Getting Back Into The Hobby

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sub653

New member
I had a 45 gal soft coral reef tank 9 years ago that was doing great for several years. I've moved twice since then and now I would like to get back into it.

I'm building a bookcase that I'm including a future reef tank in. It must be limited to 48" long because I'm punching it through the wall into an adjacent unused but plumbed bathroom. I would like the vertical dimmension at least 30" and the width to be no less than 24" (preferably 27"). I would like the front to be starphire glass and possibly the left side, which will be visible at the end of the bookcase cabinet. I would also like to have two overflows for a fairly large lighted sump. I'm planning to use 2 250w MH lamps with two T5 lamps on the main tank.

Several LFS are helping in my search but it looks like what I have in mind will have to be custom made. One shop owner mentioned a school teacher in Alabama who makes nice tanks but he didn't know the name or contact information. oes anyone have that information? Or for that matter any other information or contacts that might be helpful. I live in Nashville so Alabama is not too far to drive.

I know of another shop that makes tanks closeby but doesn't always do the best job so I'm really hesitant to buying a tank from them.

Many years ago I made a few small freshwater tanks and I'm toying with the idea of making this one myself but ...

Thanks.
 
Ocea Aquarium Is who your looking for, Rhett has one of their tanks and It's beautiful. He can chime In with contact Info! And Welcome to MTRC and RC you may want to join the club for we get discounts from many local and online vendors and It's just a nice group of folks all Interested In the hobby. My name Is Bill and I'm a Reefaholic......
 
I have had two tanks built by Ocea. I can not brag about Ty enough. I have heard one or two bad stroies and I would still side with Ty on the work he does. If something is wrong he makes it right and does a great job on the tanks. When I do have another tank built he will be the one who builds it. Anyone is welcome to come to by and see the tank and make an opinion for yourself. If the people have seen my tank wouldnt mind posting their opinions Im sure this guy would appreciate them. You can be honest you wont hurt my feelings if you think there is a problem with my tank. If you want to check out their website go to www.oceaaquariumproducts.com send en email and he will get back in touch with you. He make take a little longer to build it but, hey if I am going to have it in my house for many years to come I want the person to take their time and do it right. Wish you the best on your tank and if there is any way I can help please let me know.
 
It would be worth it to at least go visit glasscages, since you live so close.

I have a glasscages tank and an oceanic.

If this is something you want custom made, I'd go glasscages.

They can do starphire on any side or sides you want. They can put overflows and holes where you want too.
 
The first tank I had was a custom all-in-one 60 gallon cube. I had it for about 6 months when I sold it. I just downsized to one tank was the only reason I sold it. The tank turned out great and I got it $400 cheaper than glasscages. The second one which is the tank I currently have is the tank listed below my post. I am very pleased with the way the tank turned out but it has only been up and running for about a month. When I purchased the tank I also had a custom made sump that Bill and I designed along with a custom made canopy which hangs from the ceiling over the tank. I looked at glasscages website and figured it up without the sump and canopy we had designed and it was still 100's cheaper than glasscages. I will not comment on glasscages work because I have not had one of their tanks. I believe Ocea (Oceanic different company) does a great job and is a good person to do bussiness with. Only time will tell but as of now I am happy. Brandon you have no idea how proud I will be when this tank gets some time under its belt and matures.
 
Rhett's tank(s) have all been very very nice that he has had Ty build. They are very clean and flawless. I would pick Ty over glasscages personally. The prices are better and I think you get better craftsmanship. Just my opinion on that anyway.

Welcome back to Reefing!

Anthony
 
I can vouch for Ty and Ocea as well. Ty is great to work with and they just built my 180 with starphire and was slightly cheaper than glasscages. I'm very happy with the tank and would definitely use them again.
 
I appreciate the compliments. Sub653 take your time and shop around. If your investing this kind of money you need to have something you really want espically since its going to be sitting in your house for years to come. I wish you the best and hope your tank turns out great.
 
Thanks to you all for the help. I've contacted Ty at Ocea Aquariums asking for estimates with a couple different configurations.

I'm still thinking about GlassCages.

Poolkeeper, thanks for the welcome. I sent in my membership dues yesterday.
 
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