Ordering a custom aquarium

Dsnakes · Mar 27, 2018

I want to order an aquarium to replace this one. I need help on deciding what to specify for holes drilled and overflows. I was going to order from glass cages, but I might try and get a quote from SCA as well.

It must be 72" x 18" x 25" with low iron glass.
I want to plumb it silent as possible. I would prefer dual back corner overflows. This current tank is drilled with 2 holes in each corner.

I'd love to hear any advice for ordering and tips on the overflows/plumbing.

Dsnakes · Mar 27, 2018

This tank has a rim, so the stand didn't have plywood on top. I can certainly add that for a rimless tank.

I would also prefer no center brace over the top blocking the light, so it may have to have eurobrace.

redfishbluefish · Mar 27, 2018

If you go Euro-bracing, the tank will still have cross-bracing.....from Glass Cages anyway. However, they also make "Rimless", which has nothing at the top....but for mucho more bucks.

Here's the Glass Cages tank (with low iron glass) I recently received with Euro-bracing:

I'm putting in a Glass-Holes overflow, but mine is not dead silent. I'd suggest you consider one of the silent overflows (Herbie, Bean, Ghost, etc), over those two behemoth corner overflows you're considering.

With SCA, nice tanks, but make sure you're sitting down when you get the quote.

Kershaw · Mar 27, 2018

I have been receiving quotes on tanks that are comparable to the Red Sea reefer peninsula. All the quotes I have gotten have been about 1500 more then the Red Sea tanks. I wanted one with holes drilled for closed loop but the prices are a bit high for me. Good luck.

Dsnakes · Mar 28, 2018

redfishbluefish said:
If you go Euro-bracing, the tank will still have cross-bracing.....from Glass Cages anyway.

Here's the Glass Cages tank (with low iron glass) I recently received with Euro-bracing:

With SCA, nice tanks, but make sure you're sitting down when you get the quote.

I think the cross brace would be ok if it's glass. I'm concerned of possible shadowing from a black brace. The price from using glass cages site looks like it will be about $944 + freight.

You weren't kidding on sitting down for the SCA quote. $1795 shipped ;Blackeye
I suppose because its custom. I had hopes of less since their stock 150 is about $1000.

redfishbluefish · Mar 28, 2018

Glass Cages is custom as well. I wanted a 21 inch high tank and that wasn't on their list. I paid for the 24 inch tank, and they cut it down. I also got custom euro bracing to fit a 1500 Glass-Holes overflow. So they are all custom. Check out the build thread below.....the "do over."

redfishbluefish · Mar 28, 2018

Dsnakes said:
.......You weren't kidding on sitting down for the SCA quote. $1795 shipped ;Blackeye.......

I'm surprised..... I was expecting more like $2500.

Dsnakes · Mar 28, 2018

redfishbluefish said:
Glass Cages is custom as well. I wanted a 21 inch high tank and that wasn't on their list. I paid for the 24 inch tank, and they cut it down. I also got custom euro bracing to fit a 1500 Glass-Holes overflow. So they are all custom. Check out the build thread below.....the "do over."

That's a good build thread. I have about 120lbs of rock from this tank purchase that is dried out now. I will be getting a tub and bleach now! I am hoping my stand turns out like yours, where is looks built in on one side. Looks great.

So now I have to decide...new tank or roll with what I have and spend that new tank $$ on lights/sump/skimmer.

JoshH · Mar 28, 2018

Dsnakes said:
So now I have to decide...new tank or roll with what I have and spend that new tank $$ on lights/sump/skimmer.

Decisions.... Decisions.....

JoshH · Mar 28, 2018

Kershaw said:
I have been receiving quotes on tanks that are comparable to the Red Sea reefer peninsula. All the quotes I have gotten have been about 1500 more then the Red Sea tanks. I wanted one with holes drilled for closed loop but the prices are a bit high for me. Good luck.

Just buy the Red Sea and have the holes drilled if you have someone local (probably $20 a hole) If not, drill them yourself (probably ~$150 in materials and elbow grease)

Ferrell · Mar 29, 2018

I went the glass cages route and drilled my own holes so I could get the placement where I wanted. (OCD is that way). And it was my first time drilling and yes I will do it again. Happy with tank and price. And yes it has the bar but no shading with my t5s

mfinn · Mar 29, 2018

I used to be a fan of glass cages until the 240 I got from them sprung a leak on the bottom seam after 8 years.

Dsnakes · Mar 29, 2018

mfinn said:
I used to be a fan of glass cages until the 240 I got from them sprung a leak on the bottom seam after 8 years.

Yikes.

I think I have convinced myself to stick with this tank... I'm hoping that with the right lights it won't matter that its regular glass. I'm also hoping that the fish and coral keep your eyes off of the few scratches that it has!

Kershaw · Mar 30, 2018

Dsnakes said:
Yikes.

I think I have convinced myself to stick with this tank... I'm hoping that with the right lights it won't matter that its regular glass. I'm also hoping that the fish and coral keep your eyes off of the few scratches that it has!

For me low iron vs regular is like hdtv. When your in the store you can clearly see the difference in person when they are side by side. But most people can’t tell when it’s just one tank in your house. Just don’t put a low iron one next to that one

Kershaw · Mar 30, 2018

JoshH said:
Just buy the Red Sea and have the holes drilled if you have someone local (probably $20 a hole) If not, drill them yourself (probably ~$150 in materials and elbow grease)

I have drilled some tanks also. But I can’t afford to fix or replace a 3k tank.