Waterbox Frag or Marine Tank?

[PelzerC]

First time poster, long time lurker. I am finally going to take the plunge this summer and get my first reef tank. I have been doing a lot of research and have narrowed it down to two tanks and wanted to get some opinions from people that are already in the hobby. The two tanks are the Waterbox Marine 70.3 and the Waterbox Frag 80.4. I like the dimensions of the Frag tank for a shallow reef tank but the Marine is cheaper and more of an AIO with the water socks in the back of the tank instead of down in the sump. Any tips from previous experience is definitely welcome.

Thank you in advance!

PS. Sorry if this is in the wrong section. Wasn't 100% sure where this post should go.

 

[OutsideBrian]

What fish or corals do you want to keep? A 4’ opens up some fish options even if a bit shallow. It might require a longer or more expensive light for corals though.

 

[PelzerC]

What fish or corals do you want to keep? A 4’ opens up some fish options even if a bit shallow. It might require a longer or more expensive light for corals though.

Good questions. I am not really sure what type of corals, probably easier beginner corals. The fish are what attracted me to the hobby and I am just now starting to learn about the coral side. As far as the fish are concerned, if I go with the Frag tank, this is what I am thinking:

- A pair of Clowns
- A couple of Banggai Cardinals
- Some Chromis
- One Yellow Tang (I feel that even though it isn't 90 gallons, the length and width of this tank would be suitable for one. Am I wrong with that assumption?)
- A Fairy Wrasse (haven't decided on which one yet)
- A Goby (haven't decided on which one yet)

and that's the list I have as of now.

 

[OutsideBrian]

Good questions. I am not really sure what type of corals, probably easier beginner corals. The fish are what attracted me to the hobby and I am just now starting to learn about the coral side. As far as the fish are concerned, if I go with the Frag tank, this is what I am thinking:

- A pair of Clowns
- A couple of Banggai Cardinals
- Some Chromis
- One Yellow Tang (I feel that even though it isn't 90 gallons, the length and width of this tank would be suitable for one. Am I wrong with that assumption?)
- A Fairy Wrasse (haven't decided on which one yet)
- A Goby (haven't decided on which one yet)

and that's the list I have as of now.

Your talking about 9+ fish, have you considered going to a bigger tank?
There are plenty of other tanks out there that are much cheaper too

 

[Caravanshaka]

Your talking about 9+ fish, have you considered going to a bigger tank?
There are plenty of other tanks out there that are much cheaper too

I think the frag 80.4 would work with that fish list if properly cycled and well skimmed. The yellow tang is the only one with any real size, the rest are pretty small. I wouldn't do the AIO with that many fish personally, as your filtration options are very limited.

That said, your fish list is likely to grow after you get started, so going bigger would definitely be better if you can swing it.

 

[infinite0180]

The 70.3 is the one with the sump though right? Just has filter socks in the back? If i were you and you can swing it get the reef 100.3 and call it a day!

 

[PelzerC]

Your talking about 9+ fish, have you considered going to a bigger tank?
There are plenty of other tanks out there that are much cheaper too

Oh really? I am definitely open to cheaper options. What tank would you recommend? I will say I really like the rimless look and would prefer a rimless tank to one with a big hood for maintenance purposes.

 

[PelzerC]

The 70.3 is the one with the sump though right? Just has filter socks in the back? If i were you and you can swing it get the reef 100.3 and call it a day!

Yeah, the Marine 70.3 has a bit of a hybrid sump/overflow on the back but also comes with a sump for the cabinet. I will take a look at the 110.3 Reef. Thanks!

 

[infinite0180]

Yeah, the Marine 70.3 has a bit of a hybrid sump/overflow on the back but also comes with a sump for the cabinet. I will take a look at the 110.3 Reef. Thanks!

I just think if your going waterbox and want the 3 foot tank then the 100.3 is the better choice over the 70.3 marine. Its more pricey, but its the same price as the frag 80.4 which you were considering. I wanted the frag 60.3 when the first released it but the prices went up due to tarrifs so it didnt seem worth it. I ended up with a red sea reefer tank thats 18 inches deep and im glad because the depth is nice. The frags seem to limit you. Not to mention your looking down into it rather than right at it...

 

[wmo168]

The Frag is 10% off now. I am temping to order it.