Setting up new tank. Sca or Red Sea?

[MikesReef83]

This has been a battle of the tanks because I cannot decide. I have a 120 sump 60 x 24 x 20 (yes I know its overkill) and plan to use it as a basement sump. But I cannot decide on a sca 90 or a reefer 250.

Now I know what your thinking. Why such a small tank and big sump? Well, I have space restrictions in the living room and can't go larger than a 36" long tank. So for now, I'm stuck with these two options. Please help me decide.

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[bozoreefer]

I approve of the bigger sump then the display. More stability. More space for necessary equipment. Reactors. Fuge. Dosing. Etc etc.

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[MikesReef83]

I have a Life Reef VS3-36 skimmer to go with the sump but I'm afraid I would be over skimming with it on smaller tanks like the sca or reefer 250 .

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[slief]

I have a Life Reef VS3-36 skimmer to go with the sump but I'm afraid I would be over skimming with it on smaller tanks like the sca or reefer 250 .

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There is no such thing as over skimming unless you have a nutrient starved tank. The downside to a grossly oversized skimmer is inconsistent skimming because there won’t be enough dissolved organics to generate enough foam to keep the neck filled with foam consistently. The Lifereef skimmers don’t have a massive neck diameter so that shouldn’t be much of an issue.

That said, I would go with the Red Sea display. They are very well built and you never hear of one of those tanks failing. The only downside to the Red Sea tanks is the restrictive return setup on them. Beyond that, they are very well made tanks. I did have an SCA display and it was a very nice display too but I think my first choice would be the RSR. And there is nothing wrong with a big sump. As immrhappy noted, the bigger the volume, the better as there will be more stability and more space for equipment.

 

[MikesReef83]

Thanks for the feedback. Your right I've never heard of a RSR cracking now that I compare the two. I've heard from many others that Sca are nice but I do know what to expect from the reefer. As far as the return being restrictive, I did find a member's build thread here on how to use a 3/4 threaded to 1" slip adapter on all of the drain and return plumbing on the reefer. So if I go the reefer route hopefully this will make it possible for a basement sump.

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[homer1475]

Can you buy just a bare tank and stand from Red Sea? If not your paying an awfully lot more for stuff you won't use.

 

[mcgyvr]

I vote neither due to their slightly inferior return setups on virtually all off the shelf "reef ready" systems..
I always recommend buying a tank and drilling for a bean animal type overflow setup..
I personally just sleep better at night because of that..

 

[homer1475]

SCA tanks now come predrilled with 3 holes for a ghost overflow and bean animal setup. They will also do custom setup for very little extra $$.

 

[MikesReef83]

Can you buy just a bare tank and stand from Red Sea? If not your paying an awfully lot more for stuff you won't use.

My LFS said they would knock off $150 if they kept the sump.

I vote neither due to their slightly inferior return setups on virtually all off the shelf "reef ready" systems..
I always recommend buying a tank and drilling for a bean animal type overflow setup..
I personally just sleep better at night because of that..

I've always had a herbie setup and never had an issue. I would rather not have to wait 3 more months to custom order one either. I would plan on plumbing the reefer with 3/4 threaded to 1' slip on the drains and return from the basement sump to help with restricted flow.

SCA tanks now come predrilled with 3 holes for a ghost overflow and bean animal setup. They will also do custom setup for very little extra $$.

I just spoke with Steve about a week ago and I initially wanted the 90 gallon drilled for a ghost overflow but he said it would be considered a custom tank and take an additional 3 months until i received. I know it a nice luxury to have the ghost overflow but I'm not sure if I am willing to wait that long. I'm still debating on the Sca or Reefer lol

 

[mcgyvr]

SCA tanks now come predrilled with 3 holes for a ghost overflow and bean animal setup.

Cool.. I was not aware..
SCA then gets my vote over Red Sea for sure..
Even if you don't want to wait just the fact they offer that makes me lean towards that company..

 

[moondoggy4]

How bout a 36 x 30 x 24" tank? That is a nice dimension.

 

[boostedvq]

How bout a 36 x 30 x 24" tank? That is a nice dimension.

I agree. My tank is 36/30/18 (shallow tanks are my favorite)

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[bozoreefer]

I agree. My tank is 36/30/18 (shallow tanks are my favorite)

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Bro how have you been! Long time dude.

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[boostedvq]

Bro how have you been! Long time dude.

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Yeah been a while. Things are good. Just moved so set this up. Send me a text whenever. I don't want to derail the thread anymore lol


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[MikesReef83]

I love shallow tanks too! Boostedvq your tank looks great.

I've decided to go with the Sca 90 after much contemplation. Red Sea are nice but I feel like for similar quality I'm getting more with the sca tank. Keep a look out for my build thread I should be starting soon!

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