Glass Tank Type

[Deeron]

I've had a 2'x2'x4' glass reef tank with euro brace top and low iron glass for over 15 years, and want to go to a 6' long tank. I will use wood trim on the top and bottom of tank and am now wondering why I wouldn't save money and go with the plastic braced tank. I also don't know that low iron glass has significant advantages with the newer led lights. Any drawbacks that i'm not seeing with this approach?

 

[Ron Reefman]

Welcome to Reef2Reef! How is it that you haven't been here over the last 15 years! ;Hilarious;Hilarious;Hilarious

#Welcome

Two issues come to mind right away. Wood rots, plastic doesn't. Using leds doesn't change the fact that regular glass adds a green tint that low iron glass doesn't. Oh, and if you have to brace a tank, I'd much rather have a good euro braced tank than a center brace.

 

[Deeron]

Thanks Ron. I've belonged to other sites in the past and didn't take advantage of the resource much. I like what I see here and plan to get more. Anyone have experience going from higher end to basic tank that i noted. Its a big cost savings and my LFS owner thinks its a no-brainer.

 

[Pistondog]

Thanks Ron. I've belonged to other sites in the past and didn't take advantage of the resource much. I like what I see here and plan to get more. Anyone have experience going from higher end to basic tank that i noted. Its a big cost savings and my LFS owner thinks its a no-brainer.

Usually the other way.
I've a couple of small waterboxes which I perceive to be clearer that the 75g Marineland, but..
6 foot, don't want to risk mechanical failures, so get a good one.
And welcome.

 

[X-37B]

Its personel preference really.
I prefer a rimmed tank.
My 120 has a center and each end glass brace.
I do not like the plastic center brace.
I cant tell much of a difference with low iron vs regular.
You dont really see the green/iron in the glass when their is water in it imo. I have had both.
I prefer a welded steel stand that has been coated over wood stands.
Still have not skinned my stand after 14 months lol.
Here is a pic from my recliner I just took.

 

[Deeron]

Nice. Any tips on where to get the metal stand at decent price? I may go that direction.

 

[Auquanut]

Welcome old timer! I have a 6' tank with the glass center brace. If I had it to do again, I'd go with eurobracing. Too much calcification on the center brace and it's impossible to get off of the under side. I also have a 6' FW tank with the plastic center brace. It's got a much narrower profile, but I'm just not as confident in it's structural integrity. As far as the low iron glass goes, I've seen them both side by side and you can see the difference. To be honest, I'm not sure I could tell the difference if they weren't side by side.

 

[Reefacist]

Welcome!! I’m new to this hobby so let me give you my opinion. I bought a tank before actually getting involved with this site and corals. My thought process was just like yours “it’s just a tank. Why waste money” so I bought a center braced 120(4x2x2). Then I read and read and started learning about corals and all the new equipment involved. At the end yes maybe I saved a little by buying my tank/stand used for 200$ But after the amount of money I spent for everything else I think my next tank will 100% buy the newest and best tank out there. I mean you are going to house so much expensive fish and corals you would want to make sure you have the best glass to view through. It’s like buying a tv now without 4K...IM using this tank to learn everything and once I get a hang of things and able to grow sps i am definitely upgrading to the biggest waterbox available at the time. You don’t have to buy waterbox or other expensive reef ready tanks. You can even buy from sca or planet aquariums. If your trying to save maybe use cheaper leds like AI primes or diy your own sump but please don’t go cheap glass for your aquarium.