Anyone recommend a good tank builder?

[ErikS]

After getting quotes of $300+ for sheets of acrylic I thought I'd check out having a tank built. Anyone know of any good local custom tank builders? I prefer arcylic but I did ask glasscages for a quote. I know I can get a Clarity Plus online for about $500 (100gal) delivered but I'd just assume skip the hassle of dealing with motor freight shipping.

 

Thanks

 

EDIT: I don't expect that price for a RR tank - it was just a starting point.

[AquariaUSA]

What size are you looking for?

[ErikS]

Around 100 - 150 gallons. Ideally I'd prefer a tank that's 60x24x22 (LxWxH), though I'm looking at anything in the 48 - 60 range (72 is too big for the space).

 

Thanks

 

EDIT:

 

It was waaaayyy early when I wrote this - :D  My ideal tank would be 5' long. That seems to be a odd size, not quite sure why tanks go 2'...3'...4'....6' I've only found one commercial tank that size, that being a Clarity Plus. I gather that small tanks such as this just aren't worth it for the custom builder. I'm not as interested in the # of gallons as the length (swimming room for fish) & depth for aquascaping.

[AquariaUSA]

Hi Eric,

Well to be honest I would not consider Clarity a "custom" builder for they put out retail grade tanks. If you can't go the 6' length, why not use an AGA or Oceanic 120 which is 48"x24"x24"? It will keep your cost down, and is readily available. Oceanics oak cabinetry line is also very appealing and cost affective. If you want we can quote you the 60"x24"x24" but you will pay more for it is not considered a stock tank (one that is readily made). We don't just quote one or two acrylic companies, we quote 5 for each is regarded much different in quality and scope of work they are capable of. Some people will tell you all acrylic is the same, but that is far from the truth (different types of sheet, bonding agents, techniques, etc.). Try asking your LFS as well, for sometimes Clarity and others may offer them price breaks on a quarterly basis depending on their volume.

[ErikS]

Thanks for the input, man I must have been sleepy when I typed both messages  

 

I was only using Clarity as a reference (same as Clear-For-Life & Tru Vu). I gather by the pricing that they use 3/8" cast material & this is the minimum spec for a 24" tall tank (depending on bracing). I'd feel better about 1/2" material, even if it cost a bit more. That's why I started looking at custom tanks, I was hoping to find a better quality at a competitive price.

 

I've actually waded through the entire 49+ page thread on RC about building an acrylic tank. I guess that's part of my frustration, I understand all the different materials & construction methods - I just can't get the materials for a reasonable cost (in most areas of the country a 4x8 sheet of .5" cast is in the $185 range - retail - but not here)

 

My two main considerations are the length, @ 5' I'm already pushing the space. I'd prefer not to go 4' (maximum length). This is the reason I'd prefer a 24" width over 18", it's just more/better.

 

I got a quote on a glass tank, but @ over 300lbs that just wasn't do-able for me. Though, in this case I do not fault the builder. I imagine it's like AGA vs Oceanic, even though they're the same company the AGA is built to the minimum specs & the Oceanic leans tword the maximum spec. An AGA clocks in @ 216lbs, I imagine an Oceanic weighs a good deal more - as it should it's the better tank.

 

I've talked to a couple of LFS but they can't seem to get it through their heads that the tank is only the initial investment - where exactly do they think I'll be getting all the "fill it" stuff   I don't expect them to take a loss, but trying to get the usual 100% doesn't seem right either.

 

Sent a PM for the quotes.

[Gatortailale]

one of the baltimore stores sells all-glass 120's for like $329 or $349 - think aquarium center or exotics aquatics.

 

in NOVA, closest in price is Stuper pets in annandale