75 Gallon Aqueon Tempered in back...?

[ZsWithTheFishes]

Spoiler alert! They definitely have tempered backs - in spite of a great deal of research, passing the laptop/polarized sun glasses test (but obviously I'm no expert), and calling the manufacturer to make sure ("no, they usually don't in the back but you will void your warranty!") I found it out the hard way today when drilling for my bean animal overflow. It exploded into roughly 1000 pieces

Now - one step closer to stress-related heart failure later - I'm looking for suggestions on tanks! I was planning for a 75 gallon but I'm not opposed to up to 150. I'm not opposed to maintenance if that makes a difference (my freshwater tanks might appreciate the attention divergence). I'd like to stay under $500 if possible, but most of the "reef ready tanks" I've seen are very pricey, have an unsightly overflow, and don't have a stated focus on quietness, which was my main reason for the b.a. overflow.

 

[Pntbll687]

If you want to drill a tank, then buy a used one on Craigslist or FB market place, or even on here. That's if the warranty is not of value to you.

If you care about the warranty, you could get a reef ready tank that has two overflows. Use one as a Herbie setup, and the other as dual returns. That way you have both a also overflow and a warranty. Marineland/Perfecto tanks aren't too expensive new, and I believe you might be able to transfer the warranty.

But just weigh warranty vs no warranty.

 

[ZsWithTheFishes]

I'm leaning towards a reef ready but they seem so expensive for the two holes in the bottom and piece of plastic for the overflow. I wasn't worried about the warranty on the one I had, it was relatively cheap and I had come to terms with cracking the tank (but maybe not the explosion...) before I even bought the hole saw.
I have very limited ability to buy used since I'm in a fairly rural area, so I would like to buy something that I could have delivered to me or the closest big box stores.

If $500 isn't a reasonable cap then I wouldn't be opposed to waiting and saving up.

 

[don_chuwish]

My 4x2x2 NOT reef ready 120G Aqueon was under $500 new. 1/2" glass drilled easily.

 

[reefpaddy]

Wish I had read this post before doing the exact same thing this evening! there is some pop once it goes...

Might try a local glass shop to get a replacement non tempered back panel.

 

[NS Mike D]

Might try a local glass shop to get a replacement non tempered back panel.

^ this, plus they can drill the holes for you while they are at it

 

[Jesterrace]

I'm leaning towards a reef ready but they seem so expensive for the two holes in the bottom and piece of plastic for the overflow. I wasn't worried about the warranty on the one I had, it was relatively cheap and I had come to terms with cracking the tank (but maybe not the explosion...) before I even bought the hole saw.
I have very limited ability to buy used since I'm in a fairly rural area, so I would like to buy something that I could have delivered to me or the closest big box stores.

If $500 isn't a reasonable cap then I wouldn't be opposed to waiting and saving up.

Given the money, time and stress, I think you already found out that any potential savings wasn't worth it. Outside of this website here, I don't know anyone who recommends drilling tanks on their own. How far away is your nearest LFS? I guess I am lucky, I have an LFS that orders tanks at cost (and a 20% discount to boot), so I got a 90 gallon pre-drilled tank with corner overflow for $238. *EDIT* The problem is that pre-drilled tanks are an absolute rip-off online. I can't believe what they wanted at fishtanksdirect for the tank I bought. It might be worth a drive to get one from a local store.