Best reef ready tank deal of 2024 - whose looking for a new tank?

[VintageReefer]

My understanding of the Red Sea issue is the top flexing. Current has accommodated this with dual vertical load bearing internal supports spanning the full depth of the top platform

Also they switched silicon providers so the had some issue with the product they used

 

[Danthefishman]

Is it worth spending the extra $200 for the plumbing? Will it be a huge hassle without it?

 

[VintageReefer]

Is it worth spending the extra $200 for the plumbing? Will it be a huge hassle without it?

The one valve alone is easily 50-60$
Then factor all the pvc and the lock line return. It’s probably about 200$ in parts and they are cutting and assembling for no charge

I’m not sure what exactly is not included if you don’t get the kit. But the kit gives you everything you need for drain and return and the lock line return, measured, cut, and assembled. It ships in its own box inside the tank and is ready to put on

 

[VintageReefer]

Two different companies both charging around 60$ for it

 

[legionofdoon]

Somewhere in this 21page thread I pasted an email from VCA specifically about the rfg options and their recommendations

I believe the return plumbing is 1” and it’s 3/4” lock line. The newest kit they offer comes with a soft adapter, you just snap off the lock line at one of the knuckles and snap on their soft adapter and rfg

That's what I have

 

[JoJosReef]

— confirmed The return line is 1”. The return bulkhead is 1” threaded but can be swapped out for slip. The loc line return nozzle is 3/4” but again can easily be changed.


Single 1in RFG
The 1in RFG will create the biggest wave action, especially if you can provide it at least 600 to 700 GPH (or more) – at the outlet. This will be a little on the large side, in term of physical appearance but not too bad, Plus, it could easily be used in place of powerheads.

You would need these two items.

Flex Series 1in Random Flow Generator with 1in Modular Hose Fitting – RFGS100LL-FLX | Vivid Creative Aquatics

vividcreativeaquatics.com

1in Modular Tube – 5 knuckle segment | Vivid Creative Aquatics

vividcreativeaquatics.com

Single 3/4in RFG
A single 3/4in will be similar to the 1in accept a bit smaller in physical size and just a bit more narrow in terms of flow pattern. But at 550 to 650 GPH or more, it can easily displace the need for a power head in this size tank. In this case, all you would need is one of these pre-configured flow kt – it has everything you need.

3/4in Random Flow Generator® Flow Kit – 3/4 Flex-Series RFG | Vivid Creative Aquatics

vividcreativeaquatics.com

Weighing over RFG options. Do I understand you correctly that the 1in RFG just needs those two items? Or do you also have to change the bulkhead to a slip (I don't know what that is)? I'd prefer not changing any of the original plumbing, except the locline if needed. If the 1in RFG is complicated, I'd probably just go 3/4in. Thanks!

 

[JoJosReef]

That's what I have

How do you feel about the flow? In my case I also have a Maxspect 330xf gyre at the ready if needed. Wireless inside the tank would be pretty cool, though. Not to mention nem safety.

 

[VintageReefer]

Weighing over RFG options. Do I understand you correctly that the 1in RFG just needs those two items? Or do you also have to change the bulkhead to a slip (I don't know what that is)? I'd prefer not changing any of the original plumbing, except the locline if needed. If the 1in RFG is complicated, I'd probably just go 3/4in. Thanks!

The plumbing is 1”, but the lock line is 3/4

If you get the 3/4” kit all you do is snap off a piece of lockline, snap on their adapter and connect the rfg

What he’s saying is if you wanted to do the 1” you would need to replace the lockline with the part he provided. The current bulkhead is already compatible. But you would need to buy the lockline kit and the rfg kit

I decided to start with the 3/4 kit and if it’s not enough flow I will upgrade the lockline to 1” and 1” rfg

He did make it seem like the 3/4 would be enough flow to not need power heads if fed enough water

 

[legionofdoon]

It's almost overkill I had to dial it back. Definitely random though. With that and the SL 30 it's too much. I had to drop the SL to the lowest setting.

