Choosing Between Innovative Marine and Waterbox for a 200-Gallon Mixed Reef – Your Input Wanted!

[MKReefTank]

Hi NJ reefing community!

After a few years away from the hobby, I'm finally planning my return. I plan on setting up a ~200-gallon mixed reef system, and I'm currently stuck between Innovative Marine and Waterbox Aquariums.

• Tank: Innovative Marine INT 200 (or should I got with the ext model?) vs Waterbox Infinia Reef 230.6
• Livestock Goal: Mixed reef (softies, LPS, and some SPS down the line)

What I Need Help With:​

If you have hands-on experience with either brand, I’d love to hear:

• What made you choose one over the other?
• I’ve read some mixed feedback about Waterbox stand durability and cabinet swelling—how big of an issue is that in real life?
• With the IM INT model, do you use powerheads along the overflow wall?
• How has your tank held up over time (especially seams, plumbing, stand quality)?
• Any regrets or things you’d do differently?
• Would you recommend one over the other for a long-term build?

I’m open to all thoughts—good, bad, brutally honest. Photos, links to your build threads, or long-term reviews would be incredibly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help! Excited to be diving back in!

 

[kevin]

I purchased an IM SR80 AIO in November for black friday from the Hidden Reef. I was going to go with the SR60 INT, but they had the SR80 AIO on display & we really liked it.
Quality tank
Quality stand.
The newer stands now have the feet so even better. The Hidden reef has a bunch in stock.
I went with IM because I already had a IM 30g and like the Quality of that.
I looked at waterbox, but I liked being able to see IM in person & IM always has deals.

 

[nightmarepl]

Water box seems cheap to me compared to IM stuff i have int 200 things a beast heavy as all hell but pure quality

 

[The Gooch]

Went with an IM 200g ext because it was a better buy, and superior IMO. Eurobracing, acrylic sump, even came with a screen lid and quality return pump. Stand is aluminum so corrosion is not an issue.

The cons to the 200g IM is the weight. The tank alone with 3/4” glass is 470lbs. I moved cross braced tanks over 300g much easier than the IM tank. The sump doesn’t accommodate a roller, I don’t use one anyway. Not sure if the new ones come with self leveling feet. I used like 4 packs of composite shims lol.

If you have the space definitely get the ext model. It’s nice not having an overflow box blocking flow and taking up space.

 

[kevin]

Went with an IM 200g ext because it was a better buy, and superior IMO. Eurobracing, acrylic sump, even came with a screen lid and quality return pump. Stand is aluminum so corrosion is not an issue.

The cons to the 200g IM is the weight. The tank alone with 3/4” glass is 470lbs. I moved cross braced tanks over 300g much easier than the IM tank. The sump doesn’t accommodate a roller, I don’t use one anyway. Not sure if the new ones come with self leveling feet. I used like 4 packs of composite shims lol.

If you have the space definitely get the ext model. It’s nice not having an overflow box blocking flow and taking up space.

Yeah all the new ones have leveling feet.
I got the older version as well without them. Shims galore lol

 

[Eddie]

I bought a waterbox infinia frag 125.4 and loved the quality of the entire set up. My only complaint with waterbox is that the stand doesn't ever seem to have room for any extra equipment and the Waterbox Infinia Reef 230.6 seems to have the same problem based on the website

 

[horseplay]

I had both brands before and won't hesitate to get either one. Decide base on the features you need either will be fine.

 

[Boehmtown]

I got an innovative marine 112 , love the stand, love the tank. As long as it lasts I can't imagine wanting anything else. Also they have an extendable 5 year warranty.

 

[WifePriceReefer]

I've had both - but I'd go with Waterbox. Plus if you look around you can find a coupon code. Typically 15%.

 

[MKReefTank]

Thank you all for your input. I ended up going with an IM INT 170

 

[DEL]

If im correct, IM has been around a lot longer. I usually go with brands that have been around a long time. Just my opinion