Searching for the right glass box

[mcdrichj]

So I'm looking for a new aquarium. I looking for something from 80gal - 120gal maybe a 125gal 6'. I'm looking for Low Iron glass and would prefer rimless but not a dealbreaker. I would like to know recommendations for manufactures that I should check out. It doesn't need to be pre drilled I can drill a tank and I have access to a waterjet to cut the glass to make an overflow so that's not an issue. We will be buying a house hopefully soon and I want to do a massive upgrade to my 15gal (lol I'm crunched for space currently) and have everything at least partially designed and setup so the move is easier and right when I move I can start the cycle of the new tank as I will only have a few extra weeks to move my setup so I dont have time to waste. I would really like to hear everyone's experiences with different tanks condensed into 1 thread for aquariums. I'm an engineer so I don't really need to pay the premium for an AIO setup and I plan on having a fish room so an AIO would be pointless. So please share your experiences. THANKS!

 

[vetteguy53081]

You will get many different answers based in consumer confidence and owner satisfaction
May be easier to determine which ones are bad such as Marineland and past Red Sea units

 

[Pntbll687]

If you plan on having a fish room, is the tank going to built into a wall?

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Plug and play: Innovative Marine, Red Sea, Waterbox, CADE

Custom: Glass cages (this is the only one I know but there are others).

 

[mcdrichj]

You will get many different answers based in consumer confidence and owner satisfaction
May be easier to determine which ones are bad such as Marineland and past Red Sea units

This is true I would like any information good or bad about any companies. However I am looking for something with high clarity (low Iron) glass so that would eliminate marineland. Also Red Sea is all AIO solutions which is pointless for me to pay the premium for that and I would have to take it apart and not use the stand because I plan to have a fish room for the sump.

If you plan on having a fish room, is the tank going to built into a wall?

I plan to have the tank only slightly built into the wall so 3 sides will still be visible. I would like the overflow to fun into the room so the back should be flush with the wall or slightly set back into the wall. The sump will be in the fish room with equipment.

Plug and play: Innovative Marine, Red Sea, Waterbox, CADE

Custom: Glass cages (this is the only one I know but there are others).

Innovative Marine has the EXT series which could fit my requirements all others are AIO and come with a stand and or sump. I have seen Glass Cages but I am unsure of their current quality I have read of some people having issues in the past is there anyone that has recently got a tank from them that could update on the process and quality?

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

I believe AIO means the sump is in the back of the tank. If the sump is in the stand, I don’t think that is considered AIO. Therefore Red Sea would not be all in one.

 

[Pntbll687]

I plan to have the tank only slightly built into the wall so 3 sides will still be visible. I would like the overflow to fun into the room so the back should be flush with the wall or slightly set back into the wall. The sump will be in the fish room with equipment.

That's a pretty cool idea

Definitely look into glass cages, planet aquariums for custom options. They both do with and without bracing, can do euro bracing if you want.

ReefSavy is an option if your pockets are deep enough. Wait time is long for a tank from them though.

 

[Pntbll687]

I believe AIO means the sump is in the back of the tank. If the sump is in the stand, I don’t think that is considered AIO. Therefore Red Sea would not be all in one.

I think OP meant that he can't get just the tank itself, it's has to be purchased in a tank/stand/sump/plumbing combo

 

[mcdrichj]

I believe AIO means the sump is in the back of the tank. If the sump is in the stand, I don’t think that is considered AIO. Therefore Red Sea would not be all in one.

Technically AIO means the sump is in the tank however in this sense I am using it as I am forced to buy a whole system that is all in one as a unit with the stand. Red Sea tanks are pretty but I cant just buy the tanks I need to buy the whole system which would be a added pointless expense in my case.

 

[mcdrichj]

That's a pretty cool idea

Definitely look into glass cages, planet aquariums for custom options. They both do with and without bracing, can do euro bracing if you want.

ReefSavy is an option if your pockets are deep enough. Wait time is long for a tank from them though.

I completely forgot about Planet Aquariums do you have any idea of how costly ReefSavvy tanks are?

 

[Pntbll687]

I completely forgot about Planet Aquariums do you have any idea of how costly ReefSavvy tanks are?

Reef Savvy doesn't even list any prices on their website, that's how expensive. You fill out the information you want and get a quote.

I'll edit this to add that I have seen 3 Reef Savvy tanks in person, and they were the most beautiful tanks I have seen.

 

[piranhaman00]

I would avoid any of the large rimless tanks like Red Sea.

