SC aquarium Revisiting

[jmcdona6]

OK, but my point is that I'm a wood worker, and I want to build my own stand. And I already have sumps and other gear, so I don't want any of that, I just want the tank. I think that every tank builder should offer the tank alone, and then the packages if you want them.

Yep definitely makes sense there. Especially if you enjoy woodworking! I myself am a reluctant woodworker. Finish a large project...promise to never do that again...forget 6 months later and let the wife convince me to do another...rinse repeat. Happens often enough I hardly ever willingly enter into a project of my own design.

 

[ScottD]

I don't believe the SC Aquariums Black Friday discount was ever 50% off, I believe it more like 15%-20%. That's all I'm expecting this year, but I'd be thrilled if they go more.

Im not sure about the 150 but I bought a 135 2 years ago that was listed at 2500 for under 1k. That same tank is currently listed at 2k.

 

[Fish Fan]

Im not sure about the 150 but I bought a 135 2 years ago that was listed at 2500 for under 1k. That same tank is currently listed at 2k.

I mean, maybe, I'm not saying I know for sure. But I've been watching SC Aquariums for a while now (years). Throughout the year they will typically do a tank of the month sale, and typically that tank is about 20% off. In my experience the Black Friday sale is the same discount, but all the tanks are on sale, not just one.

I am worried. I do now see where the "other" 150 tank, the one with the center overflow that was once $1500 and on sale for about $1250 just two days ago, is now listed at $1800. If the 150 peninsula I wanted was on sale for $1250, I would have already ordered it. If the 150 I want is even still available, if it's now $1800, even if it goes on sale for Black Friday, it will basically be the same as the $1500 it was before. I now wish I just ordered it and didn't try to save a few bucks. But who knew? I just new they did a sale for Black Friday every year. Maybe this is one of those things where they are going to raise their prices, just to offer a "sale" price. Grrrr..... lol!

EDIT: I'm sorry I'm posting a lot here, but I can't tell you guys how much I'm in love with the dimensions of this SCA tank I want, how I want to set it up in my house.... I'm going to be really bummed if I can't get this tank :-(

 

[Devisissy]

I don't think SCA is worth what they are currently asking. I do understand why they had to up their prices. But the level of customer service is non existent. Not worth it. Glass cages is the next best bet, but with shipping a 90 gallon tank is 1835 ish. 835 of that is shipping and it's framed. Framed was the only way to keep the tank under three grand. Waterbox has a tank that is 3099, comes with stand and sump and all that. Is rimless. Which is the look I want. IM has a 50% off sale but it is as is, you can not return, no warranty, and will take five months to get here, 150 gallons no sump, stand and tank for 2300. Shipping is free (tempting). We won't even talk about red sea. Too many failures. I just want a standard 90 gallon that isnt more than 2 grand and is rimless. Is that just not possible anymore? I just need the tank? Why is this hobby priced so stupid today.

Anyone know of any good acrylic manufacturers?

 

[Fish Fan]

I just need the tank?

Do you also need only the tank? This is a real issue, in my opinion. Why they can't offer only the tank for those that want it, is beyond me.

Why is this hobby priced so stupid today.

Because people keep buying the stuff. Believe me, I am in full on "old man" mode when it comes to the price of tanks these days. We used to tell new reefers that the cost of the tank itself was a drop in the hat, compared to the rest you'd need. Today, you add some fancy glass and slick silicon and the tank itself is now one of the most expensive individual parts of building a new system. So I do feel you

Anyone know of any good acrylic manufacturers?

Yes, Glass Cages lol, I'm just joking! But, an acrylic tank does weigh a lot less than the same size glass tank, and may cost less to ship to your area. Maybe worth checking with them.

Again, I'm sorry I'm posting a lot in your thread, but this is near-and-dear to me right now. I'm with you when you say that tank prices are out of hand these days, not to mention the shipping. I too just want a decent, contemporary, non-rimmed tank, and I'd like to keep both my kidneys.

