Besides Glasscages who builds large glass tanks 10 foot plus
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SUPPOReefer
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I don't own one, but after seeing several in person, if I ever upgrade, it will definately be a ReefSavy tank. Thier attention to detail is amazing.
GvineReefer
New member
I saw an 8 foot tank at Planet Aquarium in Dallas when I was having mine made. I'm sure they'd have no problem adding another two feet and I'm sure they've done it. Definitely give them a shot, as they do really good work and they are quickly becoming one of the most popular builders in North Texas.
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Dmorty217
Saltwater Addict
The issue with glass cages is SOMETIMES the silicone job is shotty, customer service is good until you try and get the tank, as in they take your money no problem but are less inclined to help much after that. Lastly if you have a problem you must talk to the owner since the person who answers the phone doesn't have a clue and always defers to the owner. This isn't always but keep in mind it has happened to two people other than myself I know personally this was about a year and a half ago so maybe things have changed since then??
I'd say things haven't changed much! I bought mine in August, seam split open a month or so ago. And all documents/receipts all say in big bold letters "all sales final" and their warranty will only apply if the tank is on a manufacturer approved metal stand. You get a custom tank, and have to put it on a nonexistent manufacturers stand?
I asked them what they would do for me, they sent a repair kit, I asked about what about the next one, they said we'd discuss it then. I asked about all the bubbles in all the other seams, they said bubbles were not an indicator the seams were made poorly.
This is my personal experience, YMMV.....but I agree with you to seek alternatives to GC
Alex T.
Active member
Anything over 6 feet, I would be hesitant going with a glass aquarium. IMHO, glass is superior to acrylic for a reef tank due to all the coralline and algae scraping that's bound to ensue, however I just have a very hard time trusting a silicone bond long term on a tank of that size. Even though I'm not an acrylic fan, resting easy with that amount of water held in a box somewhere in my home is important to me. The chemical bond made when welding acrylic together is far stronger than silicone.
That being said, when I picked up my 200 gallon Starphire tank from Coast to Coast Aquariums here in New Jersey, there was a 12'x4'x4' monster 1,430 gallon+ tank being completed before my eyes. My tank measured 72x26x24 and weighed almost 350 pounds with a double Eurobrace, 1/2 inch side panels and a 3/4" bottom. This tank had 1 inch thick panels on all sides with an ungodly amount of glass bracing on top. The weight of the tank alone was no doubt twice the weight of mine full with water. Their tanks are top notch and I wouldn't put anyone's quality above them, but you'll pay handsomely for it, as they usually come in higher than most builders/fabricators.
That being said, when I picked up my 200 gallon Starphire tank from Coast to Coast Aquariums here in New Jersey, there was a 12'x4'x4' monster 1,430 gallon+ tank being completed before my eyes. My tank measured 72x26x24 and weighed almost 350 pounds with a double Eurobrace, 1/2 inch side panels and a 3/4" bottom. This tank had 1 inch thick panels on all sides with an ungodly amount of glass bracing on top. The weight of the tank alone was no doubt twice the weight of mine full with water. Their tanks are top notch and I wouldn't put anyone's quality above them, but you'll pay handsomely for it, as they usually come in higher than most builders/fabricators.
Alex T.
Active member
I've seen longer, but I'm sure they're custom order. I don't think you'd even find one glass tank in a public aquarium.
Reefnut2010
New member
Glass is nice in the fact it doesn't scratch as easily, but IMHO, acrylic is just safer. Specially in big builds. I'm almost certain glass aquariums have to be replaced/resealed after a certain amount of time and after setting up a monster build with thousands of $$$$$$$$$$ in it, I would want this to be as bullet proof as possible. I live in California, and would be nervous about a huge glass tank in my house. I'm looking for a 72" x 30' x 30" or so and I'm 99% sure it will end up being acrylic for me. If I'm wrong, please do tell. How long do glass aquariums last? In regards to you 10' build, I would look elsewhere for a builder. You want security when investing a large dollar amount. I'm sure you don't want your large investment to end up on your floor, or in a best case scenario....in tubs with a busted tank in your garage awaiting repair....that would probably come from a different builder altogether !!
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mrx66699
New member
I wouldn't think a 3/4" piece of glass would be that weak
I'd be a little more worried about an acrylic seam failing than I would silicon. Plus who is really going to have their tank up and running for 20 years? I'm sure silicon will easily last 10 years+
if your worried about an acrylic seam failing lol..... over silicon then you are just making assumptions and dont understand the acrylic bond that is made....an acrylic seam done properly is actually a weld and stronger than the actual acrylic itself ......here are are some facts not just opinions ...
a. Acrylic scratches. True. Glass scratches. True.
b. Scratches in Acrylic can be polished out. True. Scratches in glass can be polished out. False. Scratches in glass are permanent.
c. Acrylic tank seams are stronger than glass seams. True. Two pieces of glass are bonded together by applying a dis-similar material, silicone, and pressing them together until the silicone is dry. Acrylic is bonded together by applying a solvent to the seam and melting the Acrylic together forming two pieces into one. It has been proven that the joint of an Acrylic aquarium is stronger than the adjacent material.
d. Acrylic is lighter than glass. True. This feature makes moving them much easier. Moving a large glass aquarium could stress the seams and cause a leak. This cannot happen to Acrylic aquariums because the seams are stronger than the Acrylic itself.
e. Acrylic is a better insulator than glass. True. Temperatures are more stable in Acrylic aquariums.
f. Acrylic can be drilled easily. True. Using an inexpensive hole-saw in a hand held drill, You can drill holes into an Acrylic aquarium.
g. Acrylic is clearer than glass. True. Glass is actually green in color, just look through the edges. The exception to this is Starfire glass which is as clear as Acrylic but, much more expensive and as heavy as regular glass
h. Acrylic costs more than glass. Generally true. It depends on the size and where you purchase the tank. Smaller Acrylic tanks are more expensive. The larger the tank the more cost effective Acrylic becomes and somewhere around 90 gallons, glass tanks become more expensive than Acrylic.
i. The warranty is better on Acrylic aquariums. True. Most glass aquariums are warranted for 90 days, some one year. Most brand of Acrylic aquariums are warranted for the life of the original owner against leakage due to defect.
In short why acrylic over glass on a large tank...
An Acrylic Aquarium is 17x stronger than glass, softer than glass, and more flexible than glass aquarium, making it far more impact resistant and not nearly as prone to chip or crack as glass.
Acrylic Aquariums weigh 50% less than glass making it far more manageable to move.
Acrylic Aquariums insulates 20% better than glass aquariums reducing temperature flux.
An Acrylic Aquarium has molecularly welded, clear polished seams that literally make the tank one solid piece of material unable to leak and therefore guaranteed a lifetime against defects of workmanship.
Acrylic Aquariums are as clear as optical glass (at 93% transparency it passes the most light of any material) providing a noticeable difference, especially in larger tanks where normal aquarium glass adds a green tint - acrylic tanks remain crystal clear.
by the way I have an ATM 540... the guys from tanked, give them a call and you wont be disappointed
shawn.short
New member
Who so mrc
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