 

[legionofdoon]

The plumbing is 1”, but the lock line is 3/4

If you get the 3/4” kit all you do is snap off a piece of lockline, snap on their adapter and connect the rfg

What he’s saying is if you wanted to do the 1” you would need to replace the lockline with the part he provided. The current bulkhead is already compatible. But you would need to buy the lockline kit and the rfg kit

I decided to start with the 3/4 kit and if it’s not enough flow I will upgrade the lockline to 1” and 1” rfg

He did make it seem like the 3/4 would be enough flow to not need power heads if fed enough water

If you want flow only in one direction then yes.

 

[VintageReefer]

@JoJosReef
So the bulkhead is just a fitting in the glass for to connect to

Threaded means the plumbing needs to be threaded to attach

Slip is just a smooth opening that is exactly the size of the pvc and you just push (Slip) pipe into it

 

[VintageReefer]

If you want flow only in one direction then yes.

My only complaint is I wish it was dual output. Yes we could get the rfg Y adapter but it doesn’t really solve anything and still is all coming from one side of the tank. The Y would be good if the return was in the middle

I have a spare mp40 dry side…if needed I’ll buy a wet side and put it on the opposite side of the tank

 

[JoJosReef]

If you want flow only in one direction then yes.

So pointing it in the opposite corner doesn't make it bounce all around? Separate wavemaker needed to add randomness?

If you were to put a gyre in one place on the tank (back, left or right, not front obviously) to get some nice random flow with full tank coverage, where you would you put it?

Same question above, but with an MP40 or Nero5-like powerhead?

 

[VintageReefer]

So pointing it in the opposite corner doesn't make it bounce all around? Separate wavemaker needed to add randomness?

If you were to put a gyre in one place on the tank (back, left or right, not front obviously) to get some nice random flow with full tank coverage, where you would you put it?

Same question above, but with an MP40 or Nero5-like powerhead?

It will bounce around but it’s travelled 4’ by that time.

So primary force of current would be broad and random towards the left. And everything coming back to the right is bouncing off the walls and stuff and would be reduced force.

Right to left - strong and random
Left to right gentle and more random

My backup plan is a mp40 on the left wall, 3/4 total height above the sand

 

[Danthefishman]

The one valve alone is easily 50-60$
Then factor all the pvc and the lock line return. It’s probably about 200$ in parts and they are cutting and assembling for no charge

I’m not sure what exactly is not included if you don’t get the kit. But the kit gives you everything you need for drain and return and the lock line return, measured, cut, and assembled. It ships in its own box inside the tank and is ready to put on

Okay, thanks for the info. It sounds like getting the plumbing is the way to go. Do you think this tank setup is good for a noob? I had a saltwater aquarium when I was kid (20 years ago), but it was 45 gallons, and that was so long ago. I want to get back into the hobby. I've been looking for tanks for a few months now, and I found this on etsy and thought it was too good to be true. But luckily I found your thread with all of this good info, and it sounds like a lot of people are liking this setup.

 

[VintageReefer]

It’s a great setup and the good thing compared to other bundles is that it allows the flexibility for you to pick your own skimmer or filtration method, and your own lighting. A lot of the more complete bundles or all in ones give you a junk skimmer and weak lights, or very small compartments designed just for the junk they include, and you pay for those things in the bundle…it’s just hidden in the overall price. and then after a year you realize the limitations and have to replace / upgrade.

This is a great volume of water and display size for a beginner to advanced hobbiest, you can have a good amount of fish, have plenty of space for corals, and enough water to keep parameters stable easier. Flexibility to get name brand lighting and skimmer or algae scrubber, and return pump. It comes with the essentials but not the equipment and allows you to buy your own and not waste money on things that end up being replaced or breaking.

