Glass clarity across custom tank builders

[BiCoastal]

Hello Community!
Back after a while. I am moving to the west coast which means it’s time for a new tank! I am considering a peninsula style in the 72”x36”x24” range. I have considered the options from the usual brands and Cade 1800P comes close with its 30” width. I am seriously considering a custom tank this time around.

I have heard good stuff about the following
1- reef saavy- sounds like big bucks and a lot of wait time.
2- miracle - an option
3- Planet aquarium. - an option

Anyone has experience with the clarity of glass available from these manufacturers? Specially planet aquarium. I can’t find anything about low iron/star fire/other low iron glass brands on their website.

Appreciate help and guidance.

 

[billyocean]

I would throw glass cages in the choices as well.

 

[erichatesmice]

I have personally owned an Elos, Reef Savvy, CDA, and currently Cade.

Although Cade has the nicest stand I’ve owned, and their tanks are nice, of all four their “Opticlear” glass is the greenest, and noticeably so… at least on my tank. I am happy with the tank in most respects but I was admittedly disappointed since Cade owners love to tout how clear their glass is. It IS low-iron glass though because it is definitely less green than the other “plain” glass I source locally.

Reef Savvy had the clearest glass for me with CDA a close second. I had my Elos a very long time ago and replaced it with the Reef Savvy. At the time I compared the two and I remember noticing that the Reef Savvy was clearer. But I can’t compare Elos with the other tanks. I mention CDA because you said you were moving to the West Coast and CDA is big in California.

But when comparing the Reef Savvy to the Cade, the color is obvious, no squinting necessary. My Reef Savvy tank is an older model, purchased back in 2015 or 2016. The Cade is an S900 Reef that I purchased a few months ago. Both tanks have 1/2” glass.

 

[N1tew0lf1212]

@Joe Glass Cages this is the way to go for sure

 

[pandaparties]

Super happy with my miracles. It's an in between price wise compared to the other two but clarity is amazing and it's built to last. Super clean silicone too

 

[BiCoastal]

Thanks guys. Much appreciated.

I have reached out to miracle and an LFS that works with planet. I have inquired about the clarity of the glass. Hopefully will get some info soon.

I will reach out to reef savvy as well. Who knows maybe the wait time Will be manageable. This tank will go into my home office that has a super clean and modern aesthetic and I want the tank to match. I will probably end up staring at it for half the day

 

[BiCoastal]

I have personally owned an Elos, Reef Savvy, CDA, and currently Cade.

Although Cade has the nicest stand I’ve owned, and their tanks are nice, of all four their “Opticlear” glass is the greenest, and noticeably so… at least on my tank. I am happy with the tank in most respects but I was admittedly disappointed since Cade owners love to tout how clear their glass is. It IS low-iron glass though because it is definitely less green than the other “plain” glass I source locally.

Reef Savvy had the clearest glass for me with CDA a close second. I had my Elos a very long time ago and replaced it with the Reef Savvy. At the time I compared the two and I remember noticing that the Reef Savvy was clearer. But I can’t compare Elos with the other tanks. I mention CDA because you said you were moving to the West Coast and CDA is big in California.

But when comparing the Reef Savvy to the Cade, the color is obvious, no squinting necessary. My Reef Savvy tank is an older model, purchased back in 2015 or 2016. The Cade is an S900 Reef that I purchased a few months ago. Both tanks have 1/2” glass.

I haven’t looked into CDA. Will do that as well. I am moving to Seattle. So California is not that far away

 

[BiCoastal]

Super happy with my miracles. It's an in between price wise compared to the other two but clarity is amazing and it's built to last. Super clean silicone too

Hi @pandaparties. When you say in between the two, you mean between planet and Cade? Which one has the highest clarity between the three in your opinion. Thanks.

 

[pandaparties]

Hi @pandaparties. When you say in between the two, you mean between planet and Cade? Which one has the highest clarity between the three in your opinion. Thanks.

No sorry price wise miracles is probably in between plant and reef savvy. My wait time was also like 6 months which is way less than I was told for savvy. Reef savvy probably highest clarity but I'd say miracles is definitely a step up from Cade/planet and any others I've seen. C2C has some nice glass too