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Unread 01/15/2018, 01:03 PM   #1
Chicagoreef2016
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CADlights or SCA

Opinions wanted: want a 125ish tank, will be building my own stand and have holes drilled for my overflow setup. So basically I want a 60x24x20 tank.

I have read ok things about SCA and CADlights, but have also read issues to, whether is be the seal or customer service, etc.

Pricing seems to be similar for the tank only.

Thoughts?


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127ish gallon SC tank and associated equipment
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Unread 01/15/2018, 07:40 PM   #2
fixmgood
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I would do some serious investing before you purchase. Check warranty etc


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Current Tank Info: 450g AGE,200 gallon sump, Red Dragon Speedy 230w return pump and closed loop,4 way Ocean Motion,PM Balistic Skimmer.3 Sea Swirl returns.AI Hydra 52HD,Apex contoller. Build thread "The after disaster 650g build"
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Unread 01/15/2018, 07:41 PM   #3
fixmgood
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That should be investigating


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Ivan

Current Tank Info: 450g AGE,200 gallon sump, Red Dragon Speedy 230w return pump and closed loop,4 way Ocean Motion,PM Balistic Skimmer.3 Sea Swirl returns.AI Hydra 52HD,Apex contoller. Build thread "The after disaster 650g build"
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Unread 01/15/2018, 08:21 PM   #4
mls228
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Tagging along this is the exact tank I’m looking for.


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Unread 01/16/2018, 09:11 AM   #5
soulpatch
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They still share the same factory in China for the tanks so the build is pretty similar though SC does more size options stock then Cadlights at the moment. Both do custom and such.

They used to be the same company but split a few years ago. From all accounts SC has the customer service whereas cadlights is in it for the sale and then can be difficult to work with should something go awry.

Building your own stand basically nullifies warranty with just about every tank on the market so keep that in consideration.


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Unread 01/16/2018, 01:55 PM   #6
JTL
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I have a Cadlights 100g is it ok but it arrived with bubbles in the black backing that are obvious with water in the tank. Their CS sucks and I would not purchase from them again.


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Unread 01/16/2018, 03:57 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by soulpatch View Post
From all accounts SC has the customer service whereas Cadlights is in it for the sale and then can be difficult to work with should something go awry...
This is it "in a nutshell" - SCA typically has good customer service, and Cadlights doesn't.....


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Unread 01/16/2018, 08:49 PM   #8
Chicagoreef2016
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These seem to be the 2 mid tier builders in a similar price range. Every other “custom” build I hve been quotes $2500-3000. Now, they are great tank builders, but I don’t need the Ferrari of tanks, just a good quality tank with some modifications that I want. Are there other “mid tier” builders out there? Steve has been great responsive wise via email, which makes me feel good about his product, although if they share the same factory????


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Unread 01/16/2018, 08:51 PM   #9
soulpatch
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Same factory but not same staff.... Same glass and tank design but sc has gone route with custom and such to incorporate ghost overflows and more.

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150 SC tank build: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2550948

Some have bar tabs. I have a coral tab at my LFS. Life goals.
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Unread 01/17/2018, 08:56 AM   #10
Chicagoreef2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by soulpatch View Post
Same factory but not same staff.... Same glass and tank design but sc has gone route with custom and such to incorporate ghost overflows and more.

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Thanks, that helps make the decision.


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Unread 01/17/2018, 08:00 PM   #11
mls228
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FWIW I just ordered the SCA 150g at $899. I’ll build the stand.


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Unread 01/18/2018, 07:14 AM   #12
Chicagoreef2016
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mls228 View Post
FWIW I just ordered the SCA 150g at $899. I’ll build the stand.


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Do you know if that negates the warranty at all?


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Unread 01/18/2018, 08:20 AM   #13
soulpatch
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Building your own stand impacts the warranty. I believe it goes from 3 years to 1 but you should talk to s teve about it.

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