new 240 gallon tank help

[tommmys]

I am in the market for a new 240 gallon tank.
72 Long 26 High 30 Wide with external overflow on back panel with 3 1.5 inch drains and 2 1 inch returns drilled in back. It will be euro braced going bare bottom this time with black starboard
I have got several quotes from several tank builders some say I need 3/4 glass some say 1/2 is fine I don't no who to trust here 3/4 is a lot more money would like to stick with 1/2 if it will be ok would like some input on this also I was thinking starfire front panel because tank I have right now glass does not seem that clear tank is only 1 year old what's your thoughts on this.
Also is there any other ideas for this build that I should consider

 

[ClownsRCoo]

I'm getting practically the same tank but only 60x30x22. Might want to get holes drilled in the euro bracing for running any cords that may be coming out of the tank through the holes.

 

[DDon]

I am in the market for a new 240 gallon tank.
72 Long 26 High 30 Wide with external overflow on back panel with 3 1.5 inch drains and 2 1 inch returns drilled in back. It will be euro braced going bare bottom this time with black starboard
I have got several quotes from several tank builders some say I need 3/4 glass some say 1/2 is fine I don't no who to trust here 3/4 is a lot more money would like to stick with 1/2 if it will be ok would like some input on this also I was thinking starfire front panel because tank I have right now glass does not seem that clear tank is only 1 year old what's your thoughts on this.
Also is there any other ideas for this build that I should consider

I am in the process of ordering a custom tank and received some quotes on a few different sizes. From the information I received, the tank didn't need a 3/4" bottom until I jumped to a 72"x36"x26" size which did jack the price up significantly. 72"x30"x26" and 60"x36"x26" did not require the thicker glass on the bottom (all sizes listed are LxWxH). If you are going to the expense of having a tank built then i would definitely go with starfire on the viewing panels.

 

[tommmys]

A few of the quotes I got wanted 3/4 glass sides and bottom

 

[Bogue Chitto]

I would go for the 3/4 glass, even though it is more expensive, the peace of mind is worth it many times over the long run. You have a better bond and also it will take knocks and bumps a lot better. Not having to wake up to wet floors is really a luxury.

 

[tommmys]

Well I think I am going with the 3/4 glass all the way around with starfire front panel euro braced with 3 1.5 inch drains and 2 returns drilled in back. Would you suggest 3/4 or 1 inch returns I am currently using 2 3/4 on my 225 right now. I will be going bare bottom any suggestions on bottom may use starboard black or white not sure or paint outside bottom of tank. Back panel will be painted blue I have had blue and black past tanks and prefer blue.

 

[tommmys]

I order new tank yesterday from coast to coast aquariums. New tank dimensions will be
72L 30D 26H It will be built with 3/4 glass all the way around eurobraced with external overflow. Back of tank will be blue I have had black and blue in the past and prefer blue. Returns will be drilled into back external over flow will have 3 1.5 inch drains. will kepp updating post when I get tank.

 

[Brando457]

mind if I ask how much the tank ended up costing?

 

[nuxx]

Yeap I'd go with 3/4" as well.

Almost did 3/4" on our 60x36x16"!

It's always OK to have thicker glass, but glass can be too thin

 

[tommmys]

I need your opinions I am going to put new tank in wall will be painting back of tank blue what do I do with sides paint them blue also?

 

[tommmys]

nobody has an opinion to help me.

 

[Scubaken]

nobody has an opinion to help me.

I left the side clear, back is blue, sides clear, I suppose it depends if you can see them ?

 

[Bogue Chitto]

I would leave the ends clear as you may want to do some maintenance and be able to see in there, especially if something falls and you have to try to fish it out.