Lagoon style tank...on the hunt

[Cwentz758]

Hello all I’m currently in the hunt for a lagoon style tank. Preferably between 100-150 gallons. With an external overflow and included stand. I’ve looked into the MODE infinity series which I like the concept a lot with what’s included especially for the price. However I’ve been reaching out with questions to no response. I’ve also looked at the Nuvo 100 and 150 which I believe are too deep.

both of those have euro bracing which creates a lighting mounting issue as I don’t want to hang. I’d like the dimensions to be around 48x24-30x20-22

many suggestions?

 

[JoshH]

I'll edit this, just realized you wanted the external overflow. You'll have to go custom for that, there really is nothing that I'm aware of that's stock. However if you go with a builder such as SCA, Planet Aquariums or Glass Cages, these builders offer stands as well as some others

 

[Cwentz758]

So I compared a few similar tanks with pros and cons.

MODE 135g Infinity

Pros:
All equipment included (sump, plumbing, stand)
Plumbing is uPVC

External overflow that’s flush with back glass

Dimensions (I personally like the tank size) 47.25L x 29.5w x 20h

Aluminum cabinet (light weight)
Magnetic pop on/off doors

FREE SHIPPING

Added depth provides unique aquascape

Cons:
Customer service is questionable (based on forum chatter, reviews, and personal I responded email.)

Euro Bracing - Causes issues for mounting lights if you use rimless tank mounts and don’t want to hang lights.

uPVC is more expensive and harder to come by

No extra room under the tank. (Sump takes up almost the whole underside leaving no room for battery backup/controllers.)

Planet Aquarium Crystaline Premium Reef 151g (total water volume)
60x24x21

Pros:
Longer - Leaves extra room under tank for equipment/wire management cabinet

Rimless - allows current light mounts to be used

Low iron glass

Pre Assembled and stained oak stand

Low profile external overflow

Can plum myself using any color combo

Cons:
Oak stand will be heavy

24” deep (personal pref id like 28-30”)

Shipping NOT free

Most expensive comparing to the 3 brands (only because shipping cost)

sump return chamber is 6” wide

Glass Cages 125g wide
72x24x17

Pros:
Highly customizable- company calls you before they make your tank and go over every detail

cheapest option ($2575.00ish with some add ons)

low iron glass

Rimless

plumbing can be any color combo

72” long leaves plenty of extra space

2 overflows. one each end of tank

17” tall - lagoon look

Cons:
Stand doesn’t come stained (leaves room to match your own furniture though)

sump is custom made in house from any of their tanks (this is personal preference I like the sleek look of the MODE and trigger sumps) yes you could most likely not have them make your sump and buy your own.

Shipping not free

heavy stand

wait time and time to stain stand.


Glass cages is truly for the fully custom tank I can’t fault that.

so where do I rank them based on my needs and opinions?
1. Planet Aquariums
2. Glass Cages
3. MODE

Again these and picky pros and cons of my taste and am in no way bashing any one company.

hope this helps some people in the same boat

 

[JoshH]

So I compared a few similar tanks with pros and cons.

MODE 135g Infinity

Pros:
All equipment included (sump, plumbing, stand)
Plumbing is uPVC

External overflow that’s flush with back glass

Dimensions (I personally like the tank size) 47.25L x 29.5w x 20h

Aluminum cabinet (light weight)
Magnetic pop on/off doors

FREE SHIPPING

Added depth provides unique aquascape

Cons:
Customer service is questionable (based on forum chatter, reviews, and personal I responded email.)

Euro Bracing - Causes issues for mounting lights if you use rimless tank mounts and don’t want to hang lights.

uPVC is more expensive and harder to come by

No extra room under the tank. (Sump takes up almost the whole underside leaving no room for battery backup/controllers.)

Planet Aquarium Crystaline Premium Reef 151g (total water volume)
60x24x21

Pros:
Longer - Leaves extra room under tank for equipment/wire management cabinet

Rimless - allows current light mounts to be used

Low iron glass

Pre Assembled and stained oak stand

Low profile external overflow

Can plum myself using any color combo

Cons:
Oak stand will be heavy

24” deep (personal pref id like 28-30”)

Shipping NOT free

Most expensive comparing to the 3 brands (only because shipping cost)

sump return chamber is 6” wide

Glass Cages 125g wide
72x24x17

Pros:
Highly customizable- company calls you before they make your tank and go over every detail

cheapest option ($2575.00ish with some add ons)

low iron glass

Rimless

plumbing can be any color combo

72” long leaves plenty of extra space

2 overflows. one each end of tank

17” tall - lagoon look

Cons:
Stand doesn’t come stained (leaves room to match your own furniture though)

sump is custom made in house from any of their tanks (this is personal preference I like the sleek look of the MODE and trigger sumps) yes you could most likely not have them make your sump and buy your own.

