Looking for Tank Recommendations for My New Townhome

Gk5321

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I've been in and out of the hobby my whole life, and I'm currently running a 9-gallon (8-gallon total water volume) Fluval Flex. I keep SPS, and they're growing out of control with no room to put any more. I've had this tank for about 4 years and it’s been in 3 different apartments at this point.

My wife and I finally contracted on a new construction townhome, and I've been dreaming about my next tank. I'm so tired of having a tiny tank where every time I reach in or try to spot feed, I end up fragging acros. Unfortunately, I am still a year away from construction being completed, but I'm already full of tank ideas.

Because of all my frustrations, I want to get myself the Rolls-Royce (or pick your own ultimate car - Bugatti?) of tanks. I’m not sure who makes that anymore, but I do have some requirements. It needs to have an all-metal stand and be somewhere between a 110-150 gallon display. I don’t know if a well-known manufacturer is the way to go or if it’s something I should have custom-made.

I've had my eyes set on the CADE 1500 S2 for a while. I think it's gorgeous, and I love the layout. I've also thought about the equivalent Waterbox Infinia 150.4, but I haven't heard good things about Waterbox lately. The new NYOS tanks look great, but the biggest size is a bit smaller than I wanted, and I believe that CADE and NYOS tanks come from the same manufacturer.

Recently, I was looking for a new shrimp tank for my Opae Ula, and I remembered a company that makes beautiful aquascape tanks called UNS (Ultum Nature Systems). I saw that they had new a saltwater aquarium tab on their site and I was blown away by what I saw. Their largest reef system looks perfect. The issue is, I have no clue if it’s actually any good. There don't seem to be any builds yet and only a handful of YouTube videos. Maybe it’s too new? It seems awesome; I love that the back wall is black glass for easy cleaning and that the bottom (I plan on going bare bottom) is white. The sump also looks the part.

I guess my concerns are that I've never actually had a larger tank like this. I think if I can do acros in 8 gallons, I can kick some serious butt with 18 (give or take) times that. I'm sure there will be quite a learning curve, but things like space for controllers, a chiller, easy wiring, and blissful silent running worry me.

I don’t want to say spare no expense/open budget on this tank, but I do want a tank that is worthy of the corals I plan on growing in it. I want it to match them.

I'd love to hear your recommendations and experiences with these tanks or any others that you think might fit the bill. Thanks in advance for your help!
 

VintageReefer

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I recently found the rolls Royce company. They look incredible

Tankmeusa

Their website domain expired but it should be back up soon. It’s parked at the moment.
 
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Mr. Mojo Rising

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Similar to you, I moved between several apartments for a few years before settling in here, so I like small tanks.

I've got a 40 breeder in my townhome, it was my gift to myself. I think its a great size. Not so big that it costs a fortune, but still big enough to give you a nice selection of possible fish, lots of room for equipment, you can drill the tank and DIY a sump (I highly suggest to drill the tank if you go 40 breeder)

I also have a 15 and a 32 gallon.
 
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Gk5321

Gk5321

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Similar to you, I moved between several apartments for a few years before settling in here, so I like small tanks.

I've got a 40 breeder in my townhome, it was my gift to myself. I think its a great size. Not so big that it costs a fortune, but still big enough to give you a nice selection of possible fish, lots of room for equipment, you can drill the tank and DIY a sump (I highly suggest to drill the tank if you go 40 breeder)

I also have a 15 and a 32 gallon.
I’ve thought about staying small but I really want to pass into the 100+ gallon territory. If I were to go small I’d probably still go with one of the smaller CADEs. I’m sure my wife would be happy if I stuck with 40 gallons though. I’ve managed to fill an entire 4’ long ones cabinet with controllers and other equipment for the small tank I have now. I can’t imagine what I could do with something bigger lol
 

VintageReefer

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Just going to throw this out there because I’m sort of affiliated. Though I make no money in any way.

