Need help deciding how to upgrade...

Hi guys,
I currently have a Red Sea Max 130D and have been doing well with it for the last year. I want to upgrade to a larger tank, preferably about 100g. I liked the ease of the RSM as far as being "plug and play", however I'm having difficulty in deciding to do another P&P, such as this one...

100 Gallon Show System ll Acrylic Aquarium 60x18x20

or if I should buy everything and set it all up myself. My concern with doing that is I'm not exactly sure I could properly set it all up, I don't have any experience doing a sump/refugium and from what I've read most hang on the back stuff doesnt work as well as doing a nice sump. Any advice? Thanks!

 

Buy everything and set it up, ask questions on equipment. What size are you looking at?

 

I'm looking at 100 gallons.

 

It can be daunting to go from an all in one to one that you build, but when you build it you get to make decisions based on your needs not to mention you will have the flexibility to make it the way you want! If you want your overflow on the right you can do that or if you want to have a refugium you can add that to your design.

I am in the same boat as you, looking to upgrade after having an all in one. It is a lot to learn, but I personally have enjoyed making things the way I want them!

 

Does anyone know of a good guide I can follow?

 

PLEASE dont buy a p&p tank. PLEASE!! lol. They have such HUGE limitations. You can't fit any type of decent protein skimmer on any of those things.

If your doing something in the 100g size, just do it properly and put together an aquarium that will fit your own style and maintenance regiment.

If you have a good lfs that you can trust not to rip you off by simply selling you crap, have them design a system for you, or find a good maintenance company if your lfs isnt capable.

BTW, seaclear tanks are complete garbage. For example, that 100g you are looking at comes with a 350gph main line pump.....350gph......really.