Shipping not free

heavy stand

wait time and time to stain stand.


Glass cages is truly for the fully custom tank I can’t fault that.

so where do I rank them based on my needs and opinions?
1. Planet Aquariums
2. MODE
3. Glass Cages

Mode gets 2 solely because it’s plug and play, and I would be too impatient to stain and stuff myself. However from the looks of it they pride themselves on providing exactly what the customer wants and I would have no issue buying their products.

Again these and picky pros and cons of my taste and am in no way bashing any one company.

hope this helps some people in the same boat

FWIW Planet Aquariums does 100% custom work as well, but it's not something you can order online. You have to order through a Local Fish Store.

Of the 3 I would put Planet First, Glass Cages Second and MODE I wouldn't even look at. I haven't heard of a positive experience from anyone that has one, by all means be the one to attempt to change that, but I wouldn't do it with my hard earned $$$$$

Oh I do highly suggest giving Joe at glass Cages an email and see what he can do. They did pretty darn good work on the stand for another members tank here.

 

[Cwentz758]

FWIW Planet Aquariums does 100% custom work as well, but it's not something you can order online. You have to order through a Local Fish Store.

Of the 3 I would put Planet First, Glass Cages Second and MODE I wouldn't even look at. I haven't heard of a positive experience from anyone that has one, by all means be the one to attempt to change that, but I wouldn't do it with my hard earned $$$$$

Oh I do highly suggest giving Joe at glass Cages an email and see what he can do. They did pretty darn good work on the stand for another members tank here.

Good points. Maybe I should just do the full custom. Since I don’t plan on upgrading again.

 

[JoshH]

Good points. Maybe I should just do the full custom. Since I don’t plan on upgrading again.

Honestly, if you are seriously looking at your "Forever" tank. I wouldn't be looking at anything other than a custom build. You can get exactly what you want with no compromises and they usually aren't an insane amount more than a ready to run system (Depending on the builder). Yes you need to wait longer, but patience is key in this hobby and that goes for all aspects. I went custom with my new build as I wanted a shallow tank as well and I couldn't find anything to fit my needs. It's a 60" x 30" x 17" peninsula and even though it's still currently dry, I LOVE it! And I'm SOOOO glad I went the custom route.

 

[Cwentz758]

Honestly, if you are seriously looking at your "Forever" tank. I wouldn't be looking at anything other than a custom build. You can get exactly what you want with no compromises and they usually aren't an insane amount more than a ready to run system (Depending on the builder). Yes you need to wait longer, but patience is key in this hobby and that goes for all aspects. I went custom with my new build as I wanted a shallow tank as well and I couldn't find anything to fit my needs. It's a 60" x 30" x 17" peninsula and even though it's still currently dry, I LOVE it! And I'm SOOOO glad I went the custom route.

Checking it out now!

 

[JoshH]

Checking it out now!

Not much there right now but in reality I'm starting to make serious progress on the tank. @Greybeard has a great shallow build to check out as well, his is a Planet Aquariums tank

Looking at your dimensional wishes might I suggest a 48" L x 32" W x 18-20" H. TONS of room for aquascaping and still narrow enough for pretty easy maintenance, decent height but not too high

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

I'll edit this, just realized you wanted the external overflow. You'll have to go custom for that, there really is nothing that I'm aware of that's stock. However if you go with a builder such as SCA, Planet Aquariums or Glass Cages, these builders offer stands as well as some others

@Cwentz758, Glass Cages, my pleasure to have a build design conversation with you. I am always available. Thanks @JoshH.

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

So I compared a few similar tanks with pros and cons.

MODE 135g Infinity

Pros:
All equipment included (sump, plumbing, stand)
Plumbing is uPVC

External overflow that’s flush with back glass

Dimensions (I personally like the tank size) 47.25L x 29.5w x 20h

Aluminum cabinet (light weight)
Magnetic pop on/off doors

FREE SHIPPING

Added depth provides unique aquascape

Cons:
Customer service is questionable (based on forum chatter, reviews, and personal I responded email.)