Custom Awuariums in Neenah wi does great work

 

[mcdrichj]

Reef Savvy doesn't even list any prices on their website, that's how expensive. You fill out the information you want and get a quote.

I'll edit this to add that I have seen 3 Reef Savvy tanks in person, and they were the most beautiful tanks I have seen.

I Just requested a quote from ReefSavvy for a 48x24x24. We will see what the quote comes back at.

 

[mcdrichj]

I would avoid any of the large rimless tanks like Red Sea.

Custom Awuariums in Neenah wi does great work

Why would you avoid large rimless tanks? Red Sea is already out because I cant just buy the tank.

 

[piranhaman00]

Why would you avoid large rimless tanks? Red Sea is already out because I cant just buy the tank.

They fail.

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

This is true I would like any information good or bad about any companies. However I am looking for something with high clarity (low Iron) glass so that would eliminate marineland. Also Red Sea is all AIO solutions which is pointless for me to pay the premium for that and I would have to take it apart and not use the stand because I plan to have a fish room for the sump.


I plan to have the tank only slightly built into the wall so 3 sides will still be visible. I would like the overflow to fun into the room so the back should be flush with the wall or slightly set back into the wall. The sump will be in the fish room with equipment.


Innovative Marine has the EXT series which could fit my requirements all others are AIO and come with a stand and or sump. I have seen Glass Cages but I am unsure of their current quality I have read of some people having issues in the past is there anyone that has recently got a tank from them that could update on the process and quality?

Hi there @mcdrichj . Yes, there have been some challenging reviews. In October of 2019 there was a major change at Glass Cages. Major. From what I can see, there haven’t been any challenging reviews sense October 2019. If there are, please let me know so I can support those customers. That is so important to us.

Below is an outline of the transition.

During October of 2019 there was a major transformation at Glass Cages.

Glass Cages Transformation:

• Leadership Change
• Quality Assurance with QA Check Points
• Digital Production Tracking
• Improved Customer Service
• CAD drawing and approval processes
• Major Investments in Fabrication Equipment
• Polished Edges are now standard on all builds

We are not stopping with these improvements. Please see our reviews after October 2019 on Facebook, google and Reef2Reef. We have asked our new customers to share the truth. Knowing the truth allows us to reinforce the good and correct our challenges.

Our Facebook has many of our recent builds, customer interaction and reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/glasscages/photos/?tab=albums&ref=page_internal
https://www.facebook.com/pg/glasscages/reviews/?ref=page_internal

Please see the links below to several build threads on R2R
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/310g-peninsula-build.704510/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/700g-total-volume-build.655072/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/peters-240g-reef-build-log.694453/#post-7769568
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/n...s-night-hawk-designs-and-synergy-reef.740775/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-tale-of-a-newb-a-sump-and-a-glasscage.732414/

and here is a link to our updated warranty


I don’t share all this to sell you on our company. We are hobbyists and are truly excited about this transition. We are excited to offer support that the community so desperately wants. We read and listened to all those challenging reviews and feedback. Didn’t get offended. Nope. We adjusted the company. We are listening and will continue to humbly listen. Glass Cages has been building tanks for over 38 years. Currently building about 150 custom tanks a month and we want to continue to serve the best we possibly can.

Below is a list of Aquarium manufactures. You have many options to explore. I am sure I may have missed a few. Totally not intentional.

1. Coast 2 Coast
2. Reef Savvy
3. Miracles Aquariums
4. Titan
5. Concept Aquariums
6. Crystal Dynamics
7. Planet Aquariums
8. Advanced Acrylics
9. Midwest Custom Aquarium
10. Fish Tanks Direct
11. Custom Aquariums
12. Acrylic Tank Manufacturing
13. Tank Me USA
14. Crystal Reef Aquatics
15. Aqueon
16. Glass Cages
17. SCA
18. Acrylic Glass Exhibits
19. GEO
20. Elos
21. Exotic Aquariums
22. Waterbox
23. Cade
24. Innovative Marine
25. Reef Octopus
26. Zero Edge
27. Redsea
28. Sheman Tanks
29. ELOS
30. New Level Tanks
31. The Aquarium King
32. Fish Traps
33. Splash Box Creations

The best choice is your choice.

We are honored that you are considering Glass Cages and we are here to help you even if you decide to go with another builder. Growing and educating within this hobby is our mission.

I am so excited and proud of our Glass Cages Team. We look forward to hearing from you about how we can serve you better now and in the future.

