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01/21/2019, 05:27 PM | #1 |
Plumbing Engineer
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 3,260
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Looking for a tank builder whos out there?
So the time has come for my first custom tank size. Im looking for 84x36x30 with an external overflow.
I know of AGE but have heard some bad things about their tanks bursting. I know of glasscages but I have seen their work and do not like the seam work. There are a few local companies but I have not heard anything about them and thats about it. So who made your tank? |
01/21/2019, 07:45 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: West Central MN
Posts: 241
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Custom aquariums out of Neenah WI
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Jill Current Tank Info: 450g see thru tank, MH lighting, 180 basement sump, Apex controller, Lifereef skimmer, 30g QT tank |
01/21/2019, 07:53 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: San Carlos
Posts: 559
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Reef Savvy and TankMeUSA are out of Florida. Very nice tanks with a price to match
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01/21/2019, 08:00 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Lakewood Ranch Fl.
Posts: 872
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I just picked up my tank from Custom Aquariums and I couldn't happier. I worked with Bob Pontow and it took about 12 weeks from order to delivery.
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Living it up in Florida Current Tank Info: 210 gal, 300lbs LR, Aquamaxx Skimmer, 3x Reefbreeders LED's & T5's. |
01/21/2019, 08:02 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 217
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Be sure to check out Miracles in Ontario. They ship to the US regularly. When I was deciding on a custom tank builder 3 years ago I judged that they were my best choice — able to build what I wanted, and best balance of price/quality. I’m very happy with my 72x24x31 230g with external overflow.
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Setting up 230g Miracles mixed reef peninsula, TampaBaySaltwater liverock package, Radion Gen3 pros, Vectra returns |
01/22/2019, 05:28 PM | #6 |
Plumbing Engineer
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 3,260
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Ive heard good things about Miracles. Does anyone have pics of their tanks? Anyone had a custom tank for more than 5 years?
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01/22/2019, 06:31 PM | #7 |
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I’ve been shopping for a very similar tank. I also ran across AGE and I’m intrigued by the glass acrylic hybrid and the PVC/Steel braced - one of which have I seen elsewhere.
What have you heard about their tanks bursting? A quick google search showed nothing that I could find? Obviously I’m anxious not to have that happen!
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Old…75gal/20sump mixed, AI Sol SBx2!, mp40w, Tunze 9006, ca++ reactor, GFO/Carbon. New… ?? |
01/23/2019, 06:36 AM | #8 |
Plumbing Engineer
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 3,260
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My local reef club president told me all 3 AGE tanks he knew of members having burst over the past 5 years and they just kinda said "yeah that happens" I dont know details. I have a feeling they were denied warranty due to them not being on "approved stands" but its still enough to make me avoid them. Which kinda sucks because last I checked(like 10 years ago) they were the best out there. But I also am not looking for a hybrid tank. Just glass.
I got a quote from Miracles with a metal stand and its not bad Im going to check around with some others mentioned. But I would love some actual feedback from people who actually own custom made tanks. |
01/23/2019, 07:35 PM | #9 |
Saltwater Addict
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Vandalia OHIO
Posts: 11,624
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Envisions
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Fish are not disposable commodities, but a worthwhile investment that can be maintained and enjoyed for many years, providing one is willing to take the time to understand their requirements and needs Current Tank Info: 625g, 220g sump, RD3 230w, Vectra L1 on a closed loop, 3 MP60s, MP40. Several QTs |
01/24/2019, 11:09 AM | #10 |
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Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,799
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Another vote for Miracles in Canada. Shipping/quality/price made them very competitive. I had them do a custom display tank and a frag tank . I love the tank and have a build thread about it. I had my stand (steel) built locally but my design was approved my Derek.
Main Display - 82" x 40" x 26" IMG_9431 by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr Frag Tank - 36" x 24" x 16" IMG_9483 by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr
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To check out my pictures of my tank and trips just click on my name and visit my homepage. Tank Build Thread (Miracles Custom) - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2628737 |
01/24/2019, 11:15 AM | #11 |
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Looking for a tank builder whos out there?
nightOwl: How was your experience of asking a local fabricator to make up a stand? Did they understand the structural needs or did you have to do a lot of education with them about impressing the structural importance with them?
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Old…75gal/20sump mixed, AI Sol SBx2!, mp40w, Tunze 9006, ca++ reactor, GFO/Carbon. New… ?? |
01/24/2019, 11:19 AM | #12 | |
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Location: Waukesha , WI
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Quote:
They are very nice and well built. I have never heard of a complaint.
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David Polzin |
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01/24/2019, 11:26 AM | #13 | |
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Location: Maryland
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Quote:
Main Display with Walk-board in Place IMG_9419 by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr
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To check out my pictures of my tank and trips just click on my name and visit my homepage. Tank Build Thread (Miracles Custom) - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2628737 |
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01/24/2019, 11:32 AM | #14 |
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Thanks! That a great stand. Out of curiosity was Derek even open to a suitable wood stand or was it “gotta be steel!”
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Old…75gal/20sump mixed, AI Sol SBx2!, mp40w, Tunze 9006, ca++ reactor, GFO/Carbon. New… ?? |
01/24/2019, 12:05 PM | #15 |
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Location: Maryland
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They didn't offer a wooden stand option that I know of. I also don't think they extend the warranty on do it yourself stands if that is the reason you are thinking wood over steel. If you notice I added gussets so that I could skin the stand if I ever wanted to but since I have a dedicated fish room and my tank sits behind the wall I haven't skinned it yet. My last couple of stands were wooden but steel is not bad. Sturdy as all get out and gives you some options. Check around at local fabricator if one is in your area...much cheaper than you would expect and I overdone it with the thickness just because I wanted the peace of mind. I figured I had spent a ton on a custom tank and the steel stand was cheaper than Miracles to get the warranty it was worth it.
Front view IMG_3580 by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr
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To check out my pictures of my tank and trips just click on my name and visit my homepage. Tank Build Thread (Miracles Custom) - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2628737 |
01/24/2019, 12:13 PM | #16 |
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Quote:
This is what I would love to do...
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David Polzin |
01/25/2019, 08:16 AM | #17 |
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Location: Atlanta GA
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01/27/2019, 08:56 AM | #18 | |
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Location: Maryland
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Quote:
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To check out my pictures of my tank and trips just click on my name and visit my homepage. Tank Build Thread (Miracles Custom) - http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2628737 |
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