Custom Aquarium characteristics for longevity

[Leyth]

Hey guys, I am going to be in the market for a custom aquarium soon and one of my most important criteria is that the tank is long lasting. I want a tank that will last 20+ years. Is that even feasible? There are many manufactures of custom aquariums that are high quality. However, I would like to get your opinions on what characteristics of a tank make it long lasting? For example, I don't really care about rimless vs eurobrace vs steel/aluminum bracing. Rimless and Eurobrace look great, but I would be willing to sacrifice that for peace of mind and longevity of the tank. Another characteristic that might have an effect is the panel thickness. Or does it?

From my research it seems like Reef savvy, Coast to coast, Miracles, and AGE are the go to manufactures for quality custom aquariums. I understand it will be expensive, but I am more interested in the peace of mind that this tank will last me a long time.

What characteristics of a tank would you aim for if your primary interest is the longevity of the tank and the dimensions you want are around 84x30x30?

Thanks ahead

 

[Dennis Cartier]

I vote eurobracing, top and bottom. If you get a Miracles, they can do one piece waterjetted top eurobracing. I was not aware of that option when I got my tank, but would definitely go that way if I was to do it again. Also, 3/4" (18 mm) glass is the minimum I would go.

Ordering a custom tank is an exciting process that does not happen very often. Take your time and get exactly what you want.

Dennis

 

[TheHarold]

Lifetime tank?

Thick glass, eurobracing + steel frame, bottom + glass triangular corner reinforcements.

 

[Njbjr]

Also think of ease to maintain. Have piping that can be broken down if needed as much as you feasibly can. I would say also watch for height make sure you don’t need a snorkel to place things. Had to hold my breath once never again lol.

 

[zalick]

What characteristics of a tank would you aim for if your primary interest is the longevity of the tank and the dimensions you want are around 84x30x30?

Thanks ahead

+1
Eurobrace top and bottom

also I would build a box the dimensions you are thinking of and verify that you can reach down and reach everywhere without putting your head in the water. I had a custom tank built that is 27 in and I thought I would be able to reach everywhere and I can't. Reaching straight down all the way to the bottom is incredibly difficult. I'm 5'10"

Exciting process!

 

[Nhltc99]

Everything I have ever heard is that Felix at Reef Savy is known for the best quality/durability and will look the best too. If it is in the budget, definitely look into it.

 

[Leyth]

Cool, so it sounds like eurobracing and 3/4" glass is the way to go. I also am concerned about having a 30" height for a tank as it will be hard to reach the bottom. However, I have a reefer 625 right now and I hate how I have to bend down to view the tank. I'm 5'11, but my eye level is with the top of the tank. Would I just want to opt for a taller stand then?

 

[zalick]

Cool, so it sounds like eurobracing and 3/4" glass is the way to go. I also am concerned about having a 30" height for a tank as it will be hard to reach the bottom. However, I have a reefer 625 right now and I hate how I have to bend down to view the tank. I'm 5'11, but my eye level is with the top of the tank. Would I just want to opt for a taller stand then?

I think my stand is 42". I love staring directly in the middle!

 

[Njbjr]

Gonna need a stepladder

 

[Marlon C]

Reef savvy looks great their lead time is something like a 8months

 

[ca1ore]

Well, I had a world class 180 last me 20 years. Essentially identical to the older glass cages tank. You don’t say specifically a glass tank; though since that’s what most people buy I’ll assume that. Top and bottom eurobracing to start. A few of the custom makers do this. Avoid holes in the bottom panel; go high with a ghost style overflow. Go up a wall thickness, not only for bowing but for a larger seam surface on the vertical seams. Most important is the stand. Make sure it’s perfectly coplanar and the floor cannot deflect. A friend of mine who used to build tanks always felt that bad stands contributed to tank failures more frequently than problems with the actual tank. Probably why most tank warranties are related to the stand you use.

 

[Thub]

Is there any reason why nobody's mentioned an acrylic tank? I would think the solvent welding process would guarantee that the seams never fail.

 

[Bluespottedjawfish1]

I have a double bow front 260 gallon 96x30 acrylic from ATM that I have had up and running for 15 years and I love it. Sure, acrylic can scratch but it can also be repaired. I do not know why people complain about 30" deep as you can have different light zones and a more diverse species population. My tank is a full combined reef with SPS, LPS and some NPS.