Which brand tank???
- Thread starter Johnd651
- Start date
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blaxsun
10K Club member
Here’s the bottom line: figure out what dimensions and weights (if we’re not talking about a basement) you have to work with and then determine an initial budget.
If you go with a turn-key system like a Cade, Red Sea or Waterbox, you have your stand, tank, sump and plumbing all taken care of and can focus on components such as pumps, filtration, lighting, automation, etc.
Or you go with a custom tank (with stand), custom sump, plumbing, manifold, etc. - then figure out the components.
I ultimately wanted a Cade but had to settle for the next best option, which was a Red Sea (simply due to availability - nothing more). I’m very happy with my choice, and in the end what I saved from the cost of a Cade paid for my automation (and considering the Cade wasn’t an option, it’s somewhat moot).
If you go with a turn-key system like a Cade, Red Sea or Waterbox, you have your stand, tank, sump and plumbing all taken care of and can focus on components such as pumps, filtration, lighting, automation, etc.
Or you go with a custom tank (with stand), custom sump, plumbing, manifold, etc. - then figure out the components.
I ultimately wanted a Cade but had to settle for the next best option, which was a Red Sea (simply due to availability - nothing more). I’m very happy with my choice, and in the end what I saved from the cost of a Cade paid for my automation (and considering the Cade wasn’t an option, it’s somewhat moot).
Jeffcb
Tang tang
Many aquarist want to build a system with a custom sump. And I understand that because with turn key systems you get what you get and you work with that. However, to me one important feature is that the sump is made of glass and not made of plastic. Something to think about as well as the tank itself.
Jeffcb
Tang tang
Personal preference I guess but over time acrylic get very scratched up. Don't get me wrong, sumps get overgrow with all types of thing anyway. Its much easier to modify acrylic and that is a plus in direction. I like glass.
blaxsun
10K Club member
Glass, acrylic - it really doesn’t matter - it’s more personal preference that anything else (acrylic will be lighter). All of the turn-key solutions like Cade, Red Sea and Waterbox will most likely be glass, though.
Jeffcb
Tang tang
Medium Density Fiberboard is not a good idea especially if its not waterproof. Are the IM aluminum stands outside panels MDF? You defiantly want Marine Spec Plywood!
OP
OP
Johnd651
Getting back in after 10+ years
Looks like the frame is, but I don't know about the doors.
Aquarium Metal Stands APS (Aluminum Profile Series) | Innovative Marine
Aesthetically pleasing. Lightweight and incredibly strong. Resistant to corrosion and swelling. Easy to set up.
www.innovative-marine.com
ShawnSaucier
Well-Known Member
My new build I decided to go IM 150 ext. the dimensions are different than most of the other companies outside of going custom. The stand goes together easily, but there is a tiny bit of movement when you clean the glass ( my only complaint/concern). It’s all slotted aluminum and the doors have a plastic insert. There is plenty of room to utilize control boards( ie Adaptive Reef) if you don’t feel like DIY. Tanks are relatively quiet for the most part, a little trickle here and there. If you go with the INT version, there is a coast to coast overflow on the back wall. Glass is clear also.
I went this route as I like to have an oversized sump for extra water volume and space for equipment.
I went this route as I like to have an oversized sump for extra water volume and space for equipment.
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JC Reef
Active Member
Agreed! At least once a week I see someone posting an issue with their Redsea tanks.
That’s why I will never take a redsea for free. Yet along buy one.
blaxsun
10K Club member
So 3 pages in and I’m not sure anything useful has been gleamed. First you need to figure out what dimensions and weight you have to work with, and that will determine size. Next is budget, because if a Cade or Red Sea is out of the realm of possibility (don’t forget everything else you need, including components), this discussion about which brand of tank is entirely moot. And you need to make some decisions about wanting a turn-key system, what type of stand or whether you want something custom.
