal or external overflow. Also what sump are you going to run?