Reef Aquariums of Miami??
- Thread starter ironnie7i
- Start date
canesfan44
New member
Are you serious? You start off by stating that there is a lot of trash-talking in this thread, only to start trash-talking yourself. I don't know what your problem is with Felix/ReefSavvy, but I think your comments about him are out of line. He is a great guy that makes great tanks. He doesn't take a year and he certainly is NOT making 5 posts self-promoting himself. I only agree with one comment you make, "You best bet is to say screw everyone and shop around." So Ironnie71i, make sure to shop around and only listen to people with actual experiences with the tank builders. Fill out the price quote page on ReefSavvy's website and try talking to him again he's always been very good about getting back to me, talk to Reef Aquariums, talk to Exotic and ask to see some of the tanks they've built and you decide for yourself, that's what I did, because you might like the looks of one tank better than the other, or you might like one builder more than the other, or you might like one builder's prices more than another's, or you might just get a better "vibe" from one builder over another, but make sure you check out all your options. Try to send anyone such as JBoulerice or ghstrider a PM and ask them why they don't like certain builders or what about that builder's tanks they don't like, because they might have a very good reason or they might have no good reason at all, ghstrider clearly had some experience with Reef Aquariums that he didn't like or rubbed him the wrong way and JBoulerice obviously had some bad experiences with Felix/ReefSavvy and Exotic that gave him a reason to bad-mouth both of them, I would want to know what happened because I wouldn't want it to happen to me.
Jgoal55
Active member
When someone becomes "super saturated" with supporters as you say, its usually because they've provided an awesome service. The case where a business that provides poor service is super saturated by supporters is rare. As for him being backed up until next year, he wishes. However, if that were true (and it could easily become true soon) it would again be a testament to the superior quality of his work. But I digress and I quote you, "he makes great tanks nonetheless." (PS - It's one word, no dashes needed)
I'm not sure this is worth responding to but here we go. Exotic is a store that has been around for almost forty years, if not over forty. Again, show me a business that's a joke and that has been around 40yrs. You might find one, but it's not common.
They run a good store and will get you anything you want when you're in a bind and in a hurry. As for their prices, imo they are a little bit higher but when you have the reputation they have, they've earned every right to charge a premium. It's like buying a Sony vs buying a Fony. They might be just as good, but you'd feel a whole lot better buying the Sony.
And yes, Exotic makes plenty of custom tanks. In fact, I'd venture to say they still have a majority of the south florida market. That tends to happen over 40 years.
Really? Go home dude. VIP is another great store and as for Reef Savvy posting...Does this also apply to the various build threads created by satisfied customers from Miami to Tennessee? Because if so, it would seem he has a lot of time on his hands to go take pictures of tanks in everyones houses and then post about them. And if that's the case then I think an ordered tank would be here next week, not next year. Seriously, don't talk out of your bass. You make yourself sound stupid.
Funny. In this thread to which I replied because it really did look awesome, you claim you built your tank with "help" from Henry. So which one is it? Did you help him or did he help you.....or did Henry build it on his own?
Look, I've dealt with Henry a few times. Never had a problem with the guy and from what I hear he does build nice tanks. But don't come here and talk smack when you have absolutely zero basis. Seeing as how you say that Henry is a great guy (and I would never say otherwise because I don't know him know that well personally), I would think that he would not approve of your moronic post.
Jgoal55
Active member
Actually, little known fact. But Felix was actually Tibor's "apprentice" so to speak. He learned the trade from Tibor. His work is proof.
But hey, I wouldn't trust my posts because I'm Reef Savvy (and VIP...Im everyone all in one)
Jgoal55
Active member
lol
Really? Their tanks are PVC bottoms? Wow....thats kind of cool. That's gotta cut down on weight quite a bit. Is it technically stronger than glass?
flfireman1
Wrasse aficionado
You start your post by stating this and then continue on by doing the most trash talking of anyone on here.
More trash talking, how are you going to state something you know nothing about? Exotic does make custom tanks.
The topic of the OP is about tank builders, so why would you throw VIP in the mix, when they dont even make tanks or no one else has posted about them?
Oh, and lastly +1 to everything Jgoal55 said.
Jgoal55
Active member
thats pretty smart....never would have thought about that....I wonder if there are any drawbacks?