 

[mcdrichj]

Hi there @mcdrichj . Yes, there have been some challenging reviews. In October of 2019 there was a major change at Glass Cages. Major. From what I can see, there haven’t been any challenging reviews sense October 2019. If there are, please let me know so I can support those customers. That is so important to us.

Below is an outline of the transition.

During October of 2019 there was a major transformation at Glass Cages.

Glass Cages Transformation:

• Leadership Change
• Quality Assurance with QA Check Points
• Digital Production Tracking
• Improved Customer Service
• CAD drawing and approval processes
• Major Investments in Fabrication Equipment
• Polished Edges are now standard on all builds

We are not stopping with these improvements. Please see our reviews after October 2019 on Facebook, google and Reef2Reef. We have asked our new customers to share the truth. Knowing the truth allows us to reinforce the good and correct our challenges.

Our Facebook has many of our recent builds, customer interaction and reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/glasscages/photos/?tab=albums&ref=page_internal
https://www.facebook.com/pg/glasscages/reviews/?ref=page_internal

Please see the links below to several build threads on R2R
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/310g-peninsula-build.704510/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/700g-total-volume-build.655072/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/peters-240g-reef-build-log.694453/#post-7769568
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/n...s-night-hawk-designs-and-synergy-reef.740775/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-tale-of-a-newb-a-sump-and-a-glasscage.732414/

and here is a link to our updated warranty


I don’t share all this to sell you on our company. We are hobbyists and are truly excited about this transition. We are excited to offer support that the community so desperately wants. We read and listened to all those challenging reviews and feedback. Didn’t get offended. Nope. We adjusted the company. We are listening and will continue to humbly listen. Glass Cages has been building tanks for over 38 years. Currently building about 150 custom tanks a month and we want to continue to serve the best we possibly can.

Below is a list of Aquarium manufactures. You have many options to explore. I am sure I may have missed a few. Totally not intentional.

1. Coast 2 Coast
2. Reef Savvy
3. Miracles Aquariums
4. Titan
5. Concept Aquariums
6. Crystal Dynamics
7. Planet Aquariums
8. Advanced Acrylics
9. Midwest Custom Aquarium
10. Fish Tanks Direct
11. Custom Aquariums
12. Acrylic Tank Manufacturing
13. Tank Me USA
14. Crystal Reef Aquatics
15. Aqueon
16. Glass Cages
17. SCA
18. Acrylic Glass Exhibits
19. GEO
20. Elos
21. Exotic Aquariums
22. Waterbox
23. Cade
24. Innovative Marine
25. Reef Octopus
26. Zero Edge
27. Redsea
28. Sheman Tanks
29. ELOS
30. New Level Tanks
31. The Aquarium King
32. Fish Traps
33. Splash Box Creations

The best choice is your choice.

We are honored that you are considering Glass Cages and we are here to help you even if you decide to go with another builder. Growing and educating within this hobby is our mission.

I am so excited and proud of our Glass Cages Team. We look forward to hearing from you about how we can serve you better now and in the future.

This is actually extremely helpful. I am happy to hear that glass cages are turning the company around and you will be considered thanks for all of the information. Honestly I wasnt going to consider your company because the last time i was looking for a tank (mid 2019) you were having a rough time. Also I must give you mu h credit for listing competition kutos for that. Much respect earned from me.

 

[mcdrichj]

I got my quote from ReefSavvy its 3k for a 120 not including crate or shipping. Just an update. Im going to dig through this list in the post by glass cages and do much comparisons. If anyone else has any info thats great if not I will include a large write-up with my decision and cost to hopefully help people in the future.

 

[Utubereefer]

You will get many different answers based in consumer confidence and owner satisfaction
May be easier to determine which ones are bad such as Marineland and past Red Sea units

I was gonna suggest a Marineland 120. 4x2x2. Pre drilled… less than $700 i bet. No need for low iron glass IMO. I’d save the money for lighting and coral. Good luck

 

[Joe Glass Cages]

This is actually extremely helpful. I am happy to hear that glass cages are turning the company around and you will be considered thanks for all of the information. Honestly I wasnt going to consider your company because the last time i was looking for a tank (mid 2019) you were having a rough time. Also I must give you mu h credit for listing competition kutos for that. Much respect earned from me.

most excellent @mcdrichj. I/we enjoy supporting this hobby. if you ever want to chat, always available. No obligation. just enjoy talking tanks even if you select a different builder. Enjoy the process and learn learn learn....