New 220 Gallon Tank

[sbash]

Hi Folks, I am getting close to when I need to place the order for my new 220G display tank. Since I am in Ontario, Canada, my options are a bit limited. I would like to see what you folks feel are some advantages and disadvantages to the options I have narrowed it down to:

Durso overflow:

Marineland Corner-Flo, $1200 (local pickup)
I have 65G corner-flo now, it works well, although the durso overflow a bit loud. As a room divider, the one wall would need to cover up the overflow, which lowers the viewing abilities from that room. Good warranty.

BeanAnimal overflow:

Perfecto tank, $850 (local pickup)
Basic tank, I could drill it myself or hire someone locally to do it. The warranty would be void as soon as I start drilling. I would also have to build my own overflow box.

Miracles Aquarium, $1600 (shipped to my house)
Custom tank, drilled to my spec (three holes), tempering on the bottom and drilled end. Takes three days to reply to my email. 1 year warranty. This price does not include the overflow.

North American Fish Breeders, $950 + shipping (hopefully around $300, shipped to my house)
Custom tank, drilled to my spec (three holes). This includes the overflow box on the inside. Nothing is tempered, although he says he uses thicker glass (half inch). I will ask about the warranty when I follow up about the shipping cost next week. He only does Euro-style bracing.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Kenmx10]

Here's my thoughts on the choices you've picked.

The Mainland only comes with a corner overflow. Unless its an in wall build, I personally don't like to see the plumbing from the side of the tank. I would much rather see corals, rocks and fish. Also while they offer a good warranty, it sounds like some have had difficulties collecting on the warranty in the past.

Both the Perfecto and Marineland will use 1/2" glass, which should not be a problem, but in my opinion is pushing it to the limits if you will be getting a 30" tall tank.

I would be afraid that, a tank thats not tempered on the bottom, could crack over time.

From my conversations with Miracles in the past, they use 3/4" glass on their 220's. Plus they have about the best customer service and satisfaction in the industry.

Of the 4 you've listed, for me it would be a no brainer, Miracles.
I would also upgrade the front panel to Starphire glass if going with 3/4 glass. It would be $200 well spent.

Happy hunting :fish1:

 

[sbash]

The Mainland only comes with a corner overflow. Unless its an in wall build, I personally don't like to see the plumbing from the side of the tank. I would much rather see corals, rocks and fish.

From my conversations with Miracles in the past, they use 3/4" glass on their 220's. Plus they have about the best customer service and satisfaction in the industry.

That was the main point against the Marineland tank for me, the cornerflo could be covered up, but that is going to take away from the viewing area.

At first I was fond of the Miracles tank, they seem to have great reviews. However, their service seems very poor. They take 3-4 days to reply to my pre-sales questions via e-mail, which troubles me a bit.

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[sbash]

Also, I just heard back from Miracles, they do not temper the bottoms. They only temper the glass they drill. They will use 5/8" glass.

This does seem like a good route, however now I am concerned about the bottom not being tempered. Any other thoughts on this folks?

 

[KSU_WILDCAT]

Have you looked at DSA? I'm not sure if that is an option for you or not. I sure like my 220. I have a center overflow (which I like) with Bean animal setup. I also am not a fan of the corner overflow.

 

[nuxx]

Happy with our A.G.E. 150 gallon starphire frag tank.

Also heard great things about Reef Savvy.

 

[1fishkeeper]

I'm with KSU on this one I love my DSA.

 

[sbash]

Thanks for the input guys, however I am in Canada, so DSA does not seem to be available, likewise for the others...

Also, the overflows need to be drilled on the ends, as this tank will be a room divider...

I am more looking for advice on the technical aspects of these tanks. Largely this point about the lack of tempered bottom. I am not sure why this would be an issue if the tank glass is sitting directly on a sheet of plywood. I could see it potentially being a problem if the bottoms had plastic bracing which lifted the tank off the stand (much like my 65 G).

Also, any advice on the risks/benefits of the euro bracing (which it seems the last two do).

Thanks!