Decisions, decisions!!!!! Feed back please

Jim_S

Jim_S

Timo Boll
Okay, heres the deal.

I've decided I want a new tank (as some know from the thread I started yesterday).

I have two options:

1. Get a tank from John at YR

or

2. Get a tank from Deep Sea Aquatics

If I get the tank from John, it will save me $700 in freight charges. The tank will be nice, but the DSA I have a feeling, will be nicer.

The tank that John quoted was for the same dimensions that my stand is now 72x24x24. This would be the "easier" way to go, since I would not have to build a new stand, change lighting from 3 to 2 MH's and sell my old stuff.

The tank from DSA has sweet dimensions though. 60x30x25. Its built with 3/4" glass and has no center brace. The issue here is that I have to build a new stand, and drop the extra cash on freight.

What would you guys do?
 
Run two tanks.

Personally, I'd love to see YR get the business, but DANG that DSA tank is one sweet ride... And I love the aesthetics of the dimensions. I'm moving into a 60x24x24 and would have considered 60x30x24 if I could ever find one used (I'm cheap). Try uship dot com see if you can arrange your own shipping for cheaper.

Any other ideas?
 
When I was looking into purchasing a new tank I was looking at GlassCages.com. The freight for a tank was going to be something like $1000, but if I met them at one of the expos that they do, it was only $150. I know they do a show in LA, but I think that is as close as they will get to us. You might consider going that route, or asking DSA if they will be doing a show close by sometime soon and if they would bring your tank with them. Just a thought.

Did you get a quote on the 185 from DSA yet? I'm very curious what the cost is.

Also, for a FOWLR tank, don't you want as long as possible? I would think the 5 footer is a step in the wrong direction.
 
Yeah, I'd like to give the business to John too. He deserves it. He's a real asset to our community here.

Kev,

I'd get the tank shipped via UPS with my company's 73% discount! It works out to $587 + $120 for DSA to crate it. If I was just using a normal account, the fee would be $1500+ for a tank that big :eek2:

Tee,

I'm going glass. So yo think I should get those dimensions, but from John?
 
AJ,

Which do yo think is better the 5' or the 6'?

I think the 6 is a better fish tank, and the 5 is a much better reef.

Anyone feel like ordering a tank and splitting the shipping ;)
 
I kinda agree with 6' instead of 5 but to me the 30" D makes up for that. SO you want a Basic 180? I have had 2- 180 set up at the same time before great little tank.

where is the bracing on the one tank? i had center braced on my 180 did not like it, I mean it is really not a big deal but it gets all dirty on top.

Ok, all that and my decision would be the 60X30X25, no doubt!!

So, in short i think John is a great guy and runs the top shop around here. but if i were getting i guess my dream tank i would get the one i really want the most
 
Jim. I did a standard 180 because I could not give up the extra six inches of my living room. Right now you have a 135 on a 180 stand. It all depends on how much you want to reinvest in a system that you might have to sell if you decide to relocate.

What would you do for lighting on a 30" tank" The only thing that has even close to that spread is a LAIII. True that you wont be placing SPS against the glass, but these are all decisions I had to account for when I was making my decision.

If you do go with the visio, which are very nice tanks, get the two braces that divide the tank into threes. That way you wont get the dim area under the center brace.
 
My tank is about 30" front to back and the extra depth really adds to your aquascaping options. You don't have to make a tank that looks like a wall of rock-you can have a peninsula or coral "bommie" that the fish can swim through and all around.

Also, since the corals are still in the front 2/3 of the tank you don't need lots of light in the back and this makes ph's and other things less conspicuous.
 
Davey, I hear you! You should order one with me :P

bored,

If I go to the 5', I would go back to a reef. I can't do a 240..... too much to reinvest in skimmer, sump, return, etc :( Would be nice though!

Marko9,

I know. There is always the chance for me to relocate. No matter what, I'm gonna have to move the tank. But I'm really bored with my tank now, and I'd like to try something new. I won't need to reinvest much. Just for the wood, hardware and stain/paint. I think I could do it in a weekend. Maybe 2. All very valid points :(

To light I would run two SE in lumi's and see how it looked from there. I would need to buy 2 reflectors and sockets, and I could use my current ballast.

I will call John or Brandon tomorrow and check on the bracing option!! Great call!!
 
Jim, a standard 180 is a large and really terrific tank. If you are going FOWLR and are considering doing something bigger, I suggest adding height not depth. The height for things such as angels and tangs is really more important than the depth anyways. If you are going with a reef on the other hand the depth is nice to have. I am switching my FOWLR from a standard 240 to a 60X30X30 starfire. I know it is nice to get a custom tank but the standard 190's are quite large and still can be amazing. If John can hook you up, I say go for it. If you decide to sell a custom tank you usually end up dropping your pants from the price you paid anyways. If you go custom I would be sure you are in it for the long haul. Either way good luck buddy and lmk if you need a hand.
 
Paul, I hear you.

I think its much better to go with a standard size, and John is making this very affordable. I will save a ton, if I don't get the 5 footer.

I think I've already decided that it'll be from John. It just fits the situation better.... I'll wait and see if there is something that I can do about getting DSA shipping/cost down, as that is what I "want". I think what I want, and what I can afford are in two different places rights now... but what else is new right??
 
I'd stay away from anything 1/2" thick or greater for glass unless at least the main viewing pane is made of Low-Iron (Starfire)glass to keep the green tint out.

Plus shopping local is always nice unless you have stock in UPS, DHL, etc and don't mind the fuel surcharge. ;)
 
Here in lies your answer...

I'll wait and see if there is something that I can do about getting DSA shipping/cost down, as that is what I "want".
Click to expand...

You already have a good size tank. Get what you want, enjoy the build over time which also makes it more affordable. When it's ready for water you will have no regrets.

Regarding the local economy argument; sounds great but if I want a Bently I might have to go elsewhere to get it. Local economy - yes - but if it's not here - it's not here.
 
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