Why Reef Savvy Over Miracles?

Kengar · Oct 24, 2015

I am ready to place order for 240 custom from Miracles or Reef Savvy. I spoke briefly to Felix last week but have not been able to reconnect with him since then (don't know why. . . . . . .). I have been told by the woman who answers phone at RS that RS has a six-month wait, and from what I gather cost is likely higher than Miracles (though without return call from Felix to discuss the design/cost I obviously can't know). So, here's the question. What is it about RS tank and presumably higher cost that would justify going that route instead of Miracles? I approached RS first given what I've seen here and based on LFS recommendation, but if they don't return calls/emails, well, I have to wonder and consider taking the business elsewhere, but I would want to know what I'm giving up before doing so.

Thanks.

hatfielj · Oct 24, 2015

Its going to be a lot more expensive and take a lot longer to get a tank from Reef Savvy. But, their tanks are gorgeous and built very well. You have to be the judge for yourself to decide if its worth it or not. Miracles tanks are built well too and fully stocked and grown out, you won't care as much about the manufacturer as long as its built to last.

JOKER · Oct 24, 2015

The reason it takes RS a while to get back with you is because there is only 4 people that work there. Best looking tank I have saw and they have the NEW overflow. Keep calling. Mine will be here soon. I talked to 2 different manufactures before RS one being coast to coast and they were higher.

HiddenUser · Oct 24, 2015

Felix will get back to you - and if he doesn't just try to reach out to him again. He was fantastic to work with for my tank build.

DanConnor · Oct 24, 2015

To me it would be more about the 6 months than the $1000 plus or minus difference in cost. Felix should get a couple more employees.

Jlobes · Oct 24, 2015

DanConnor said:
To me it would be more about the 6 months than the $1000 plus or minus difference in cost. Felix should get a couple more employees.

more employees means less control...less control means lower standards. lower standards equals NOT reef savvy!

plenty of companies that can turn out your tank in a month or two... you want the best, you gotta wait.

JOKER · Oct 24, 2015

DanConnor said:
To me it would be more about the 6 months than the $1000 plus or minus difference in cost. Felix should get a couple more employees.

I agree but in talking to Felix I understand why he hasn't. He is very picky and wants to build the best tank possible. I think I will be glad I waited instead of buying elsewhere. I could have went glasscages and picked the tank up myself. They look fine as I have a 65 now but for my show tank I wanted the best looking tank I could get.

Reefaddict305 · Oct 24, 2015

Reef savvy makes the best tanks in my opinion.

Kengar · Oct 27, 2015

Going with RS. Will be 8' x 28 wide x 24 high, with Starphire on front, ends, and top bracing. Two ghost overflows, armored seams. Regular bottom, since I will be using stand with a lip to hide bottom bracing. Just waiting for him to send invoice so I can send a check. . . . .

HiddenUser · Oct 27, 2015

Kengar said:
Going with RS. Will be 8' x 28 wide x 24 high, with Starphire on front, ends, and top bracing. Two ghost overflows, armored seams. Regular bottom, since I will be using stand with a lip to hide bottom bracing. Just waiting for him to send invoice so I can send a check. . . . .

'

So Felix got back to you then?

Kengar · Oct 27, 2015

yes. we spent over 1.5 hours on phone sunday afternoon. I KNOW he's swamped with orders, yet he spent that kind of time with me? That really impressed me! Some other suggestions, too, even where it was to not go with a feature that would have added cost that he did not think was necessary.

HiddenUser · Oct 27, 2015

Kengar said:
yes. we spent over 1.5 hours on phone sunday afternoon. I KNOW he's swamped with orders, yet he spent that kind of time with me? That really impressed me! Some other suggestions, too, even where it was to not go with a feature that would have added cost that he did not think was necessary.

Yep - That is why Felix is great! Even on his days off he's still working!

Reefaddict305 · Oct 27, 2015

I'm glad you got to talk to Felix @Kengar, they are very helpful and knowledgeable, I had them make my 120 gallon rimless tank 48x24x24about a year back and I was very pleased with the outcome.

ReefBum · Oct 27, 2015

I went with a Coast to Coast Custom Aquariums tank and stand and I couldn't be happier. The build quality is top notch. They said it was going to be an 8 week turn-around and they hit that mark.

eg8r210 · Oct 27, 2015

Why choose RS over Miracles? Umm, you like to spend more money with little added benefit? Just kidding but not really. To me the difference would be like buying a new car, do you go with the regular paint or the upgraded special red paint? Sure one "might" look better but the construction and everything else will be the same. Miracles has a great reputation from what I have seen on the forums. Playing devils advocate, if Felix is spending 1.5 hours on the phone with you, how many other customers are getting the same awesome treatment to the detriment of a timely tank build?

I think I have only seen one Miracles tank and it looked great. For RS I have seen 50+ tanks, filled or on display and they ALL have looked great. Felix does amazing work but so do other builders. Price and build time usually are the differentiators when I ask the people I know that have purchased something other than RS.

hotnickz07 · Oct 27, 2015

Reef Savy is like 2 blocks away from my house. I have to say they make AMAZING tanks, to bad the waiting list is Forever. Besides that, they are probably the best

Kengar · Nov 1, 2015

went with RS. 7 foot by 28 wide by 24 high, front and end Starphire (including top bracing). (maybe I'll ask him to make it 0.6 inch taller (24.6") to hit an even 250 gallons) Two ghost overflows. Regular bottom (will be on stand with lip to hide it). Hurry up and wait time

BetURWrasse · Nov 1, 2015

Really depends in all you want on the tank. What style.

I went with a rimless Miracles tank and spoke with Derek a couple of times during the process.

For Miracles to build my tank and sump and ship was less than the reef savvy quote for just the tank build

JOKER · Nov 1, 2015

The ghost overflows are awesome!! RS is awesome. They really care and love the hobby.

Black Pearl · Nov 2, 2015

Been waiting since Feb on a 72x32x24 from RS, have talked to Felix on numerous occasions. the man has a real passion for what he does and it shows in his tanks, a good diamond take time to develop, then that diamond is in high demand. when you want the best most times that means get in line