Tank Builders

[ainswokp]

Hi

I am new here and have found this community to be a tremendous resource after being out of the hobby since the 90s. I was pushed back in when my small kids were gifted a 3 gallon we have set up as a pico, and I'm looking to upgrade already as the pico business is not for the faint of heart. Nothing specific, just can't deal with the emotional highs and lows of daily chemistry fluctuations on 2.9 gallons of seawater.

I would like to do a 48x12x16 tall for mostly softies and a few damsels, maybe clams (crocea). Glass cages seems to have this dimension but I have read mixed reviews. Can someone offer me the name of a tank builder/provider that will give me a first rate glass tank in this dimension? I thought about posting this on the vendor forum but thought it might do better here.

Separately, I live in the boonies of RI. I know RI is a small state, but yes, there are boonies. Are there still online livestock sellers for fish besides Live Aquaria? It is a serious haul for me to a reputable LFS (not L). Corals I have squared away but fish seems limited online. Also, is my assumption correct that prices have skyrocketed since COVID? $200 seems steep for a hippo tang, but maybe I've been gone longer than I thought.

 

[Oldreefer44]

As far as the tank is concerned; IMO Reef Savvy and Custom Aquariums are the two premium custom builders but there are long lead times and they come at a premium price. Glass cages seems to have recovered some of their reputation under new ownership. I am sure there are plenty here that will give you positive feedback on them, realizing that it is a natural tendency to try and reinforce your own choices.
As far as livestock is concerned, I personally have stopped using LA and now use Pacific East Aquaculture and others. Agree that prices have gone way up recently so I plan on waiting awhile before making any new purchases to see what happens.

 

[JoshH]

As far as tank builders, lots out there, here's a list to get you started if you want along with some reviews. Keep in mind all this Covid business has shut down some of these builders for now but still worth an email...

Your thoughts on custom tank manufacturers?

So lately I seem to see a lot of threads popping up on advice on custom tank manufacturers and which ones people would recommend. Last fall I went through the same process myself and landed on a manufacturer here in Canada. But it's recently dawned on me that in my search and even combing...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[greatg]

@JoshH I'm in Ontario Canada. Who did you pick for your tank builder?

 

[JoshH]

@JoshH I'm in Ontario Canada. Who did you pick for your tank builder?

Hey @greatg I ended up going with Miracles Aquariums for my build based out of Ontario. I have my review of the tank in the thread I posted above

Your thoughts on custom tank manufacturers?

I think Miracles and Tank Me are one of very few who list there prices online, SCA and Custom Aquariums do I believe as well. But its really nice to not have to fire off a quote to know what ball park price you're looking at. Definitely, especially considering I sent out 6 emails last week and...

www.reef2reef.com