Any GOOD Builders out there??

[MaGNuS042]

Im looking into starting a 300 to replace my 105.

I want a 48x48x30 semi cube. External overflow, Eurobraced, possibly starphire panels.

I have contacted about 9 builders thus far. Of the three who responded with a resonable price (around $1400) All three have outright refused to build it that way!!

Aquariums for you told me that all Eurobraced tanks will blow up.

Glasscages told me that external overflows will weaken the tank.

And a local builder said that he would only build it if he made the whole tank out of 3/4 glass.

I have to say, not only am i downright frustrated, but im apalled at how set in their ways these builders are. By the way i asked, not ONE of these builders has an engineer on staff.

I think i may just build it myself.

Anyone have any ideas for me?

 

[KingfishJohn]

IMHO, $1400 is not going to get you a tank that size, out of glass, with an external overflow.

Just going on experience, that tank will be much closer to the $3000 range. It's a high tank, and external overflows require pretty big equipment to notch out the back glass.

John

 

[Waxxiemann]

I agree.

Try Miraclesaquariums.com

 

[tom obrecht]

I agree with both of the responses given. I don't think you will find a quality builder for the price your looking for.

 

[Glove]

Try Premium Aquatics.
They gave me a VERY good quote for 72x30x24.

Link for Premium Aquatics

If you look on the webpage there is a handy dandy link that will allow you to connect w/ a live rep. from 10am-5pm.
Good people, good store.

 

[sabodish]

when i was getting quotes for the two tanks i was looking at 48x48x30 and 36x36x30 i had quotes for glass ranging from 1500-7000 for the 48" and 1500-5k for the 36". i finally decided to get an acrylic tank and make it 36x36x30. andy at myreef creations built mine with 3/4 acrylic and eurobracing.

you have to understand tank builders tank on a ton of responsibilty. i think we should be happy they are not willing to "skimp" and build things improperly.

from experience, i can tell you that a 48x48x30 in either acrylic or glass should NOT be less than 3/4" thick. i, for one, have never seen a PROPERLY eurobraced tank blow out.

 

[scaryperson27]

Yeah really.. good luck with getting away with anything below 3/4".

 

[MaGNuS042]

Well glasscages already makes the tank i want as one of thier standards. 48x48x31, they use a 3/4 bottom with 1/2 sides. they just refuse to give me an external overflow. i also dont like the way they put those triangular pieces in the corners of thier eurobrace.

 

[scaryperson27]

Hmmm. It's a good thing they use a 3/4 inch bottom. I can understand 1/2 siding seeing as how it is only 31" tall. I thought you wanted 3/4" all around including the bottom. Have you thought about a rimless tank?

 

[MaGNuS042]

yeah i have, but im going to build a canopy, so i dont think the extra expense of rimless is justified. IME rimless is something to show off, but i hate glare in my eyes when i view my tank, so a canopy is a must.

 

[scaryperson27]

Can you make a list of the 9 builders you contacted? I'm thinking of getting a 18*18*24tall cube to stick next to my 65.

 

[MaGNuS042]

I'll PM it to you, after some of the treatment i've gotten on the phone and via email from these people, i dont even want to give them one iota of free advertising.