Acrylic tank, are these seams safe?

[David M.]

I'm brand new to acrylic tanks, have used glass exclusively for the past 10 years or so. I'm considering purchasing this custom 46x36x19 (~130g), I would not get to see it in person prior to purchasing as the seller is states away and will be shipping it to me. I asked the seller for pictures of the seams and he replied with surprising honesty, very grateful for that! But now I would like your opinions on if this is worth the money in the long run. He did mention he has some acrylic bonding solution on order and plans to fill the gaps prior to shipping, though I'm not sure if that will be of any value or not. As they currently sit, would you consider these seems trustworthy and of no concern?

There are also a fair few scratches but from what I've read about acrylic tanks they're easy-ish to buff out and may not be visible with water in the tank.

The tank is roughly 6-7 years old, per the seller. I would be paying $2,800 for the set-up which would include the stand, lighting, sump, skimmer, etc. I feel if the tank is in a good safe condition it's worth the money. Please see the attached photos and hit me with your opinions, thanks in advance!

 

[Gobyboy]

was it used previously? It seems to have some scratches. I would personaly go to your local lfs and ask if they think it is ok or an expert. Or just get a new tank since it is scracthed which most reefers like myslef do not like.

 

[afrokobe]

for that price, you could probably get a new acrylic tank built. I would not risk it.

 

[David M.]

It was used, seller states it was in use for 6-7 years. And you're right @afrokobe I got a quote for 1.6k for brand new. The reason I'm considering this one is because it comes with a custom stand, custom sump, Kessil AP700, skimmer, and corals. To me, if it's deemed safe, it would be worth the money.

 

[David M.]

After speaking with my LFS owner, and the opinions received here, I've decided to pass on the tank. It's just not worth the risk. Thank you all for your opinions!

 

[Miami Reef]

After speaking with my LFS owner, and the opinions received here, I've decided to pass on the tank. It's just not worth the risk. Thank you all for your opinions!

It honestly wasn’t even a good deal. I expect a much cheaper price for a used tank.

 

[David M.]

To be honest, I think I was overly excited to find a tank at the exact dimensions I've been looking for. The price was a bit high, though I was willing to pay it. That being said I've been in contact with Fishtanksdirect who quoted $1,695, Midwest Custom Aquariums who quoted $1,395, and awaiting a quote from @Joe Glass Cages whom I'm hoping has a competitive quote and turnaround time because I would love a tank from them. Either way, newer and cheaper is clearly the winner here. Have to remind myself to be patient some times!

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

To be honest, I think I was overly excited to find a tank at the exact dimensions I've been looking for. The price was a bit high, though I was willing to pay it. That being said I've been in contact with Fishtanksdirect who quoted $1,695, Midwest Custom Aquariums who quoted $1,395, and awaiting a quote from @Joe Glass Cages whom I'm hoping has a competitive quote and turnaround time because I would love a tank from them. Either way, newer and cheaper is clearly the winner here. Have to remind myself to be patient some times!

Hi @David M.

Thank for reaching out to us. Did you get your quote back? We typically have all quotes back same day.. Let me know.

 

[Midrats]

Plus the seller was into model trains. I avoid train foamers at all cost!

 

[dmsc2fs]

Plus the seller was into model trains. I avoid train foamers at all cost!

It could be Sheldon Coopers place.

 

[David M.]

Hi @David M.

Thank for reaching out to us. Did you get your quote back? We typically have all quotes back same day.. Let me know.

I did, received your quote this morning, thank you for checking in. I also want to say I'm extremely impressed with your response time. I sent my quote request and had an email back from you in 3 minutes. Insane!

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Hi David. We can build your aquarium for $950 plus shipping. No charge for black back or for overflows. The material will be 3/8 inch cell cast acrylic. We can discuss your filtration and stand options if you like.

 

[afrokobe]

I have to say the original stand on the one you were planning to buy looks pretty awesome. Love the stain on the wood and looks like an actual furniture piece. Aquarium stands are probably the biggest sticking point for the gf.

 

[David M.]

I have to say the original stand on the one you were planning to buy looks pretty awesome. Love the stain on the wood and looks like an actual furniture piece. Aquarium stands are probably the biggest sticking point for the gf.

Agreed, I loved how it looked like it would fit in with a living room. That being said, I've gotten with my woodworking/welding buddy back in my home state and he'll be building me a custom welded steel + skinned stand. Very excited for that.

 

[David M.]

Hi David. We can build your aquarium for $950 plus shipping. No charge for black back or for overflows. The material will be 3/8 inch cell cast acrylic. We can discuss your filtration and stand options if you like.

Thanks for the reply, am I correct in understanding Tenecor is now back under the ownership of the original founder? I've read of some quality issues in the past and want to be sure I can expect the top quality craftsmanship you used to be known for. And with that, I don't mean any disrespect. Just an average reefer doing my due diligence.

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Hi David. We can build your aquarium for $950 plus shipping. No charge for black back or for overflows. The material will be 3/8 inch cell cast acrylic. We can discuss your filtration and stand options if you like.

Yes, original ownership. You won't be disappointed with our quality. A few additional points to consider: 1) we would custom CNC machine the top to accommodate your preferred lighting options. Custom CNC machined lids with feeding hatches are also included. Our stands are 45/45 45/90 extruded aluminum profile with BigFoot leveling legs. They can be skinned with almost any finish you like. Attached is a photo of a 60 inch bow front freshwater we just finished up that shows the lid and feeding hatch design. If you are thinking of setting up a frag tank, we can show you some additional designs we are working on that would be even less expensive.

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Thanks for the reply, am I correct in understanding Tenecor is now back under the ownership of the original founder? I've read of some quality issues in the past and want to be sure I can expect the top quality craftsmanship you used to be known for. And with that, I don't mean any disrespect. Just an average reefer doing my due diligence.

Please see my reply to my post. Clicked on the wrong link..

 

[David M.]

Yes, original ownership. You won't be disappointed with our quality. A few additional points to consider: 1) we would custom CNC machine the top to accommodate your preferred lighting options. Custom CNC machined lids with feeding hatches are also included. Our stands are 45/45 45/90 extruded aluminum profile with BigFoot leveling legs. They can be skinned with almost any finish you like. Attached is a photo of a 60 inch bow front freshwater we just finished up that shows the lid and feeding hatch design. If you are thinking of setting up a frag tank, we can show you some additional designs we are working on that would be even less expensive.

That's great to hear, I'll send you an email and we can chat some more.

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

I did, received your quote this morning, thank you for checking in. I also want to say I'm extremely impressed with your response time. I sent my quote request and had an email back from you in 3 minutes. Insane!

excellent. Here to support even if you select a different builder. We just enjoy supporting and serving in this hobby.

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

Yes, original ownership. You won't be disappointed with our quality. A few additional points to consider: 1) we would custom CNC machine the top to accommodate your preferred lighting options. Custom CNC machined lids with feeding hatches are also included. Our stands are 45/45 45/90 extruded aluminum profile with BigFoot leveling legs. They can be skinned with almost any finish you like. Attached is a photo of a 60 inch bow front freshwater we just finished up that shows the lid and feeding hatch design. If you are thinking of setting up a frag tank, we can show you some additional designs we are working on that would be even less expensive.

Looking amazing @Tenecor Aquariums

Excited for you and the new direction!