Come to think of it though, I do know a guy in the ARC (Atlanta Reef Club) that built his whole tank, except for the front panel of course, out of I think PVC....it was an in wall.
Ill see if i can find the thread.
PS - Thanks flfireman1
Ok guys, so after speaking to Felix (reefsavvy) for almost an hour today, I have made up my mind.. Btw, I also spoke to Henry and Exotic for price quotes.
I will be posting a build thread soon on what I am about to order.
I have my mind set on:
-- 100 gallon 48x24x18 with Optiwhite Low Iron on 3 sides, Glass-holes Reef Savvy 1500 GPH w/ built-in return.
-- 48" Stand for the tank
-- Rimless sump to go under the stand made by reefsavvy as well
I will be posting a build thread soon on what I am about to order.
I have my mind set on:
-- 100 gallon 48x24x18 with Optiwhite Low Iron on 3 sides, Glass-holes Reef Savvy 1500 GPH w/ built-in return.
-- 48" Stand for the tank
-- Rimless sump to go under the stand made by reefsavvy as well
brians4671
New member
sounds like a sweet setup GL.
Jgoal55
Active member
Ronnie....one quick thought about the stand.....my stand is 46" tall and if I had to do it again I'd probably drop it another 2".
It all depends on where your going to put it but in my house its next to a lot of other furniture and it kind of looks gigantic. Its just out of proportion with the rest of the furniture. That said, its perfectly at eye level for me which is awesome.....
As far as your next few questions.....lighting, skimmer, etc.....gluck.....lol
soooooo many choices. Lighting I went with MHs and I love the shimmer....but I have to admit, I miss my T5's....skimmer - a lot of ppl recommend octopus. its what I have and I love it.
It all depends on where your going to put it but in my house its next to a lot of other furniture and it kind of looks gigantic. Its just out of proportion with the rest of the furniture. That said, its perfectly at eye level for me which is awesome.....
As far as your next few questions.....lighting, skimmer, etc.....gluck.....lol
soooooo many choices. Lighting I went with MHs and I love the shimmer....but I have to admit, I miss my T5's....skimmer - a lot of ppl recommend octopus. its what I have and I love it.
Tony44
New member
I am not trying to argue here, I just do not understand something. 48x24x18, those are pretty good dimensions I believe but do you not want the extra 6" to make your tank a 120 at 48x24x24?
The thing that I do not seem to get is the need for getting a custom tank made, when the tank you are having made is a commercially available tank? I am all about saving a few bucks on my tank so that I can spend more of my money on better equipment, like a skimmer, lights, etc.
For example, me personally if I were in your situation I would look for a 120 gallon, either used or new, either way would probably be quite a bit cheaper than a custom tank, and with the money saved comes better equipment, livestock, etc.
Now ofcourse if you would like a cube, or a ten foot tank, then a custom tank may be your only option, but from what I have seen from a lot of the build threads this is not the case.
Am I the only who feels this way?
The thing that I do not seem to get is the need for getting a custom tank made, when the tank you are having made is a commercially available tank? I am all about saving a few bucks on my tank so that I can spend more of my money on better equipment, like a skimmer, lights, etc.
For example, me personally if I were in your situation I would look for a 120 gallon, either used or new, either way would probably be quite a bit cheaper than a custom tank, and with the money saved comes better equipment, livestock, etc.
Now ofcourse if you would like a cube, or a ten foot tank, then a custom tank may be your only option, but from what I have seen from a lot of the build threads this is not the case.
Am I the only who feels this way?
ghstrider
New member
Tony I would NORMALLY agree with you BUT you have to see the craftsmanship ReefSavvy puts into his work. The price is a little more but not that much and the main thing you look at is the tank so for a few bucks more its worth it. To me at least. There really is a difference but it depends on whos doing the tank. ReefSavvy's work looks very similar to an ELOS tank at half the cost and local (just to give you something to compare it to)
Tony44
New member
I actually have seen a tank made by Reef Savvy and honestly I think that it is a very beautiful tank; however, the tank was rimless and did not have a canopy. If you do not plan on having a canopy, then I would love a custom, rimless reef savvy tank over a manufacturer tank, but if a canopy is involved then it is a waste of money, just my opinion.
