Planet Mega Matrix or American Aquariums?

[spirou]

Hey Reefers,

Getting back to reefing after 20+ years of no tanks at all! While rimless glass look very cool, I just can't get past the idea of the silicone doing all that work. Also, because I'm in California earthquake country, I'm feeling like something with a bit of rim will better retain water during quakes.

After doing lots of homework, I've decided that I want a ~235g (60x30x30) tank - either a Planet Mega Matrix or an American Aquariums custom acrylic. I like the scratch resistance of glass, but I like many of the other factors about acrylic (especially with two little ones in the house who might whack it with something). If I went with the Planet, I'm torn between getting their wooden eclipse stand, or opting for a powder coated welded steel stand.

Any and all opinions on this decision are welcome!

Thanks!

 

[Big G]

Bump

 

[User1]

Hey Reefers,

Getting back to reefing after 20+ years of no tanks at all! While rimless glass look very cool, I just can't get past the idea of the silicone doing all that work. Also, because I'm in California earthquake country, I'm feeling like something with a bit of rim will better retain water during quakes.

After doing lots of homework, I've decided that I want a ~235g (60x30x30) tank - either a Planet Mega Matrix or an American Aquariums custom acrylic. I like the scratch resistance of glass, but I like many of the other factors about acrylic (especially with two little ones in the house who might whack it with something). If I went with the Planet, I'm torn between getting their wooden eclipse stand, or opting for a powder coated welded steel stand.

Any and all opinions on this decision are welcome!

Thanks!

Why limit to those builders? Also note on acrylic. I love it. Clear as all get out of here. However, as you noted you have young ones. Having owned an acrylic previously and young lads and lasses around (my own to include nieces and nephews) I'd lean more towards glass. I left my magnet cleaner within reach and they found it one day. My fault. However, they moved it all about and gravel got involved and I had scratches... Something to think about.

I'm in Ca. You can get a euro brace, top, bottom, if you want. Also few custom builders are using guards around the silicon if you go glass. I had my tank built from Concept Aquariums in Canada. Glass, euro brace, steel stand, etc. Super affordable to include low iron glass and shipping. Looking to make some changes and do a side grade or possible upgrade all things depending and looking at them again along with glass cages.

One thing to do is review your requirements again, and again Few things I missed that I didn't think of before. Total height of tank being one and 30" tall being the other. Remember day to day activities like watching are only one part. Maintenance today vs. maintenance as you age Ladder today vs ladder over 50 with a blown hip

Anyway euro brace is nice - i went that route and glad I did. I'd get one on the bottom as well - that is my plan. Sounds like you are off to a good start. Oh yeah - acrylic is so much lighter and easier to move about the house. 210 gallon glass, well, I had to get creative. Check out those vacuum furniture mover things. Just saw them on the BRS tv video moving their tank. Stand and empty tank moved so easy across the floor. Must have!

 

[spirou]

Why limit to those builders? Also note on acrylic. I love it. Clear as all get out of here. However, as you noted you have young ones. Having owned an acrylic previously and young lads and lasses around (my own to include nieces and nephews) I'd lean more towards glass. I left my magnet cleaner within reach and they found it one day. My fault. However, they moved it all about and gravel got involved and I had scratches... Something to think about.

I'm in Ca. You can get a euro brace, top, bottom, if you want. Also few custom builders are using guards around the silicon if you go glass. I had my tank built from Concept Aquariums in Canada. Glass, euro brace, steel stand, etc. Super affordable to include low iron glass and shipping. Looking to make some changes and do a side grade or possible upgrade all things depending and looking at them again along with glass cages.

One thing to do is review your requirements again, and again Few things I missed that I didn't think of before. Total height of tank being one and 30" tall being the other. Remember day to day activities like watching are only one part. Maintenance today vs. maintenance as you age Ladder today vs ladder over 50 with a blown hip

Anyway euro brace is nice - i went that route and glad I did. I'd get one on the bottom as well - that is my plan. Sounds like you are off to a good start. Oh yeah - acrylic is so much lighter and easier to move about the house. 210 gallon glass, well, I had to get creative. Check out those vacuum furniture mover things. Just saw them on the BRS tv video moving their tank. Stand and empty tank moved so easy across the floor. Must have!

Good call on the air mover!! Gotta see if I can rent one of those. I ended up getting a different tank - IM INT 200. Per IM weights about 600 lbs, and I've been wondering how to get it in the house and on the stand. One of those air movers will do the trick!! Thanks!

 

[User1]

Good call on the air mover!! Gotta see if I can rent one of those. I ended up getting a different tank - IM INT 200. Per IM weights about 600 lbs, and I've been wondering how to get it in the house and on the stand. One of those air movers will do the trick!! Thanks!

From what I heard in the video (BRS) they said it will transition flooring but not steps. Makes sense based on how I understand it to work. I did a quick search yesterday out of curiosity to see the cost. 300 or so bucks high price was around 800 or so. Not as bad as I thought.

I will say watching how they moved his tank I did similar. Used a server lift to raise it with family to help stabilize. Using the crate it shipped in I built a temporary cart with heavy duty casters. We lifted, slid, and then moved from garage to front door and through. Then moved to position, to stand, and off. Had I think I could have moved stand and tank a lot easier into final position. Live and learn