DIY tanks

[capecoral]

Although I've seen used 55 tanks for just a few dollars, I don't see the same good deals for 90's and bigger. Is it feasible to try to DIY a 90 or bigger, for cheap? Cost is the only reason I'm looking at a 55. I have plenty of space for a bigger one, and of course would like a bigger one, even if it has only one coral

 

[the maggot]

55's are cheap because the glass is thinner than for a 90 or more. Have you tried craigs list for a cheap tank?

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

Glass supplier prices were crazy high when I looked into diying a 48x30x24; I could almost buy a glasscage tank for the cost of the bottom panel alone. The best way I thought to diy a larger glass tank would be search for cheap broken large tanks salvaging the glass.

 

[Metal Man 1221]

plywood tanks are always an option, and as bad as it may sound iv seen some very sucessful ones

 

[fuzzyfred101]

plywood is an option this is one of my fav.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=674932
but most people when they finish say it cost as much as buying an all glass. Usually you have to make a extremely large or weird shape(one not carried by manufactures) to save money(same with building a aga too)

 

[uncleof6]

Although I've seen used 55 tanks for just a few dollars, I don't see the same good deals for 90's and bigger. Is it feasible to try to DIY a 90 or bigger, for cheap? Cost is the only reason I'm looking at a 55. I have plenty of space for a bigger one, and of course would like a bigger one, even if it has only one coral

It is not likely, by the time it is all said and done, that you can save money, building a glass tank the proper way. At best, usually, you might break even-- with a purchased standard tank. Custom sizes, on the other hand, could go either way, but it is by no means cheap either. Only good reason to build is for self satisfaction, or you cannot find a reputable builder, to build your crazy notion .

Regards,

Jim

 

[Haloumpalumpa]

Check your local pet stores for specials. The one in my town constantly has specials for Tanks at a $1 per gallon up to a 75 gallon tank.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Glass supplier prices were crazy high when I looked into diying a 48x30x24; I could almost buy a glasscage tank for the cost of the bottom panel alone. The best way I thought to diy a larger glass tank would be search for cheap broken large tanks salvaging the glass.

It pays to shop around. Just bought the glass for my wood tank. I contacted several local shops (Syracuse) and, for the same dimensions, same number of pieces, same type of glass, same edge finish, etc. the price fluctuated from $260 to ~$600. Seemingly insignificant differences in edge finish changed the price another $100 - $150. Significant differences in edge finish changed the price almost $200. Changing to low iron glass instead of plain float glass changed the price another few hundred.

So, for what might seem like "similar" glass to a casual observer, the quotes ranged from around $200 to around $1k. For the exact specs I ended up wanting, the price varied from $260 - $600.

 

[impur]

I am DIYing a cube. Total cost of the stand, glass (3 starphire sides), clamps, silicone, and table to build it on is about $200 less than the best quote i received for just the tank, which came from glasscages.

 

[coralnut99]

It pays to shop around. Just bought the glass for my wood tank. I contacted several local shops (Syracuse) and, for the same dimensions, same number of pieces, same type of glass, same edge finish, etc. the price fluctuated from $260 to ~$600. Seemingly insignificant differences in edge finish changed the price another $100 - $150. Significant differences in edge finish changed the price almost $200. Changing to low iron glass instead of plain float glass changed the price another few hundred.

So, for what might seem like "similar" glass to a casual observer, the quotes ranged from around $200 to around $1k. For the exact specs I ended up wanting, the price varied from $260 - $600.

God! I'm jealous of people with enough glass shops around to compare prices!

I have the horrid luck of having exactly one.

In a nutshell, a custom size to fit a custom space may make it worthwhile, monetarily, depending on glass cost in your area. Otherwise, it may be cheaper to make your custom space conform to a stock tank.

And let's not leave out that if you've never worked with silicone and glass before, you'll most likely have problems somewhere along the way, so factor in the cost of "practice tank".

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

God! I'm jealous of people with enough glass shops around to compare prices!

I have the horrid luck of having exactly one.

Yeah, but Bushkill is what, like 2 hours from NYC or Philly? An afternoon in the car and you'd have ten times the selection I did!

 

[coralnut99]

Close. It's more like 3 hours to either. I should've qualified, by saying if I had that much time, I'd be able to shop prices too. My son plays baseball about 9 1/2 months of the year, and right about now my schedule is just these tiny slivers of time during the day.

 

[capecoral]

Well it looks like a cheap used 55 from ebay or cl will have to do.

 

[Hurdicuss]

Here is a budget DIY thought... Pick up one of those "cheap" 55 gallon tanks, bring it home and dismantle the tank. Clean and prep all the pieces and then re-assemble to have the dimensions of 48 x 20 x 13(h). In doing this you will have a back piece that is taller than the other sides but you can either have this piece cut down to match the other sides or somehow incorporate it into a light hanger or to be part of the canopy... Options are endless. Now you have turned a cheap, boring tank into one that you built yourself, has a much better foot print and is now up-to-date with the "shallow tank" reefers among us.

Just a thought. Good luck!

 

[coralnut99]

Or.....Just buy a used 90G.

 

[capecoral]

Interesting idea on the re-build. Maybe a bit too much work for a starter tank... really I'm just trying to get something up and running with fish, so I can save and start adding corals.

For used 90's, I have not found anything under 300, but 55's are just $25 sometimes.

 

[uncleof6]

55s are cheap, but have a lousy footprint-- especially if you want to put a decent sump under them. 50 breeder has a way better footprint, but are not as cheap...... 90s have a lousy footprint also.... usually tall and skinny... just some thoughts.

Jim

 

[mija1111]

Here is a budget DIY thought... Pick up one of those "cheap" 55 gallon tanks, bring it home and dismantle the tank. Clean and prep all the pieces and then re-assemble to have the dimensions of 48 x 20 x 13(h). In doing this you will have a back piece that is taller than the other sides but you can either have this piece cut down to match the other sides or somehow incorporate it into a light hanger or to be part of the canopy... Options are endless. Now you have turned a cheap, boring tank into one that you built yourself, has a much better foot print and is now up-to-date with the "shallow tank" reefers among us.

Just a thought. Good luck!

and subject to close

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

For used 90's, I have not found anything under 300,

Look harder! I've bought used tanks twice that size for half that price.

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Here is a budget DIY thought... Pick up one of those "cheap" 55 gallon tanks, bring it home and dismantle the tank. Clean and prep all the pieces and then re-assemble to have the dimensions of 48 x 20 x 13(h). In doing this you will have a back piece that is taller than the other sides but you can either have this piece cut down to match the other sides or somehow incorporate it into a light hanger or to be part of the canopy... Options are endless. Now you have turned a cheap, boring tank into one that you built yourself, has a much better foot print and is now up-to-date with the "shallow tank" reefers among us.

Just a thought. Good luck!

Anyone done this? Seems like a 'fantastic' idea....or take one extra step and get a single starphire pane for the front and ditch the extra old front or back pane that you would now be using as the new tall rear pane.

hmmm.....is 13" tall enough??