New tank options/ questions

[TaNuki]

Well as you know, I am going to be making some changes on my tank. I currently have a 180 with 110 sump, so 290 gallons in the system.

I am wanting to move down to something like a 125 display and maybe 20-40 gallon sump.

I have thought of just purchasing a new 180 display, but made of glass. I am worried about the weight of the glass though. I have my tank on my second floor, so adding weight there really doesn't put me at ease. I also dont want plastic bracing on my display because it would look really weird with my tank, and I don't think I have seen a nice rimless 180, though they probably exist.

I am considering the Red Sea Max 400 S tank because I really like the look and how complete they are. The sumps don't really provide for a lot of natural filtration etc, and the price is a bit high for what you get, but overall, I really like it as an option. I also like that it has 125 gallons total volume including the sump, so I could keep most of my fish for now. I was really wanting to go as small as an RSM 250, but the part of the tank my wife most enjoys, are the fish, so I need to accommodate her wants as well as mine. The 250 looks better than the S line (in my humble opinion), but its just not quite big enough.

So now that I saw I will be spending some money on whatever tank I move to, I started playing with the idea I have always had or converting my kitchen island to a display/ sump set up. I would leave some counter space so you could eat a meal at the counter etc as well. My biggest concerns here are: Cost of tank set up, cost to fix island when I sell my home one day, kitchen chemicals/ fumes affecting the water, loss of storage space inside the island. On the plus side, I would have a sink just a couple of feet away from the tank, so water changes would be easy, the tank would look great on the first floor of the home, it would be very unique.

So I need guidance. Just curious to hear what people think of the ideas/ what people are doing. I would kind of like to push my skills and see how great of a custom set up I could do, but i think the cost could easily exceed that of the RSM 400 quickly, and stress my wife out as well.

Here is the current tank:

Here is the RSM 400:

Here is the custom tank idea:

 

[JPMagyar]

I don't have pictures, but I will say that a local reefer has done exactly your idea with a tank on the kitchen island, and it looks fantastic. His is a cube though and quite small in proportion to the total island area. Just a quick thought depending on what it is you are trying to achieve, but the new Innovative Marine All-In-One tanks could sit on a counter with no trouble and are truly fantastic for creating a small reef.

I have seen 2 RSM 400s in person, and my thoughts are that they are good, but not "awesome". Lots of tiny details, like the water level sits just below the top edge so it's visible. The flow is too high and will blow a sand bottom into piles. The look and feel is just slightly "cheapish", but generally these are all just minor "nit picking".

Can't wait to see what you decide on!


Joe

 

[TaNuki]

Thanks for the insight. I am there with you. I hadn't noticed the low waterline on that 400, that is a huge bummer. Hopeful I can make up my mind soon. Oh and convince the wife.

 

[TaNuki]

Well after hours of pushing for it, my wife still denied me the pleasure of a custom built in tank in the kitchen.

SO, I bought the RSM S-500. I will have it set up tomorrow.