NEW BUILD/CADE REEF 2100 S2

Liquid361 · Friday at 7:00 PM

I’ve been away from this hobby for a few years. Recently I’ve become more financially stable and have a larger home. I now have the time and resources to try this yet again. Today, I placed an order for a CADE 2100 S2. I also found an openbox deal from a site on a Abyzz A200 IPU so went ahead and ordered that. I’ll spend the next couple weeks shopping and trying to figure out exactly what I want to do and how I want to accomplish it. I figured I’d start this thread and update it as I go along.

Concerning lighting… I’m trying to decide between the Radion G6 X30 (4) or going with orphek Atlantis icon. I’d love to hear any thoughts or opinions. I’m most likely with a mixed reef setup… some SPS, LPS, and we’ll see what else.

For water movement I’ll order a few MP60’s. I’m not sure to what degree I’ll automate. I’m home 24/7/365 so it really isn’t a priority, but would like alarms going off should there be an issue I missed.

I’ll leave it here for now. I’m at the very start of this… still getting organized.

EliMelly · Friday at 7:04 PM

Good luck!

Liquid361 · Saturday at 9:38 AM

I’m going to run a macro reactor. I greatly appreciate beautifully designed, over engineered hardware. I REALLY love the Pax Bellum pieces. I spent awhile trying to understand the difference between the C30 and the N24. They are both rated for my system and have VASTLY different prices which confuses me. $900 vs $1600? While researching, I found a C30 on sale at Premium Aquatics for $1100 so I grabbed it despite still not really understanding the differences.
I’ve also been reading about issues others have had with this monster tank by CADE. Apparently it just doesn’t ship well and often has issues upon arrival which can take months to remedy. I’m happy to hear this because I needed something to stress out about.
I’ve been researching lighting as my next big purchase. I’ve used Kessil in the past as well as ecotech. I REALLY love the shimmer of the Kessil’s… but on a tank this size, I’m not sure. I’m also looking seriously at doing a hybrid system, using Aquatic Life’s 24in T5 Hybrid with the Radion G6 fixtures… I’m thinking 4, but I imagine I’d be fine with 3. I tend to go overboard in these situations, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Anybody have any thoughts or advice? I’d LOVE to hear any thoughts.

lubeck · Saturday at 10:39 AM

If your doing sps then go with four radions If not dominant sps then three should be fine.

Liquid361 · Sunday at 5:07 AM

lubeck said:
If your doing sps then go with four radions If not dominant sps then three should be fine.

I agree with you. I’m now trying to decide between the Pro and Blue. I really love the white light of the Pros, but also love the blue. If I’m going with four, would it be recommended to do two of each? Would this gain the benefits of both?

lubeck · Sunday at 5:29 AM

Liquid361 said:
I agree with you. I’m now trying to decide between the Pro and Blue. I really love the white light of the Pros, but also love the blue. If I’m going with four, would it be recommended to do two of each? Would this gain the benefits of both?

I’m not sure how it would blend. If you’re not supplementing with bars you might want to go blue. I was going to go blue but have four reefbrite bars and it was too blue. So switched to pros. I’m glad I did.

Liquid361 · Sunday at 5:42 AM

lubeck said:
I’m not sure how it would blend. If you’re not supplementing with bars you might want to go blue. I was going to go blue but have four reefbrite bars and it was too blue. So switched to pros. I’m glad I did.

My original thought was to use the hybrid blade to supplement Pros with blues… but then I thought it would save money to try blending the two… somebody has to have tried this don’t you think?

Liquid361 · Monday at 3:34 PM

I just placed an order from TBS for 200lbs of premium rock, 100lbs of base, and 120lbs of sand. It won’t arrive till beginning of march so that timeline should work for me. I never would’ve thought I’d spend so much on rock/sand… this hobby ain’t cheap!!
The tank ships this week and will arrive next week. So many things to do and so many things still to buy!!

Liquid361 · 2025-02-05T14:51:56-0500

I’m now trying to decide on a skimmer. I’ve narrowed it down to 3. The Elite 220 INT, the aeraqua duo ad600, and the NYOS quantum 220. Anyone have any directional advice here? I’m assuming they’re all really fine skimmers and I’d do well with either….?