Rear sump vs in tank sump cabinet

[Shilpan]

Hello!
I'm debating buying the Red Sea Max-E 260 (260L) va the Aqua one 300/400 (300L or 400L).

The Aqua one has a sump under the tank in the cabinet. The Red Sea Max E has a rear sump. What's the difference in quality? Which sump type is better?
(I know Red Sea is a better brand).

I want a reef tank eventually.

 

[lmforbis]

I don't know about the specific brands but I prefer an under tank, in the cabinet sump. It is easier to access to do maintenance and not visible.

 

[lmforbis]

Red Sea does have tanks that have a sump underneath. Their reefer systems are really nice.

 

[Shilpan]

Hey! Ah yes I see with this 260L tank you can purchase an additional under the tank sump.

What scares me about the reefer system is that it is empty and you have to customize it. Do you think a newbie like me who has only ever kept freshwater fish could manage something like that? Or stick to an all in one system?

 

[lmforbis]

Im sure you could handle the reefer. There isn't much you'd need to add other than a skimmer and lights. Some of the reefers also have built in auto top offs under the tank. That is one thing that is great to have as your salinity stays very stable. If I had a place to put one I'd get the biggest one they have. It is one of those things that is at the back of my mind for some day when I have a couple grand sitting around and nothing to spend it on.

 

[Shilpan]

Ok thank you very much!

Don't know if a larger Aqua one 400L tank ($3500 for me) or a smaller 260L with optional sump=300L is better, but is Red Sea ($4500 for me)

Or just the 350L reefer ($4700 for me).

Those prices include rocks and everything.

So you guys reckon Red Sea is not a scam, and is actually worth the money?

 

[lmforbis]

I think they are pricy but a good product. I've heard a lot of positive things about them. I've never heard of the other brand.

 

[Shilpan]

I see I see.

How about the lack of a hood on the reefer or max E range? Is there a real danger of fish jumping?

 

[lmforbis]

that is always a risk more so with some fish than others. You can buy kits for custom clear mesh screens that will prevent that.

 

[Shilpan]

Thanks! I've decided on the Aqua one 400 after much debating

But I think I'll change the T5 lighting to something else and change the skimmer eventually

 

[lmforbis]

Nothing wrong with T5 lighting. A good T5 fixture will grow coral very well. I personally like the look of LEDs but I do supplement with T5s.
I'd decide exactly what you want then buy lights that are going to get you there.

 

[Shilpan]

Ok gotcha! Thank you

 

[beaslbob]

We have a rear sump on our 60g and it is a real pain.
The main reason is that this fat, old, crippled guy can't squeeze between the wall and tank to do any maintenance.
The tank is in a corner (diagonal) so the squeeze is on with sides.
Should have placed it a little further out into the room for needed space.
Just shared in case someone else is doing the same thing.
and as usual it's just my .02

 

[Shilpan]

Thank you! Good advice