Tank decissions?
 

I'm leaning towards a 50 gallon SCA Aquarium with Sump, Skimmer, Wood Cabinet, drilled for Synergy Shadow Overflow. I will probably get Eheim pump instead of one that SCA has. Eheim is quitter and better correct? Price is $1025 and still need to get light, overflow box and pump. I am guessing Hydra 26 for this that is with mount is 424.99, over flow box $160, Eheim pump can get used for like $100. Total price around $1709.99

Now the RedSea Max 170 is $1499.99 comes with no sump but pump. Now I think there overflow is like Synergy I am not sure though.

Thougts please?

1.5k sounds like a lot to pay for a 50gal, my 150g reef was about that much (granted I built the tank and stand)

I love my SCA tank and would recommend them to anyone. I got an off the shelf 45g with black stand so nothing fancy shipped to my door for like $650. I used their pump and skimmer and I'm happy with them. Can't hear either over other noises in the house. Upgrading them would be a matter of personal preference. I can't speak for red Sea as never owned one but most seem happy with them as well. Sounds like for the $200 difference, less after you add a sump, you will still be ahead of the red Sea but that is only my opinion. Either way I think you will be happy.

I am leaning towards Red Sea Reefer. I heard though there skimmer sucks

I have been looking at the Red Sea E170 that comes with the pump and skimmer. It has an option for a second sump hook up underneath which I would use for a refuge.... Just hard for me to justify over $1800 for all right now....

Max 170 is $1499.00; Reefer is 1299.00 I think. Difference is Reefer has sump but no pump and chiller connections plus 7 outlet thingy. Innovative Marine I am looking at now. SCA skimmers pretty good but not willing to pay that much $1700 dollars. I don't like SCA overflow should be pre either Herby design or Synergy without paying extra in my opinion.

I like innovative marine but what I like about the red Sea e170 is the 2nd sump to have a decent size refuge. I wish that was an option with the Innovative marine....