Aquarium Pricing Differences

shakinghorizons · Apr 6, 2017

I put out a request to numerous tank manufactures and am blown away by the price differences.

60x36x30 - Low iron on the front and 2 sides.

AGE - $3500 shipped (1/2" glass, 1" PVC bottom, 1 1/4" Stainless frame)

Reef Savvy - $6670 + shipping (3/4" Glass, Armored Seams, Phantom Bottom)

Custom Aquariums - $2690 shipped (5/8" front-back-bottom 1/2" side glass, aluminum frame)

Coast to Coast - $6585 shipped (3/4" Glass)

Glass Cages - $3878 shipped (3/4" Glass)

Miracles - $4495 shipped (3/4" Glass)

SCA - $2950 shipped (19/32" - quoted as 15mm Glass)

Now, I have no problem paying for quality - especially when it comes to housing 280 gallons of water in my living room, but yikes! What could possibly make a difference to the point where a tank costs twice as much as another?!?!?!

AndrewNC · Apr 6, 2017

I've heard good things about reef savvy tanks and their craftsmanship is very good. They look awesome. Supposedly their customer service is excellent but I don't have any personal experience just word on the street. Also double the cost of a Glass Cage which I do have. Their sealant work is a little sloppy but they're solid tanks and I guess more sealant is better than less. Nothing special with a GC but they get the job done

BlueCursor · Apr 6, 2017

I would avoid stainless steel frames. They can rust over time with saltwater. I have never seen how the aluminum top frame holds up, but my polished aluminum reef tools never get oxidation. So that is a great indicator for aluminum frames.

Another consideration is glass thickness. 1/2" sides means anything you put on the side can use standard magnets. 3/4" glass will require oversized magnets.

Search and read reviews on the different manufacturers and how happy people are with them. I have seen a lot of complaints about Glass Cages.

On a separate note, you are building the exact size tank I want my next build to be! I'm so jealous. If I had the money, I would get Custom Aquariums with the front and back glass tempered 1/2", ultra clear glass. Sides would be ultra clear too. While I was spending money, I would temper the bottom glass too. I would have to get everything predrilled before they temper it, but what's another chunk of cash matter when you are already spending $6k?

shakinghorizons · Apr 6, 2017

BlueCursor said:
On a separate note, you are building the exact size tank I want my next build to be! I'm so jealous. If I had the money, I would get Custom Aquariums with the front and back glass tempered 1/2", ultra clear glass. Sides would be ultra clear too. While I was spending money, I would temper the bottom glass too. I would have to get everything predrilled before they temper it, but what's another chunk of cash matter when you are already spending $6k?

Why would you go down to 1/2" from 5/8" on the front and back? Also, why would you want everything tampered?

gcarroll · Apr 6, 2017

BlueCursor said:
I would avoid stainless steel frames. They can rust over time with saltwater. I have never seen how the aluminum top frame holds up, but my polished aluminum reef tools never get oxidation. So that is a great indicator for aluminum frames.

AGE's stainless steel frames are powder coated. Rust isn't an issue. In the last 2 years at least 7 members our our club have got their tanks from them ranging from 400 - 800g. Everyone was very happy with their work. My tank that I am building is also from them. 62" x 36" x 28"

Here is one of them
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/out-of-the-flood-resurrection-of-my-650-gallon-system.239836/

Greaps · Apr 6, 2017

SCA which I own is very nice, but I did see the owner commenting in facebook how the clearer than normal glass does come in different clarities its not true starfire apparently. This factors into its price. Mine is the 50g tank and will be upgrading with them something custom in the future.

KJAG · Apr 6, 2017

Whatever you go with, I think its critical to look past the branding and outrageous upmarks and realize the aquarium manufacturing process for what it is. Glass is glass is glass is glass. At least if youre dealing with Starphire which is a PPG product and is the exact same product regardless of the tank builder you order from. Further, say you want diamond polished beveled edges(an industry standard.) The tank builder does not employ that process. Its done in the glass factory. In short, that leaves the aquarium builder with some fairly basic manufacturing techniques: knowing how to properly set a bead of silicone and knowing how to drill some holes. Occasionally cutting some glass for unique overflows.
Paying thousands more for some extra glass pieces ("armoured seams") or other processes with killer names attached to them doesnt personally warrant shelling out two or three grand more, in my opinion.

Michael Montgomery · Apr 6, 2017

Dayum... Those are HUGE differences...

ReeferDave01 · Apr 6, 2017

I got my 72x36x30 glass tank on black Friday from local fish store with stand and lid for $990. Aqueon brand. Additional $200 for delivery & set up. Go on their site, find a store near you (may need to have store custom order it) and will save ton of money. Oh and it already had 2 overflows with plumbing. And lifetime warranty.

Fumanchu · Apr 6, 2017

Exactly I couldn't have said it better it's what's in the tank that really matters in this hobby ultimately

Fumanchu · Apr 6, 2017

Exactly I couldn't have said it better it's what's in the tank that really matters in this hobby ultimately

Fumanchu · Apr 6, 2017

Sorry for the multiple post

KJAG · Apr 6, 2017

BlueCursor said:
I would avoid stainless steel frames. They can rust over time with saltwater.

Depends on the grade of stainless. 304 will rust but 316 will not. Especially in an application like an aquarium stand.

gcarroll · Apr 6, 2017

Fumanchu said:
Exactly I couldn't have said it better it's what's in the tank that really matters in this hobby ultimately

Unless what is in the tank ends up on your family room floor!

vertigo01 · Apr 6, 2017

Just throwing this out there but have you priced Planet Aquariums?
They do custom builds as well as standard sizes.

shakinghorizons · Apr 6, 2017

vertigo01 said:
Just throwing this out there but have you priced Planet Aquariums?
They do custom builds as well as standard sizes.

I don't do Facebook, so I have no way of contacting them. This alone took them out of the running - I can't stand companies that rely solely on a 3rd party for marketing/contact.

BlueCursor · Apr 6, 2017

shakinghorizons said:
Why would you go down to 1/2" from 5/8" on the front and back? Also, why would you want everything tampered?

For a 60"x30" glass panel 1/2" is too thin unless you temper it. But 1/2" means small magnets, smaller algae scrapper stuck to the tank, etc. Also, 1/2" inch glass is clearer than 3/4" glass. 5/8" is cutting it close on thickness.

Trevor203 · Apr 6, 2017

For that size go acrylic I have a 180 glass and I moved it twice. I just ordered my new tank acrylic 210 3/4 inch and it is half the weight. And I got it made for me for a really good price with exactly what overflows I want. where I want them. I like being able for two people to move the tank and not need a crew

KJAG · Apr 6, 2017

BlueCursor said:
For a 60"x30" glass panel 1/2" is too thin unless you temper it. But 1/2" means small magnets, smaller algae scrapper stuck to the tank, etc. Also, 1/2" inch glass is clearer than 3/4" glass. 5/8" is cutting it close on thickness.

Just to avoid the risk of anecdotal conjecture, can you elaborate and provide some data based analysis on how 1/2" glass is quote "too thin" for his dimensions?