Euro Bracing - Causes issues for mounting lights if you use rimless tank mounts and don’t want to hang lights.

uPVC is more expensive and harder to come by

No extra room under the tank. (Sump takes up almost the whole underside leaving no room for battery backup/controllers.)

Planet Aquarium Crystaline Premium Reef 151g (total water volume)
60x24x21

Pros:
Longer - Leaves extra room under tank for equipment/wire management cabinet

Rimless - allows current light mounts to be used

Low iron glass

Pre Assembled and stained oak stand

Low profile external overflow

Can plum myself using any color combo

Cons:
Oak stand will be heavy

24” deep (personal pref id like 28-30”)

Shipping NOT free

Most expensive comparing to the 3 brands (only because shipping cost)

sump return chamber is 6” wide

Glass Cages 125g wide
72x24x17

Pros:
Highly customizable- company calls you before they make your tank and go over every detail

cheapest option ($2575.00ish with some add ons)

low iron glass

Rimless

plumbing can be any color combo

72” long leaves plenty of extra space

2 overflows. one each end of tank

17” tall - lagoon look

Cons:
Stand doesn’t come stained (leaves room to match your own furniture though)

sump is custom made in house from any of their tanks (this is personal preference I like the sleek look of the MODE and trigger sumps) yes you could most likely not have them make your sump and buy your own.

Shipping not free

heavy stand

wait time and time to stain stand.


Glass cages is truly for the fully custom tank I can’t fault that.

so where do I rank them based on my needs and opinions?
1. Planet Aquariums
2. Glass Cages
3. MODE

Again these and picky pros and cons of my taste and am in no way bashing any one company.

hope this helps some people in the same boat

@Cwentz758. excellent summary. you've done some great research. Those are some fantastic builders. Looks like a tough decision. Patients and information should help reveal the right fit for you.

Yep, our stands and canopys, we make them unfinished. Not always a fit for everyone. And thats ok. I wanted to share that we are launching an updated warranty this coming week and we will be covering our tanks on any stand. Any stand. Homemade or commercially made. just need to make sure it is level for our warranty to be intact. We are also going to offer extended warranty options this coming week.

Lead-time for Aquarium builds. We are currently shipping builds in 4 to 5 weeks. All our tanks are made upon order with no pre-cup panels of glass. We cut, drill and polish upon order.

I am so excited about what is going on at Glass Cages. We are getting some great feedback. Feedback to reinforce what we are doing and feedback to help us better serve the community. We are listening! I look forward to the opportunity to serve you and others.

 

[Cwentz758]

@Cwentz758. excellent summary. you've done some great research. Those are some fantastic builders. Looks like a tough decision. Patients and information should help reveal the right fit for you.

Yep, our stands and canopys, we make them unfinished. Not always a fit for everyone. And thats ok. I wanted to share that we are launching an updated warranty this coming week and we will be covering our tanks on any stand. Any stand. Homemade or commercially made. just need to make sure it is level for our warranty to be intact. We are also going to offer extended warranty options this coming week.

Lead-time for Aquarium builds. We are currently shipping builds in 4 to 5 weeks. All our tanks are made upon order with no pre-cup panels of glass. We cut, drill and polish upon order.

I am so excited about what is going on at Glass Cages. We are getting some great feedback. Feedback to reinforce what we are doing and feedback to help us better serve the community. We are listening! I look forward to the opportunity to serve you and others.

For sure I’ll be reaching out! I’ve actually got something on your website almost ready to send in for review actually!

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

FWIW Planet Aquariums does 100% custom work as well, but it's not something you can order online. You have to order through a Local Fish Store.

Of the 3 I would put Planet First, Glass Cages Second and MODE I wouldn't even look at. I haven't heard of a positive experience from anyone that has one, by all means be the one to attempt to change that, but I wouldn't do it with my hard earned $$$$$

Oh I do highly suggest giving Joe at glass Cages an email and see what he can do. They did pretty darn good work on the stand for another members tank here.

@JoshH, Thanks for the suggestion to contact Glass Cages.

Being 2nd on your list... great place to be. Thats a driver for us! Glass Cages is so motivated to continue to raise the bar. We will continue to listen, adjust and implement. Not afraid of learning and growing as a company. Keeping a humble approach to serving will always give the consumer the best possible experience and product. Thats our Passion!