300 gal Glass Aquarium Recommendations
- Thread starter WLachnit
- Start date
maddhugan
New member
depends, so shop around
depends, so shop around
It all depends on how much you want to spend and what you want out of it.
I would say crystal Dynamics's quality is more or less similar to leemar (leemar is closed now). I bought a leemar while they were making it, and I'm very happy with it.
But crystal dynamics could be somewhat expensive when compared to other tank manufacturers. One of my friend gave his tank's drawing to GLASSCAGES.COM and talked with them and explained what he wanted and got a great tank for a reasonable price since he just bought from the manufacturer itself in this case. I have heard that if you pay them first, then they won't listen to your details. So, first explain and get your contract signed first with all details and then pay them (if you were to go that route). The problem with glasscages.com is: some are extremely happy with their tanks and some were not in the past (3yrs ago), but then even leemar made crappy tanks for some months few yrs ago.
from glasscages.com for half inch thick glass tank you will pay $1455 plus $150 for overflow.
and if you want starphire glass all three sides then add another $300. So that comes to the total of $1905
you can ask them to ship to a carrier facility at Hayward for around $500 and they will load it on your truck and that is it.
so for a starphire glass tank of 90" x 30" x 25" tall you will pay $2405 (that includes shipping too).
but if you are able to get the tank from crystal dynamics for under $3000 then that might not be bad too. That's just me though.
Also check out the "commercial glass tanks" section at glasscages.com, the commercial ones are made of 3/4" glass and it would cost may be $500 to $700 more but I think it is well worth it for a 96" long when you consider the stress distribution along the 96" long with half inch thick glass. May be just peace of mind?
one more thing: if you want Black silicone then you have to let them know in advance, because they make their standard tanks with clear silicone at glasscages.com
If you really really want to play it safe and willing to spend more then crystal dynamics is the way to go. But if you want to put some work and deal with glasscages.com then it could be worthwhile too.
depends, so shop around
It all depends on how much you want to spend and what you want out of it.
I would say crystal Dynamics's quality is more or less similar to leemar (leemar is closed now). I bought a leemar while they were making it, and I'm very happy with it.
But crystal dynamics could be somewhat expensive when compared to other tank manufacturers. One of my friend gave his tank's drawing to GLASSCAGES.COM and talked with them and explained what he wanted and got a great tank for a reasonable price since he just bought from the manufacturer itself in this case. I have heard that if you pay them first, then they won't listen to your details. So, first explain and get your contract signed first with all details and then pay them (if you were to go that route). The problem with glasscages.com is: some are extremely happy with their tanks and some were not in the past (3yrs ago), but then even leemar made crappy tanks for some months few yrs ago.
from glasscages.com for half inch thick glass tank you will pay $1455 plus $150 for overflow.
and if you want starphire glass all three sides then add another $300. So that comes to the total of $1905
you can ask them to ship to a carrier facility at Hayward for around $500 and they will load it on your truck and that is it.
so for a starphire glass tank of 90" x 30" x 25" tall you will pay $2405 (that includes shipping too).
but if you are able to get the tank from crystal dynamics for under $3000 then that might not be bad too. That's just me though.
Also check out the "commercial glass tanks" section at glasscages.com, the commercial ones are made of 3/4" glass and it would cost may be $500 to $700 more but I think it is well worth it for a 96" long when you consider the stress distribution along the 96" long with half inch thick glass. May be just peace of mind?
one more thing: if you want Black silicone then you have to let them know in advance, because they make their standard tanks with clear silicone at glasscages.com
If you really really want to play it safe and willing to spend more then crystal dynamics is the way to go. But if you want to put some work and deal with glasscages.com then it could be worthwhile too.
WLachnit
Active member
Thanks for the responses. My current tank is a 300g tall TruView acrylic with undersized corner overflows that take up a lot of space. It's 1/2" thick, so it bows a bit and I have done a good job scratching it up over the past 10 years. So, I have decided to replace it with a starphire glass tank. I will most likely go with black silicone, but can't decide on the overflows. Ideally, I would like to go with a 3 drain overflow which probably means a C2C overflow. Any thoughts or opinions on this? This is a 96"h X 24"w X 30"t.
WLachnit
Active member
I am planning for a 1.5" Bean overflow. My understanding is that that will provide more flow than my two 1" Dursos that I currently have. I am considering the external box, but since the tank is up against the wall (see old pic below), I would have to plan for the bulkheads to be between two studs so that I can cut into the wall to run the pipes down. Also, based on the reading I have done, it looks like I need a lot of linear drain, much more than 32"? I suppose I could go with a toothless design.
Robert4025
Member
I am planning for a 1.5" Bean overflow. My understanding is that that will provide more flow than my two 1" Dursos that I currently have. I am considering the external box, but since the tank is up against the wall (see old pic below), I would have to plan for the bulkheads to be between two studs so that I can cut into the wall to run the pipes down. Also, based on the reading I have done, it looks like I need a lot of linear drain, much more than 32"? I suppose I could go with a toothless design.
Or...you can use dual 20" Syngergy Ghost overflows.
Paradox009
New member
Ocean Treasures Servicing in SF can do it. Crystal Dynamics is a better option than glass cages.
maddhugan
New member
Crystal Dynamics
Crystal Dynamics
Yes, Crystal dynamics is a better option, if you are going that route then get a quote from Neptune Aquatics as well, and then compare the quotes and also, think about how you are going to get the tank from the store to your house. Some shops do it for a charge and ask about that amount as well when you get the quote.
I have a huge truck and if you would like to borrow, then let me know.
