Reef Tank Manufacturers

Thomthom329 · Jul 15, 2015

Hi all,

Looking to upgrade my 90G standard RR tank to around 150G (60x30x20). I'd like to go a little bigger but I'm really not sure if my floor (main floor above basement) could support it.

Anyway, I've been doing some research and found a couple of manufacturers that will ship and hoping for more recommendations. So far I'm looking at Glasscages and Miracles. Based on all the negative feedback re: GC, I don't think I'm going to go with them, BUT if you have positive results from a RECENT purchase (most negative reviews I've seen are many years old so makes me wonder if they're better today), please let me know. The price is definitely right for a GC tank, but again, worried about quality. I've seen great feedback re: Miracle tanks but I'm hesitant to spend $4k for tank and stand. Just seems excessive.

So, please share any recommendations you may have. I'm in the Washington DC area as well, so if there is someone local nearby, even better!

Many thanks for the help!

saltyphish · Jul 16, 2015

http://www.scaquariums.com/

Shep · Jul 16, 2015

Also take a look at reefsavvy.com They make really amazing tanks.

saltyphish · Jul 16, 2015

Shep said:
Also take a look at reefsavvy.com They make really amazing tanks.

Agreed! You will pay for it but won't be disappointed.

Thomthom329 · Jul 16, 2015

saltyphish said:
http://www.scaquariums.com/

Wow, great prices! I'm just not sure I want to go with a 24" wide tank as I prefer a little more surface area. But this is one to seriously consider! Many thanks Salty!

Thomthom329 · Jul 16, 2015

Shep said:
Also take a look at reefsavvy.com They make really amazing tanks.

Thanks for the tip, I'll check them out too!

kschweer · Jul 16, 2015

You can also check out planet aquarium and coast to coast aquariums. Coast to coast is a little pricey but they easily make some of the best tanks I've ever seen.

Thomthom329 · Jul 16, 2015

kschweer said:
You can also check out planet aquarium and coast to coast aquariums. Coast to coast is a little pricey but they easily make some of the best tanks I've ever seen.

Many thanks! Adding these to my list to contact as well.

hart24601 · Jul 16, 2015

I got quotes from all the big places. Miracles was the best for the same specs. Make sure you have the same glass thickness for quotes and if you are using starfire ask if it's really starfire or another low iron brand. Just to keep apples-to-apples comparison. Also to save shipping consider having a stand locally made and just having the tank shipped. Miracles stands were spendy, so I just went with another stand I got locally. I am very happy I went with miracles, the tank is amazing, overbuilt and will last decades even being a rimless.

StikHedRon · Jul 16, 2015

I went with miracles and had my stand made locally also. The tank I went with was 60x30x18 with 1/2" glass no starfire and it was 1650 shipped to my door.

hart24601 · Jul 16, 2015

ronhaskovec said:
I went with miracles and had my stand made locally also. The tank I went with was 60x30x18 with 1/2" glass no starfire and it was 1650 shipped to my door.

What type of rim and overflow? Any internal bracing?

StikHedRon · Jul 16, 2015

hart24601 said:
What type of rim and overflow? Any internal bracing?

It was rimless with external overflow, 3/4" internal perimeter bracing on the bottom

hart24601 · Jul 16, 2015

Wow, that is a sweet tank...

Thomthom329 · Jul 16, 2015

ronhaskovec said:
I went with miracles and had my stand made locally also. The tank I went with was 60x30x18 with 1/2" glass no starfire and it was 1650 shipped to my door.

I've been contemplating 18" depth as well. Mind attaching some pics? Also, where is your tank positioned in your home? I ask because I would love the extra space by moving the overflow to the exterior, but I'm placing the tank against a wall and worry about the gap it will create.

CastAway · Jul 16, 2015

Check out Coast to Coast Custom Aquariums.

Thomthom329 · Jul 16, 2015

Thanks, Castaway. They're in my list of people to contact. I've been following your 150 build thread. Amazing setup! Hoping to model mine after yours.

Thomthom329 · Jul 16, 2015

Btw, to all those with rimless, is it really as hard to keep clean as people say? I prefer the look of rimless but have been dissuaded by some negative feedback.

CastAway · Jul 16, 2015

Well, I'm flattered. I'll have to post a "things I do like, and, things I don't like" post, so you don't follow my mistakes. I made plenty. LOL

Can't say enough good things about C2C though. Truly artwork, and tough like a Sherman tank. No pun intended.

CastAway · Jul 16, 2015

I keep a small spray bottle of RODI next to my tank. I use my Mag-float w/ metal blade, then squirt the inside edge with RODI. Easy smeasy!

ImageUploadedByREEF2REEF1437086640.529432.jpg

Biggest drawback is that you'll need a cover, regardless, for jumpers.

StikHedRon · Jul 16, 2015

Thomthom329 said:
I've been contemplating 18" depth as well. Mind attaching some pics? Also, where is your tank positioned in your home? I ask because I would love the extra space by moving the overflow to the exterior, but I'm placing the tank against a wall and worry about the gap it will create.

The tank is shipping tomorrow, I can post pics when it gets here. The tank will be located in my living room. What I did was have a metal stand built then had them weld on 6" extension on the back of the stand on the sides to hide all my stuff. Look for the Reef Savvy/Synergy build. I did the exact same thing as he did with the stand. He's actually where I got the idea.