 

[codycolina707]

From what I understand, they’ve always sold the other stuff too, they’re just merging it under one business and website now. I have an SCA tank and would not say your tank is the standard for their quality. I know a couple other people that have them as well and have no issues either. It was because of them I went with SCA for my tank.

I wil say it’s a little disheartening to see yours and what you’ve gone through with the back and forth with Steve on it.

Yeah I am happy with mine silicone and tank holding up fine even went through a couple big earthquakes a 6.4 and 5.9 moved the whole stand knocked big rocks over that hit the glass stand moved about 6 inches during the earthquake but I've also had my sca tank for 6 years and was way cheaper when I got it i think paid all together 1300 of a 150 pnp setup

 

[Fish Fan]

Yeah I am happy with mine silicone and tank holding up fine even went through a couple big earthquakes a 6.4 and 5.9 moved the whole stand knocked big rocks over that hit the glass stand moved about 6 inches during the earthquake but I've also had my sca tank for 6 years and was way cheaper when I got it i think paid all together 1300 of a 150 pnp setup

^That's quite the vote of confidence!

 

[mlivvy]

Purchased a 100g tank from them and it developed a stain (between the glass) on the front panel. I had it checked locally by 2 LFS and they called it a manufacturing defect so I contacted steve. He told me he was going to look into getting me a replacement under warranty. Took months to reply (after many emails from me) and told me my warranty claim was denied.

 

[Fish Fan]

Purchased a 100g tank from them and it developed a stain (between the glass) on the front panel. I had it checked locally by 2 LFS and they called it a manufacturing defect so I contacted steve. He told me he was going to look into getting me a replacement under warranty. Took months to reply (after many emails from me) and told me my warranty claim was denied.

That stinks for sure. I Feel like that's the dice we roll with these "budget" tank builders, but I don't know what else to do.

Again, for me to get the aquarium I really want from a "real" builder would literally cost me a kidney or two.

But maybe I should carve out my left kidney and get a higher quality tank (I've been thinking that "lefty" wasn't really pulling his full share lately lol!). If I spend big money on a tank, and it doesn't work out for whatever reason, my wife will carve out my one last functioning kidney and display it proudly in a jar long after I am gone. I may not want to make that gamble.......

 

[Fish Fan]

Update: I got a reply from Steve at SCA this morning, he said he's adding back ALL the tanks to the website this week. So I'm guessing the 150 I want will still be available. I followed up to ask if the pricing increased or if there are any other deals he could offer me a this time. We'll see!

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

I don't think SCA is worth what they are currently asking. I do understand why they had to up their prices. But the level of customer service is non existent. Not worth it. Glass cages is the next best bet, but with shipping a 90 gallon tank is 1835 ish. 835 of that is shipping and it's framed. Framed was the only way to keep the tank under three grand. Waterbox has a tank that is 3099, comes with stand and sump and all that. Is rimless. Which is the look I want. IM has a 50% off sale but it is as is, you can not return, no warranty, and will take five months to get here, 150 gallons no sump, stand and tank for 2300. Shipping is free (tempting). We won't even talk about red sea. Too many failures. I just want a standard 90 gallon that isnt more than 2 grand and is rimless. Is that just not possible anymore? I just need the tank? Why is this hobby priced so stupid today.

Anyone know of any good acrylic manufacturers?

Hi @Devisissy

Shipping is very challenging. What type of shipping was $835? Terminal, Business, Residential, and or Liftgate? I am very curious. Thanks so much.

Not sure if you or other's have looked at the bundles on the Glasscagtes website. The bundles are slightly discounted and have shipping to Terminal or Business (no lift gate) included. I prefer to use the term "included" because shipping is really not free. someone is paying for it. so with the Glasscages Bundles, Glasscages is funding the shipping. Shipping included. We are not playing games with words, discounts or promos. Transparency is essential and part of our core culture.

Please see below regarding Bundles. This is a 90 Gallon Bundle.

Thanks so much.