My current tank is 75g and is 48x18x18 and this tank is almost the same, 83g and 48x20x20

Let me show you what my current tank contains…I have 7 fish and tons of corals. And this tank is nearly the same but 2” deeper and 2” taller

 

[Danthefishman]

It’s a great setup and the good thing compared to other bundles is that it allows the flexibility for you to pick your own skimmer or filtration method, and your own lighting. A lot of the more complete bundles or all in ones give you a junk skimmer and weak lights, or very small compartments designed just for the junk they include, and you pay for those things in the bundle…it’s just hidden in the overall price. and then after a year you realize the limitations and have to replace / upgrade.

This is a great volume of water and display size for a beginner to advanced hobbiest, you can have a good amount of fish, have plenty of space for corals, and enough water to keep parameters stable easier. Flexibility to get name brand lighting and skimmer or algae scrubber, and return pump. It comes with the essentials but not the equipment and allows you to buy your own and not waste money on things that end up being replaced or breaking.

My current tank is 75g and is 48x18x18 and this tank is almost the same, 83g and 48x20x20

Let me show you what my current tank contains…I have 7 fish and tons of corals. And this tank is nearly the same but 2” deeper and 2” taller

Wow beautiful tank! I love it. I definitely would like to have something like that one day. I know it takes time to create something like that.

I am very interested in this Current-USA aquarium, but I'm a little concerned about what that other person posted about the front glass overhang and thin silicone. I know that a lot of manufactures, such as waterbox, utilize the front overhang, so maybe its not so bad. And as for the thin silicone, idk much about that. I just want to make sure this thing won't leak. I read this whole thread so I know people do like it.

 

[VintageReefer]

If it means anything…Current tested this in house over 2.5 years before going to market with it.

The front overhang is not uncommon because that’s how the cabinet doors end up being flush. The issue with the first generation redseas was a perfect storm. Low grade silicone and an improperly braced stand allowing flex in the front.

Again those “all in one bundles” are typically giving you a lot of cut corners.

The stand for this was designed and made by a cabinet maker/cabinet shop in California. The stands in typical bundles, or off the shelf stands are particle board and cheaply designed. The stand for my aqueon 75 actually has no center brace that spans the front to back of the tank. It’s held together with staples. It’s a miracle this thing has lasted so long.

The quality of the stand is extremely high end, from the materials, to the design, to the little touches, like skinning the entire thing inside and out in waterproof laminate so spills and drips don’t cause any damage. The wood underneath is actual marine grade plywood which is significantly better than particleboard or chip board. And, they made a point to tell me, they designed their tank with 4 full length load bearing vertical braces, where most companies do 2 or 3. It’s overbuilt to prevent any flexing and to last a lifetime

The two center braces limit the sump size but that’s the trade off to have a properly braced stand. They custom designed the sump around the braces for create the largest possible sump to fit that left area. And the sump does appear short, but it is wide and almost the depth of the tank.

I feel they really put a lot of research and planning into this setup, and the end result looks and functions very well

 

[JoJosReef]

Wow beautiful tank! I love it. I definitely would like to have something like that one day. I know it takes time to create something like that.

I am very interested in this Current-USA aquarium, but I'm a little concerned about what that other person posted about the front glass overhang and thin silicone. I know that a lot of manufactures, such as waterbox, utilize the front overhang, so maybe its not so bad. And as for the thin silicone, idk much about that. I just want to make sure this thing won't leak. I read this whole thread so I know people do like it.

I should have prefaced above, I have no experience with Red Sea or Waterbox tanks, so the overhang issue I brought up amounts to superstition, at least from me. I've only read about seam breaks, but don't understand the cause. Still, it is my new tank, so I do have to worry. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[VintageReefer]

I should have prefaced above, I have no experience with Red Sea or Waterbox tanks, so the overhang issue I brought up amounts to superstition, at least from me. I've only read about seam breaks, but don't understand the cause. Still, it is my new tank, so I do have to worry. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

See paragraph 2, post 438

Also I just checked my Waterbox and the seams are the same as the current USA, and Waterbox does not have the massive failure rate the red seas had.

Those Red Sea stands have a known sag issue that causes the front panel separation.