Sca 50g cube or Red Sea Reefer 170

gbjb06 · 11/14/2015, 02:10 AM

Hello.

I am going to buy one of the two tanks above for a reef tank. Am tossed between the sca 50g or reefer 34g. The reefer fits my small space well. (Plus maybe easier on lighting choice). T5 Ati sunpower 24 inch 4x24 watt.

1. Is the 24 gallon difference a deciding factor between the 2 tanks. Ie will i regret not having the extra 24 gal with the sca tank.
->Reefer 34g tank and 9g sump = 43 gal total volume.
-> Sca 50g pnp is 50g plus 17g sump = total volume of 67gal.

2. I dont want led. Ati t5 is my choice. Im assuming this would be better suited to the 20inch height of the reefer as apposed to the 24inch height of the sca tank.

The sca works out 300 to 400 cheaper than the reefer overall since its on sale on the sca website but the reefer seems to be the better option. Im def leaning towards the reefer. (Though spoke to sca and then seem very helpful in all aspects i must say).

Any thoughts would be most helpful.

shifty51008 · 11/14/2015, 03:01 AM

The more water volume the easier to maintain parameters imo.

The ati light will work great on either setup.

The bigger the tank gives you a few more options for fish choices.

But all in all either one will work fine, i always opt for the bigger, but if space is an issue go with the smaller.

Also

To Reef Central

gbjb06 · 11/14/2015, 09:15 PM

Thanks shift. Yes fully agree. More gallons would be better for scape options as well as managing bio loads and paramd etc.

Since this my first marine tank its intimidating making a final choice and pulling the trigger on a tank as its here for a looong time..

710RAY · 08/10/2016, 05:36 PM

Was wondering what you went with? I'm trying to make that same decision

11/14/2015, 02:10 AM	#1
gbjb06 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 2	Sca 50g cube or Red Sea Reefer 170 Hello. I am going to buy one of the two tanks above for a reef tank. Am tossed between the sca 50g or reefer 34g. The reefer fits my small space well. (Plus maybe easier on lighting choice). T5 Ati sunpower 24 inch 4x24 watt. 1. Is the 24 gallon difference a deciding factor between the 2 tanks. Ie will i regret not having the extra 24 gal with the sca tank. ->Reefer 34g tank and 9g sump = 43 gal total volume. -> Sca 50g pnp is 50g plus 17g sump = total volume of 67gal. 2. I dont want led. Ati t5 is my choice. Im assuming this would be better suited to the 20inch height of the reefer as apposed to the 24inch height of the sca tank. The sca works out 300 to 400 cheaper than the reefer overall since its on sale on the sca website but the reefer seems to be the better option. Im def leaning towards the reefer. (Though spoke to sca and then seem very helpful in all aspects i must say). Any thoughts would be most helpful.

11/14/2015, 03:01 AM	#2
shifty51008 12-5 Chiefs record Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 10,134	The more water volume the easier to maintain parameters imo. The ati light will work great on either setup. The bigger the tank gives you a few more options for fish choices. But all in all either one will work fine, i always opt for the bigger, but if space is an issue go with the smaller. Also *To Reef Central* __________________ 75 gal. mixed DT, 100 gal. sump, 50 gal. fuge, Clownfish breeder

11/14/2015, 09:15 PM	#3
gbjb06 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 2	Thanks shift. Yes fully agree. More gallons would be better for scape options as well as managing bio loads and paramd etc. Since this my first marine tank its intimidating making a final choice and pulling the trigger on a tank as its here for a looong time..

08/10/2016, 05:36 PM	#4
710RAY Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: new jersey Posts: 77	Was wondering what you went with? I'm trying to make that same decision