 

[fishface NJ]

....Anyone know of any good acrylic manufacturers?

Glass Cage

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

I don't think SCA is worth what they are currently asking. I do understand why they had to up their prices. But the level of customer service is non existent. Not worth it. Glass cages is the next best bet, but with shipping a 90 gallon tank is 1835 ish. 835 of that is shipping and it's framed. Framed was the only way to keep the tank under three grand. Waterbox has a tank that is 3099, comes with stand and sump and all that. Is rimless. Which is the look I want. IM has a 50% off sale but it is as is, you can not return, no warranty, and will take five months to get here, 150 gallons no sump, stand and tank for 2300. Shipping is free (tempting). We won't even talk about red sea. Too many failures. I just want a standard 90 gallon that isnt more than 2 grand and is rimless. Is that just not possible anymore? I just need the tank? Why is this hobby priced so stupid today.

Anyone know of any good acrylic manufacturers?

Hi @Devisissy

Shipping is very challenging. What type of shipping was $835? Terminal, Business, Residential, and or Liftgate? I am very curious. Thanks so much.

Not sure if you or other's have looked at the bundles on the Glasscagtes website. The bundles are slightly discounted and have shipping to Terminal or Business (no lift gate) included. I prefer to use the term "included" because shipping is really not free. someone is paying for it. so with the Glasscages Bundles, Glasscages is funding the shipping. Shipping included. We are not playing games with words, discounts or promos. Transparency is essential and part of our core culture.

Please see below regarding Bundles. This is a 90 Gallon Bundle.

Thanks so much.

 

[mlivvy]

That stinks for sure. I Feel like that's the dice we roll with these "budget" tank builders, but I don't know what else to do.

Again, for me to get the aquarium I really want from a "real" builder would literally cost me a kidney or two.

But maybe I should carve out my left kidney and get a higher quality tank (I've been thinking that "lefty" wasn't really pulling his full share lately lol!). If I spend big money on a tank, and it doesn't work out for whatever reason, my wife will carve out my one last functioning kidney and display it proudly in a jar long after I am gone. I may not want to make that gamble.......

I hear ya. I waited for nov/dec for all the sales and bought a 50g IM tank from BRS with a great discount. The IM tank was night and day quality wise. I now have a 100g fiji cube and it was priced decently, looks very nice, and customer service has been great.

 

[Devisissy]

Hi @Devisissy

Shipping is very challenging. What type of shipping was $835? Terminal, Business, Residential, and or Liftgate? I am very curious. Thanks so much.

Not sure if you or other's have looked at the bundles on the Glasscagtes website. The bundles are slightly discounted and have shipping to Terminal or Business (no lift gate) included. I prefer to use the term "included" because shipping is really not free. someone is paying for it. so with the Glasscages Bundles, Glasscages is funding the shipping. Shipping included. We are not playing games with words, discounts or promos. Transparency is essential and part of our core culture.

Please see below regarding Bundles. This is a 90 Gallon Bundle.

Thanks so much.

Hi @Devisissy

Shipping is very challenging. What type of shipping was $835? Terminal, Business, Residential, and or Liftgate? I am very curious. Thanks so much.

Not sure if you or other's have looked at the bundles on the Glasscagtes website. The bundles are slightly discounted and have shipping to Terminal or Business (no lift gate) included. I prefer to use the term "included" because shipping is really not free. someone is paying for it. so with the Glasscages Bundles, Glasscages is funding the shipping. Shipping included. We are not playing games with words, discounts or promos. Transparency is essential and part of our core culture.

Please see below regarding Bundles. This is a 90 Gallon Bundle.

Thanks so much.

I've seen your tanks in person so I'm not busting your balls. Here is the quote you sent me.

To be honest though I really don't want a rimmed tank. But can't justify the price otherwise. When I put in all the things my current tank has it ended up being well over 3 grand. Maybe I need your assistance in this quote.

I need a lift gate because I need it delivered to my home. Now at work we have a loading bay and dock and I can get it in a truck easy but once I'm at home there is no way. So it has to come to the house.