Current USA package
1599 shipped with the plumbing kit
83 gallon rimless - 48x20x20
Low iron glass
Rear painted black
Custom stand - finished in waterproof laminate inside and out
26g custom fit glass sump
9g ato
Freight shipping included

It’s smaller than you want but it’s a $3000 setup for $1599, and the money you save can go towards nice gear. It’s a great setup for the money…and would be a nice upgrade from your current tanks

The stand is marine grade plywood and skinned in the laminate - water splashes and spills wont cause any issues. And it’s handmade by a cabinet shop in California. It’s not junk particleboard, they overbuilt this to last. 4 vertical load bearing supports, most companies are doing 2 or 3. A lot of attention to detail both in the tank and the stand

118g of total water volume

04473EF0-FD3E-46D3-9D5E-DC057979E630.jpeg 649FC390-BB2E-46DF-ADF3-C6222C3A3C26.jpeg 64D97139-B7EE-472D-8019-DC60E1C0C803.jpeg 1F5FDE3B-45ED-4AB3-8F89-D1BA5B1C8A27.jpeg 89A62567-A8E7-4CBC-8263-E37419613331.jpeg
 
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Gk5321

Gk5321

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I recently found the rolls Royce company. They look incredible

Tankmeusa

Their website domain expired but it should be back up soon. It’s parked at the moment.
Oh no! Hopefully it’s back up soon. I’m in south Florida by the way. I try to stay off social media but every now and then I come across some custom tank builds for sale that look incredible. I don’t know where they’re being made but the stands look like they could hold a car.
 
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Gk5321

Gk5321

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Just going to throw this out there because I’m sort of affiliated. Though I make no money in any way.

Current USA package
1599 shipped with the plumbing kit
83 gallon rimless - 48x20x20
Low iron glass
Rear painted black
Custom stand - finished in waterproof laminate inside and out
26g custom fit glass sump
9g ato
Freight shipping included

It’s smaller than you want but it’s a $3000 setup for $1599, and the money you save can go towards nice gear. It’s a great setup for the money…and would be a nice upgrade from your current tanks

The stand is marine grade plywood and skinned in the laminate - water splashes and spills wont cause any issues. And it’s handmade by a cabinet shop in California. It’s not junk particleboard, they overbuilt this to last. 4 vertical load bearing supports, most companies are doing 2 or 3. A lot of attention to detail both in the tank and the stand

118g of total water volume

04473EF0-FD3E-46D3-9D5E-DC057979E630.jpeg 649FC390-BB2E-46DF-ADF3-C6222C3A3C26.jpeg 64D97139-B7EE-472D-8019-DC60E1C0C803.jpeg 1F5FDE3B-45ED-4AB3-8F89-D1BA5B1C8A27.jpeg 89A62567-A8E7-4CBC-8263-E37419613331.jpeg
Thank you for the quick reply. That is very nice looking unfortunately I still have to wait. The home won’t be done for a year so I have lots of time to plan but that also means I have to sit here twiddling my thumbs not buying anything - but hey I’m saving so that’s good.
 

VintageReefer

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Check these guys out. Great quality completely customizable

They join the thread and show some current projects

 

Bruttall

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I would go a totally different direction I think. I'd start looking for an OCEANIC 150g, or larger (I have a 300g). Oceanic IMO made the best tanks ever, yes I am prejudiced cuz I own one. So if you find an Oceanic, it has already stood the test of time. It would be used obviously, but in so doing you may save yourself thousands on build cost. You can always have a local welding shop make you an Aluminum Stand to your specs.

Failing to find a good used Oceanic I'd then take a look at Planet Aquariums, that's a former designer and builder of Oceanic's. Good Luck.
 

Joe Glass Cages

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Check these guys out. Great quality completely customizable

They join the thread and show some current projects

@VintageReefer Really appreciate the support. Thanks so much for sharing. I am really proud of the team here!!!!!
 

Justfebreezeit

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I have a UNS 22 and the build quality is nice. Though its a far cry from anything large like you are looking for.

I have had a IM 75g EXT in the past and it was a sweet tank. I know they would have something in your gallon range as well. But im sure youve looked
 
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Gk5321

Gk5321

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I have a UNS 22 and the build quality is nice. Though its a far cry from anything large like you are looking for.

I have had a IM 75g EXT in the past and it was a sweet tank. I know they would have something in your gallon range as well. But im sure youve looked
They make a 150 gallon now (including sump)
 

Tankme USA

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I recently found the rolls Royce company. They look incredible

Tankmeusa

Their website domain expired but it should be back up soon. It’s parked at the moment.
Unfortunately we closed down during the pandemic , hopefully some day in the future I could open back up again . btw website is back up.
 

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