Custom tanks in No/Central AL?

[NicoleC]

Now that I am settled in a bit, it's time to replace this battered thing with a nice new tank for that planted reef edge biotope I never got around to finishing because I moved int he middle of building it.

I'm leaning toward an acrylic tank, something like a shallow cube, about 40g. I might not mind coughing up the extra money for a frameless Starphire tank with black silicone; I'll decide when I review tank makers. Either way I am going with a built-in overflow and fuge -- no sump, but I want everything out of the way.

So who is the trusted tank maker in the area? I can either deal direct or through a shop, but I want to deal local. I don't want to try to order a tank and have it shipped -- too many people get burnt that way. Recommendations?

 

[Tomoko Schum]

A number of people use Glass Cages in Tennessee. Here's their website:

http://glasscages.com/

I understand that they do a real decent job nowadays. A few years ago, I got to see a few of their tanks and I was not too impressed with their silicone work. They also seem to lack people skill, too. It bothers some people a lot while some people seem to have no problem with it.

Tomoko

 

[stolaas]

I have a glass cages tank, very nicely made and the price was even better. Not really local if you are looking in N. AL. They are about 40 min west of Nashville on I-40. No problems so far. knock on wood

 

[8BALL_99]

Well not to step on anyone's toes, But all I can say is good luck with GlassCages...I've heard very bad things about them.. They are super cheap compared to any other custom tank builder and they are the only one I know of any where near AL. I checked with them when I had my 180 built and I wasn't very happy with them.. Their customer service Sucked.. From what I understand you have to catch them on a good day... I have also heard of tanks withs tons of small scratches that you dont really knotice untill you set up the tank..

Like Tomoko said they do seem to be getting better as time goes on. It seems they have improved their silicone work.. All I can say is use caution and besure to inspect the tank very well before you leave with it..

 

[stolaas]

Yes make sure you inspect it. Their customer service is pretty rude, actualy got into a little argument when I picked up the tank, I was 15 minutes late because I couldn't find the place and they had closed and they got mad about it. I just snapped back at them and told them their directions sucked and think they would be a little more kind because I am buying a $800 dollar tank.

They live at the shop, its a big farm, but if you dont want to pay a lot they are the only one I know of.

 

[8BALL_99]

Btw I guess I should have said.. I got my 180 from miracles in glass.. They are far from local.. They are located in Ontario
Canada. But I had great service and my tank is perfect! I went with them because I wanted black silicone, Starfire glass, Eurobracing and a External overflow. That list 2 years ago knocked out most tank builders..

 

[NicoleC]

Glass cages has a reputation that reaches all the way to the west coast. And it's not a good one. I didn't realize they were in this neck of the woods!

 

[Nitroq2]

Nicole,
There is a builder in South Mississippi that does custom glass not sure about acrylic. You can order from them through Aquarium Imports in Hoover. They ship it to the store in hoover and you pick it up there. I spoke with the gentleman who runs the outfit in Pascagoula and he was nice enough and said they could do pretty much anything I wanted. Acrylic here may not be easy to find in Atlanta I think there is one or two designers. Check Ebay I think they advertise there.
On second thought call him there may be a store up that way that carries his products. The company is
Oceanview Aquariums
2323 Telephone Rd
Pascagoula, MS 39567
(228) 762-4010

Good Luck
Allen

 

[NicoleC]

Thanks for the referral!