I have an aluminum stand and all the equipment I just need the glass box. As you can see the freight is about the same amount as the tank. I got a few other quotes out there but you have the highest freight by a mile and I can't figure out what I am choosing to make that happen. Planet and waterbox are both the same at $300. This is delivery to your garage they say.



This is what I have currently but of course the seam is toast. I just need the aquarium.

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

I've seen your tanks in person so I'm not busting your balls. Here is the quote you sent me.

To be honest though I really don't want a rimmed tank. But can't justify the price otherwise. When I put in all the things my current tank has it ended up being well over 3 grand. Maybe I need your assistance in this quote.

I need a lift gate because I need it delivered to my home. Now at work we have a loading bay and dock and I can get it in a truck easy but once I'm at home there is no way. So it has to come to the house.

I have an aluminum stand and all the equipment I just need the glass box. As you can see the freight is about the same amount as the tank. I got a few other quotes out there but you have the highest freight by a mile and I can't figure out what I am choosing to make that happen. Planet and waterbox are both the same at $300. This is delivery to your garage they say.



This is what I have currently but of course the seam is toast. I just need the aquarium.

thanks so much for the details @Devisissy

This is very helpful

$1,000 tank and about $900 in shipping with a lift gate to a residence. No sweat here. Simple thing is this is not a fit for you and thats really ok.

here's something interesting possibly, if we were looking at a $5,000 plus tank that was 84 x 36 x 36 Tall, the shipping would be the same and the feeling about how much the shipping fee was could be different. The smaller tanks are really tough to ship in a cost effective manner.

When it's not a fit or in the budget, thats really ok. Transparent information is key to making a quality decision.

Thanks so much for the consideration.

 

[Devisissy]

thanks so much for the details @Devisissy

This is very helpful

$1,000 tank and about $900 in shipping with a lift gate to a residence. No sweat here. Simple thing is this is not a fit for you and thats really ok.

here's something interesting possibly, if we were looking at a $5,000 plus tank that was 84 x 36 x 36 Tall, the shipping would be the same and the feeling about how much the shipping fee was could be different. The smaller tanks are really tough to ship in a cost effective manner.

When it's not a fit or in the budget, thats really ok. Transparent information is key to making a quality decision.

Thanks so much for the consideration.

Low key calling a potential customer poor is wild, and I admire that. The way you did it too, chef's kiss.

I just wanted to know if there was options in the quote to get it lower. That is a resounding no, and I get it. I can be exhausting. Well this poor is off to Walmart to pick up her Aqueon and bubbler. **slaps the top of the table** yup this family heirloom table is going to hold that baby just fine. They built them to last in the 80's.

 

[Fish Fan]

Low key calling a potential customer poor is wild, and I admire that. The way you did it too, chef's kiss.

I just wanted to know if there was options in the quote to get it lower. That is a resounding no, and I get it. I can be exhausting. Well this poor is off to Walmart to pick up her Aqueon and bubbler. **slaps the top of the table** yup this family heirloom table is going to hold that baby just fine. They built them to last in the 80's.

I'm sorry, I'm a pretty even-keeled guy on these forums, and I fully understand that you had a huge issue with SC Aquariums, and are understandably upset at the position you're now in - and I feel for you, I do!

But, I feel like you're being rude to @Joe Glass Cages, who has done nothing in this thread but try to help you. He's not the shipper, he just builds the tank. You live in the far Northwest part of the country, and he is in the southern part of the United States - that's the reason the shipping is so high. You said previously that you ship windows, and know all about freight shipping. Joe has said repeatedly that he welcomes local pick up. Simply arrange for your trusted carrier company to pick the tank up from Glass Cages, and pay them separately. Seems like problem solved to me.

And please show me where in his quite professional reply did he call you "poor"? I'm sorry, I feel that your reply here was rude.

