Which Aquarium to use between these 3?

[Chris Spaulding]

Well I ordered a Red Sea Reefer 250 from my LFS and they closed their doors before I got the tank so no tank yet.
Yes I got my deposit back. So I started looking at a few more options keeping my main budget in mind nd I have it down to these 3 .

1 st Red Sea Reefer 250 , Tank dimensions are 35.5 "x 21" x 20" . Display volume 54 Gallons , Sump 11 gallons , Total system 65Gallons. I already Have one of these tanks and I like it. $2,235 at the top of the budget

2nd Waterbox Reef 70.2, Tank dimensions 24" x 24 " x 22". Display Volume 47.2 Gallons , Sump 22 Gallons ,
Total System 69.1 Gallons $1,901.99

3rd Red Sea Reefer 170 Tank dimension 24.5" x 20" x 20" Display volume 34 gallons , Sump 9 gallons ,Total System 43 gallons $1,465

This is for ONE pair of Sea Horses only cleanup crew and one or two smaller compatible fish.

 

[Auquanut]

I like option 2. The larger sump volume to DT volume might make it easier to keep the "cleaner" environment that seahorses are supposed to like. Gives you a little more flexibility. Then again, I've never kept seahorses, so I'm kinda shooting from the hip.

 

[oceanslide]

waterbox reef 100.3?

 

[Chris Spaulding]

I was thinking of the Waterbox reef 100.3 but that is pushing my budget just a bit too far. Because then I would need larger return pump and a few more things. I already have the extras that would fit nicely with the other systems that I listed.

 

[Montiman]

I really like my RedSea Tank and would probably go with the Reefer 250. I think the actual filtration matters more than the sump volume so as long as you can fit the gear that you want I would go with the 250.

 

[Devaji]

how about the SCA 90 36x24x24 petco dollar per gallon is going on if you dont want the PNP system get a 20L or 40br DIY a stand and there you go.

i also like the WB 100.3
they announced today a new frag tanks with a 20" heigh I dont see them on there website tho.

also today they are having there blue friday sale 10% off so if you want a WB better get it fast.

 

[Infidel]

The Waterbox Reef 70.2 seems like a great tank for your plans.

I was also originally looking into the 70.2, but I went with ordering the Reef 100.3 on Blue Friday.

 

[NotFishyFishGuy]

Waterbox tanks seem pretty good in quality.

 

[Devaji]

did you decide yet? I relly would concider SCA. I almost got there 112 but custom peninsula it would be 60"x24x18 LxWxH but I went with a WB peninsula as i did not want to DIY a stand at this point.

I did have there 90 it's a nice tank for sure.
in the end all your choices are great.

 

[splitting_lanes]

I love my reefer 170, it did take a little diy to have both a skimmer and refugium though.

 

[Chris Spaulding]

I was looking at the SCA and they are very intriguing and in the running. I am waiting on an email from them to the cost of the stand and tank only. I do not like the Sump system and skimmer that they have in the PNP. As I will be over skimming. Also will be using a Klir roller filter. I am running a Klir on my Redsea Reefer 250 now and love it. Skimmer is a Deltec 1000i. The 32 x 24 x 20 SCA is in the running. Also another Redsea 250 would fit in the spot that I have. I am waiting on Black Friday to place any order hopping to see any deals.

The tank will be Gorgonian and Macro Alga

 

[matchmakersmagic]

I do like the SCA's too. I'd go #2 or similar SCA. Whatever you do avoid the AIO's for sure!

 

[Chris Spaulding]

Defiantly no AOI . Another one I was looking at is a Planet Aquarium rimless with external overflow. 36x 24 x 20.

 

[Malifry97]

Defiantly no AOI . Another one I was looking at is a Planet Aquarium rimless with external overflow. 36x 24 x 20.

just curious what is bad about an AIO for seahorses

 

[Infidel]

Defiantly no AOI . Another one I was looking at is a Planet Aquarium rimless with external overflow. 36x 24 x 20.

If that's the case, you may also consider that 100.3 as it's 36x24x22.

 

[Chris Spaulding]

I personally think AIO is just too hard to keep sump area clean lots of detritus can build up. Also the limited quality equipment options for AIOs. One thing that is a must for me any more are filter rollers and not socks. I am really tempted to go with Trigger new Platinum sump with its own filter roller but man is it pricey.

 

[Flameback Pair]

@Chris Spaulding do you have a build thread for your Reefer 250?

 

[Paulie069]

I was thinking of the Waterbox reef 100.3 but that is pushing my budget just a bit too far. Because then I would need larger return pump and a few more things. I already have the extras that would fit nicely with the other systems that I listed.

I can’t believe success I have had with my tanks I got off Walmart shelf. Cheap as heck 2 n a half years now. Go figure

 

[Chris Spaulding]

No build thread atm but will be putting one up when the new tank gets here. I desided to go with a Planet Aquarium 36 x 20 x20 with external over flow. I have all the parts now for this build except the tank. About 4 weeks out for delivery

 

[matchmakersmagic]

Excellent choice! Cant wait till you have it up and going.