If you decide to transport the tank from the shop to your house by yourself (home depot guys), then there is this risk. One time when we were moving a tank from one house to another, we hired few home depot guys and one was very drunk and was wobbling and cursing very much while lifting, luckily the other ones were not drunk so it was ok, and the tank was safely transported.
if you decide on home depot guys to move, then buy a lot of suction cups from amazon, and make sure you hire more hands than you think you would need, and also hire the non-drunks.
just giving you the things to think about, and plan ahead that you might encounter in this endeavor.
Crystal Dynamics
Yes, Crystal dynamics is a better option, if you are going that route then get a quote from Neptune Aquatics as well, and then compare the quotes and also, think about how you are going to get the tank from the store to your house. Some shops do it for a charge and ask about that amount as well when you get the quote.
I have a huge truck and if you would like to borrow, then let me know.
If you decide to transport the tank from the shop to your house by yourself (home depot guys), then there is this risk. One time when we were moving a tank from one house to another, we hired few home depot guys and one was very drunk and was wobbling and cursing very much while lifting, luckily the other ones were not drunk so it was ok, and the tank was safely transported.
if you decide on home depot guys to move, then buy a lot of suction cups from amazon, and make sure you hire more hands than you think you would need, and also hire the non-drunks.
just giving you the things to think about, and plan ahead that you might encounter in this endeavor.
WLachnit
Active member
Thanks for the suggestions. I did get a quote from Robert and Crystal Dynamics recommended 3/4" glass for a 30" high tank which dramatically increases the price. Anyway, it does make me think twice about cutting corners which I do not want to do.
Maddhugan, is your tank 1/2", 5,/8, 3/4" ?
Maddhugan, is your tank 1/2", 5,/8, 3/4" ?
maddhugan
New member
WLachnit
Active member
I expect my new 300g tank to be delivered next week. Unfortunately, Robert at Neptune Aquatics can’t send a crew to help me move it into my house. (it may get drop shipped from Crystal Designs). So, now I need to determine how best to do this. I have used home depot guys over the years for all sorts of things from rebuilding a house to building a pool, but as Maddhugan mentioned, there is some risk with this. However, I may still go this route depending on the timing next week.
Otherwise, any local reefers interested in giving me a hand? I live in Pleasanton. I would be happy to trade a few items for the help.
SPS frags: Monti Spongodes and Red Monti Cap
48" Reefbrite LED (~4y old)
80# CaribSea special grade sand – Needs to be washed.
35# black sand
55g glass sump
120g glass tank with dual corner overflows. Front is pretty scratched. Top plastic brace broken but holds water.
3# BRS Lignite Carbon
I would take reasonable offers on:
300g Tall (96 x 24w x 30h) Truview aquarium w/ dual corner overflows. Has some scratches on the front.
100# BRS Reef Saver Rock. Never used. I tested for phosphate and it is undetectable (Hanna low phosphate checker)
Otherwise, any local reefers interested in giving me a hand? I live in Pleasanton. I would be happy to trade a few items for the help.
SPS frags: Monti Spongodes and Red Monti Cap
48" Reefbrite LED (~4y old)
80# CaribSea special grade sand – Needs to be washed.
35# black sand
55g glass sump
120g glass tank with dual corner overflows. Front is pretty scratched. Top plastic brace broken but holds water.
3# BRS Lignite Carbon
I would take reasonable offers on:
300g Tall (96 x 24w x 30h) Truview aquarium w/ dual corner overflows. Has some scratches on the front.
100# BRS Reef Saver Rock. Never used. I tested for phosphate and it is undetectable (Hanna low phosphate checker)
DivingTheWorld
Active member
Hey Will, I might be able to help depending on when. I don't need anything in return, just helping out a fellow reefer. Hit me up on PM when you have an idea when it's arriving.
maddhugan
New member
wanted to give you some info........
wanted to give you some info........
so couple of weeks ago I went to buy a glass tank and used double suction cups to lift the tank. Believe it or not the middle of the handle broke and tank fell and bottom broke. It was some what easy to change the bottom glass for that 125 gallon tank so no biggy.
here are some hints
please use good quality suction cups (metal handle ones are the best)
if you can get 3cup instead of two cup then that would be great. because even if one cup gives up the other two will hold--additional layer of safety.
Here is what I did, I bought somewhat expensive 3 point(cup) suction cups and I have 5 of them. These are the best I have ever used.
Let me know if you want to borrow them. when are you planning on moving this tank?
wanted to give you some info........
so couple of weeks ago I went to buy a glass tank and used double suction cups to lift the tank. Believe it or not the middle of the handle broke and tank fell and bottom broke. It was some what easy to change the bottom glass for that 125 gallon tank so no biggy.
here are some hints
please use good quality suction cups (metal handle ones are the best)
if you can get 3cup instead of two cup then that would be great. because even if one cup gives up the other two will hold--additional layer of safety.
Here is what I did, I bought somewhat expensive 3 point(cup) suction cups and I have 5 of them. These are the best I have ever used.
Let me know if you want to borrow them. when are you planning on moving this tank?
maddhugan
New member
how thick is the glass
how thick is the glass
How thick is the glass? The number of people you need depends on that. It is better to have one too many people than a hand short when it comes to glass tanks.
I have broken my share of glass tanks. one time broke a corner edge of ADA 120P when I moved it by myself, luckily the tank itself didn't brake and I'm using it. I have also moved super heavy tanks successfully with limited number of people.
It is a risky business. lol. Plan well
how thick is the glass
How thick is the glass? The number of people you need depends on that. It is better to have one too many people than a hand short when it comes to glass tanks.
I have broken my share of glass tanks. one time broke a corner edge of ADA 120P when I moved it by myself, luckily the tank itself didn't brake and I'm using it. I have also moved super heavy tanks successfully with limited number of people.
It is a risky business. lol. Plan well