Look, I'm in almost the same boat as you are, and again, I feel for you, especially after your SCA problem. I simply cannot afford the tank I really want from Glass Cages right now, but I can swing the SCA tank I am after. If that makes me "poor", so be it.

But tanks are simply huge, huge money these days, and I'm not happy about it either. It's not like Glass Cages is out of line with their pricing though. I have been researching tanks half-heartheartedly for years, and now very seriously for about six months. Glass Cages is competitive, and has great feedback here. And though Joe won me over a long time ago with his professionalism, here again in this thread his class and candor are on full display, and speaks volumes to the way he runs his business, and by extension how he builds his tanks.

I think you'd agree, $1000 for the tank you want is a great deal. I think you're upset about the shipping cost, and I get that too. But Joe is not the freight shippers. I don't think it's fair for you to keep putting his company down because you're upset with the shipping cost. The shipping cost is not the same for all of us.

Again, I do sincerely wish you the best of luck with whatever you do!

 

[Fish Fan]

And in an effort to be genuinely helpful, have you checked here:

https://fishtanksdirect.com/

I know you, like me, only want the tank, but Innovative Marine is doing half off their custom systems, and they are based out of California, and may be able to offer you better shipping terms. I don't know, but maybe if you contact them and ask, they may be willing to sell you just the tank.

My last thought, and I hope you don't think I'm calling you "poor", I absolutely am not. But have you thought about grabbing a standard, Aqueon 90 gallon just for now, just to keep your tank going? A 75 (same footprint and stand size as the 90, but WAY cheaper) or a 90 gallon standard would be just a few hundred dollars tops, it would keep your tank going, and then allow you more time to consider other options, or save up some more for a different tank. If you then got a nicer tank, you could absolutely sell that Aqueon 70 or 90 locally, so you wouldn't be stuck with it.

I've been keeping fish tanks a very long time, but I am, admittedly, a budget reefer, not that I'm comparing myself to you. I've had larger sized standard tanks in the past - a 180, a 125, a 90, several 75's, etc. And I've had now 5 smaller, contemporary rimless tanks with the low-iron glass, and slick silicon seals ranging from 10-40 gallons. This was the first time I every really seriously researched a larger tank that was rimless, low-iron, with nice seams.

Admittedly, I was sticker shocked to say the least. But, after having my head spin around a few times, I made a plan, and put money towards this purchase, and now I feel like I'm ready.

Again, I hope that helps and best of luck with whatever you decide!

 

[jmcdona6]

Low key calling a potential customer poor is wild, and I admire that. The way you did it too, chef's kiss.

I just wanted to know if there was options in the quote to get it lower. That is a resounding no, and I get it. I can be exhausting. Well this poor is off to Walmart to pick up her Aqueon and bubbler. **slaps the top of the table** yup this family heirloom table is going to hold that baby just fine. They built them to last in the 80's.

I don't think he was calling you poor. This whole hobby is a money game to some extent. I might make in the 95% percentile of Americans...but I couldn't find it within my conservative budget to buy a $6K CADE aquarium even though I liked what I saw...so I spent $3,500 for a Waterbox instead. Doesn't make me poor, makes me budget constrained.

I think a key thing you are missing, and Joe alludes to, is that Waterbox, Redsea, and most other tank manufacturers are also charging that much for shipping. They are just hiding it in the price of the tank and then claiming free or low cost shipping. Furthermore, because they do this at a free or flat rate, they are average cost shipping. For example, I live like 2 hours away from the Waterbox warehouse in Florida. they probably made a killing off me. Meanwhile, that customer that bought in rural Oregon, they were probably tight or even lost on freight.

But reading between the lines, Glass Cages are actually FAR more expensive for the tank itself than those other manufacturers. More expensive than the actual tank prices appear. The transparency of glass cages here ironically makes it more difficult to compare the actual tank cost because most others are not transparent and bundle in shipping.

Whether all that's okay is a personal decision (Joe's point)...but you should expect to pay a large premium for custom/made in USA vs these other mass produced tanks made in China. Especially with the reputation that Glass Cages has.