Tenecor vs Midwest Custom Aquariums

thomas_neil · Sep 20, 2023

So, I'm working on getting pricing for my new build and got quotes from 2 companies so far (waiting on a third from my LFS)

I've gotten a quote from Tenecor and Midwest Custom aquariums. Midwest is about half the cost of Tenecor and it has me wondering if the quaility isnt as good? I'm very tempted to go with Midwest based on cost alone (saved money can be put into better equipment, maybe a Neptune?) but can anyone share experiences if they have either tank?

How is quality?

Any warranties?

How has your tank stood up to the years?

Customer Service?

Thanks!

fishguy242 · Sep 21, 2023

hi, can't speak for either over last 5+ years , older large Tenecor's were built like "tanks" ...
have you got a quote from Joe @Joe Glass Cages ?
one on one customer service,give him a call,talk to him personally, worth a call...

thomas_neil · Sep 21, 2023

fishguy242 said:
hi, can't speak for either over last 5+ years , older large Tenecor's were built like "tanks" ...
have you got a quote from Joe @Joe Glass Cages ?
one on one customer service,give him a call,talk to him personally, worth a call...

Does @Joe Glass Cages do acrylic?

fishguy242 · Sep 21, 2023

yes sir, custom stands too if interested...

but don't go through shop,talk directly to Joe...

thomas_neil · Sep 21, 2023

I will definitely give them a call, I wanted to go with glass cages but didn’t know they did acrylic aquariums

Joe Glass Cages · Sep 21, 2023

thomas_neil said:
Does @Joe Glass Cages do acrylic?

Hi @thomas_neil we sure do make acrylic tanks. Here to support ya.

@fishguy242 Thanks so much for the support. So appreciated.

nereefpat · Sep 21, 2023

thomas_neil said:
I've gotten a quote from Tenecor and Midwest Custom aquariums. Midwest is about half the cost of Tenecor and it has me wondering if the quaility isnt as good?

It makes me wonder if the panels are thinner. 3/8th vs 1/2" or whatever.

What are the tank's dimensions, out of curiosity?

thomas_neil · Sep 21, 2023

Joe Glass Cages said:
Hi @thomas_neil we sure do make acrylic tanks. Here to support ya.

@fishguy242 Thanks so much for the support. So appreciated.

Prefect! I will be calling for a quote. Wife wants me to wait until after holidays/ tax season before the order just in case something comes up, but I would like to still get a quote!

thomas_neil · Sep 21, 2023

nereefpat said:
It makes me wonder if the panels are thinner. 3/8th vs 1/2" or whatever.

What are the tank's dimensions, out of curiosity?

Looking to do a 60x48x24tall. I’d assume 1/2” panels at minimum with euro bracing and 2-3 cross braces. I’m prefer 1/2” panels so I can still us MP40s instead of the 60s

Gill the 3rd · Sep 21, 2023

thomas_neil said:
Looking to do a 60x48x24tall. I’d assume 1/2” panels at minimum with euro bracing and 2-3 cross braces. I’m prefer 1/2” panels so I can still us MP40s instead of the 60s

My acrylic tank is 24" tall with 3/4" thick panels and the MP40s work fine. Any thicker and they would probably not work anymore.

thomas_neil · Sep 21, 2023

Gill the 3rd said:
My acrylic tank is 24" tall with 3/4" thick panels and the MP40s work fine. Any thicker and they would probably not work anymore.

I wasn’t sure how they would work on 3/4” since that’s the max thickness they claim to work on. Any drop in performance that you have noticed?

nereefpat · Sep 21, 2023

In case you haven't looked, Glass Cages lists an acrylic 4x2x2 240 gallon for about 2 grand. That's pretty darn reasonable for a big acrylic tank.

Edit: 4x4x2

thomas_neil · Sep 21, 2023

nereefpat said:
In case you haven't looked, Glass Cages lists an acrylic 4x2x2 240 gallon for about 2 grand. That's pretty darn reasonable for a big acrylic tank.

Yeah I saw that when I was just looking, I’m really looking for that 5x4x2. Want a lot of tangs so want to get them as much swimming space as possible. 5x4x2 is the biggest I can fit into my basement. The quote I got from Midwest for the 5’ tank was around that price too.

Gill the 3rd · Sep 21, 2023

thomas_neil said:
I wasn’t sure how they would work on 3/4” since that’s the max thickness they claim to work on. Any drop in performance that you have noticed?

Nope, I even cranked them all the way up and had no issues. I will say 3/4" is the max I would go for the mp40s

Pyrogens · Nov 12, 2023

Never personally had either tank, but I've heard nothing but good things about Midwest. Tenecor was always, and I mean always the recommended acrylic manufacturer to go to back in the day. I wouldnt hesitate to go with either company. Good luck with your purchase!

thomas_neil · Nov 13, 2023

Pyrogens said:
Never personally had either tank, but I've heard nothing but good things about Midwest. Tenecor was always, and I mean always the recommended acrylic manufacturer to go to back in the day. I wouldnt hesitate to go with either company. Good luck with your purchase!

I’m going to go with Midwest, cheaper than Trnecor, great response time, and great advice.

piranhaman00 · Nov 13, 2023

Midwest was great to work with. I moved away from tenecor because I could never contact them.

Pyrogens · Nov 13, 2023

thomas_neil said:
I’m going to go with Midwest, cheaper than Trnecor, great response time, and great advice.

I don't think you'll regret that decision. Post pictures of the tank when you get it!

tzabor10 · Nov 13, 2023

thomas_neil said:
Looking to do a 60x48x24tall. I’d assume 1/2” panels at minimum with euro bracing and 2-3 cross braces. I’m prefer 1/2” panels so I can still us MP40s instead of the 60s

Whoa, 300 gallons! How do you get that in the door?