Custom Tank builders - who’s everyone using?

[UCF Alum]

Title says it all.
I'm looking to get a 425 built. I want low iron glass on the front panel. No acrylic.
Who did you use if you have a custom tank and do you like the build quality? Any info is appreciated.

 

[fishguy242]

hi i would reccomend talk to joe at @Joe Glass Cages ,new owner ,nice tanks ,can talk to him,not a salesman!!! ,happy reefing ,good luck on the big boy

 

[Oldreefer44]

IMO, Reef Savvy and Custom Aquariums are considered the two "top of the line" builders, by most people, that fit your description. I chose Custom because Reef Savvy had a huge back log. If money is a major factor then their are several other options you will find referenced on this forum.

 

[JoshH]

Good little read, my review of my Miracles Aquariums tank is in there somewhere....

Your thoughts on custom tank manufacturers?

So lately I seem to see a lot of threads popping up on advice on custom tank manufacturers and which ones people would recommend. Last fall I went through the same process myself and landed on a manufacturer here in Canada. But it's recently dawned on me that in my search and even combing...

www.reef2reef.com

If cost is of absolutely no concern, I would say ELO's.

Other than that in no particular order...

Reef Savvy
Miracles
Tank Me USA

@OLDREEFER44 Mind taking some time and sharing your experience with Custom in the thread I linked above?

 

[45ZoaGarden]

+1 Reef savvy. I had one back in the day. It was a fantastic tank. Unfortunately had to sell it and downsize when I moved. You can’t go wrong with custom aquariums either. I prefer reef savvy though just because I’ve personally owned one and loved it.

IMO, Reef Savvy and Custom Aquariums are considered the two "top of the line" builders, by most people, that fit your description. I chose Custom because Reef Savvy had a huge back log. If money is a major factor then their are several other options you will find referenced on this forum.

 

[Murica]

+1 custom aquariums. Very durable, reliable tanks and have a lifetime if you purchase one of their stands (stands are pricey to compensate)

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

My buddy just purchased a custom 460g from Miracles. Front glass has low e, and the build quality looks really good. He went with all the bells and whistles and the price was reasonable.

 

[FFFishy]

Reef Savvy . . . . worth the wait.

 

[Oldreefer44]

Good little read, my review of my Miracles Aquariums tank is in there somewhere....

Your thoughts on custom tank manufacturers?

So lately I seem to see a lot of threads popping up on advice on custom tank manufacturers and which ones people would recommend. Last fall I went through the same process myself and landed on a manufacturer here in Canada. But it's recently dawned on me that in my search and even combing...

www.reef2reef.com

If cost is of absolutely no concern, I would say ELO's.

Other than that in no particular order...

Reef Savvy
Miracles
Tank Me USA

@OLDREEFER44 Mind taking some time and sharing your experience with Custom in the thread I linked above?

In the middle of the process as we speak. I will create a build thread etc as well as respond to your thread when I feel like I have enough to objectively contribute. I can say that Custom is willing to build just about anything you want as long as you are willing to pay for it and will work with personally with you to make sure you get it. As mentioned above, they have a great warranty. One of my primary reasons for going with them was the ability to have them customize the wood and finishes on the cabinet so that it would reasonably match the rest of the furniture in my office. I wanted something other than what I would call "IKEA" style cabinets that are so common.

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

hi i would reccomend talk to joe at @Joe Glass Cages ,new owner ,nice tanks ,can talk to him,not a salesman!!! ,happy reefing ,good luck on the big boy

Thanks @fishguy242. Thanks for the support. Always love talking TANKS.

@UCF Alum, Not sure if you are interested or not. I welcome the opportunity to talk tanks if you like. even if you decide to go with a different build. I want to support the hobby as much as possible. Education is key for making the best fit for you. Thanks again. Have a beautiful day!

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

G

Good little read, my review of my Miracles Aquariums tank is in there somewhere....

Your thoughts on custom tank manufacturers?

So lately I seem to see a lot of threads popping up on advice on custom tank manufacturers and which ones people would recommend. Last fall I went through the same process myself and landed on a manufacturer here in Canada. But it's recently dawned on me that in my search and even combing...

www.reef2reef.com

If cost is of absolutely no concern, I would say ELO's.

Other than that in no particular order...

Reef Savvy
Miracles
Tank Me USA

@OLDREEFER44 Mind taking some time and sharing your experience with Custom in the thread I linked above?

Great Builders @JoshH

 

[JoshH]

G

Great Builders @JoshH

They are great builders, however, they are also not the most economical of choices and when it comes to larger tanks the costs can add up quickly. They are also not always the quickest to respond to any questions or concerns. My suggestions for anyone is to shop around and talk to as many builders as possible which is a big reason I put together the thread.

No matter the budget or build size there is always a good fit for customers and builders alike.

 

[45ZoaGarden]

I love that stand as well! It’s beautiful woodwork!

Reef Savvy . . . . worth the wait.

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

They are great builders, however, they are also not the most economical of choices and when it comes to larger tanks the costs can add up quickly. They are also not always the quickest to respond to any questions or concerns. My suggestions for anyone is to shop around and talk to as many builders as possible which is a big reason I put together the thread.

No matter the budget or build size there is always a good fit for customers and builders alike.

Totally agree @JoshH.

Well at Glass Cages we put our tanks through rigorous testing. Today we tested the strength of a 3/4" thick glass 36 x 36 x 36 tank. We threw the following objects at the tank; 2 different cell phones, marker, toilet paper, lighter, shoe, wood plank, water bottle, full soda, fudge round, apple, umbrella, tv remote and a bowling ball. Well the bowling ball was the only object to not only scratch the tank but break the tank with a nicely circular hole. Radical times here at Glass Cages.

 

[Katrina71]

hi i would reccomend talk to joe at @Joe Glass Cages ,new owner ,nice tanks ,can talk to him,not a salesman!!! ,happy reefing ,good luck on the big boy

Agreed!

 

[Plecosam]

Gary Maher or Dennison Seeto make quality tanks and cabinetry.

 

[Greybeard]

I went with Planet Aquariums. I'm quite happy with the quality, and the price was reasonable, as was the build time.

 

[sreefs]

Coast to Coast made a very nice 72x30W x25h for me.

 

[Ultra Aquatics]

About to take delivery of a 280g from Miracles, they’ve been fantastic to work with and wait time was reasonable.
I’ve also had a Reef Savvy 225g, it was a great tank but your going to wait a long time for one.

 

[45ZoaGarden]

Totally agree @JoshH.

Well at Glass Cages we put our tanks through rigorous testing. Today we tested the strength of a 3/4" thick glass 36 x 36 x 36 tank. We threw the following objects at the tank; 2 different cell phones, marker, toilet paper, lighter, shoe, wood plank, water bottle, full soda, fudge round, apple, umbrella, tv remote and a bowling ball. Well the bowling ball was the only object to not only scratch the tank but break the tank with a nicely circular hole. Radical times here at Glass Cages.

I think my wife could’ve gotten the tv remote through the tank. LOL