Retail Manufactures - 180 Gallon Glass Aquarium

[DeepBlueSea]

Stand is almost complete, some equipment ordered, now we need to actually start thinking about the tank.

Going with a GLASS 180

Looking for recommendations on retail manufactures of 180's. I'll admit I'm a bit apprehensive placing this large of an aquarium in my home, and have considered a custom build, thinking custom could provide more piece of mind... with that said, it's also 2+ times more expensive.

LFS - Suggested the Marineland 180w/ double corner-flo, which includes the internal plumbing, dual loc-line returns for both sides. Price 849.00 with maybe $50 tacked on for delivery and muscle to get it onto the stand.

Any experience with marineland good or bad that you can share would be greatly appreciated. (See above, apprehensive, 180 gallon, poor silicone seams, etc...) :uhoh2:

How about the Aqueon?

Who else out there makes an over-the-counter retail 180? Please suggest manufactures.


With that said, I've been really thinking of doing a non-reef ready tank and drilling myself a Glass-Holes 'Threejole con Sombrero' overflow with dual returns in both corners. (Just the single, centered, overflow box, processing 1600-1700 gph, through a full suction + duorso style and having the emergency drain) This 'look' seems much more appealing, albeit much more work & risk (void warranty) than just purchasing a reef ready setup.

Thoughts... on my ideas?

 

[billdogg]

I would go for option 2. Or is it 3? Get a non reef ready tank from either of the manufacturers you mentioned. They both make fine tanks IMO. Drill it yourself and put a real overflow in it, where you want it. IMHO, the term "Reef Ready" should mean REEF READY, not well, it has a couple half arsed "drains" so you can have a sump.

If you haven't before, drilling is easy, and if you go with glass holes, they'll have the correct bits for the bulkheads you choose.

And before you get too carried away with your stand - be aware that the measurements on the different brands will not be the same. It would really suck to build a nice stand only for it to end up too big or too small for the tank!!!

 

[homer1475]

Steve over at SCA aquariums could hook you up. and if you give him your dimensions, they will drill the tank to your specs if you ask.

 

[Xxero]

I have a 65g Marineland Cornerflow that I like very much. You can set-up a Herbie style overflow with the pre-drilled holes, and then just run a return line up the back. :bigeyes:

 

[ca1ore]

I bought a stock RR marineland 265 and almost immediately regretted not getting a non RR and drilling the overflow myself. I see no reason to pay the premium for custom with something like a 180. With a well made stand and sturdy floor you'll be just fine. Agree with prior post about stand size. I prebuilt mine for the 265 only to find that the bottom trim added a a full 1 1/2" to the footprint. Had to rebuild the sides.

Drilling a tank post manufacture does scuttle the warranty, but so does putting it in a DIY stand. Drilling thicker glass is really easy, just takes patience and lots of water. Glass 180 is heavy, but not that heavy. Prob 350 lbs. Four man job, two if you're young and strong. Buddy and I lugged my old 180, but that was while ago and we are both robust lads. Wouldn't try it now :lol:

 

[elFloyd]

I have the Marineland 180 with dual corner overflows. REGRET. Go with the plain tank and add the overflow. Takes up less room and they you can do a Bean Animal or Herbie return. I dealt with the Dursos for years, and finally installed a modified Herbie (2 siphons and 2 emergency drains). One of the best decision I've made. Very quiet. Also look at the Shadow Overflow. Synergy Reef.

 

[DeepBlueSea]

I would go for option 2. Or is it 3? Get a non reef ready tank from either of the manufacturers you mentioned. They both make fine tanks IMO. Drill it yourself and put a real overflow in it, where you want it. IMHO, the term "Reef Ready" should mean REEF READY, not well, it has a couple half arsed "drains" so you can have a sump.

If you haven't before, drilling is easy, and if you go with glass holes, they'll have the correct bits for the bulkheads you choose.

And before you get too carried away with your stand - be aware that the measurements on the different brands will not be the same. It would really suck to build a nice stand only for it to end up too big or too small for the tank!!!

Thanks for the reply... just the few responses have swayed my mind to stay true to my thoughts on drilling my own.

Re: the stand... its overbuilt for most standard sizes.

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[billdogg]

Nice job on the stand! How big are the openings? I ask because it might limit your choices for a sump.

 

[DeepBlueSea]

Nice job on the stand! How big are the openings? I ask because it might limit your choices for a sump.

24x24... however, it's built using 2x6 and right now doesn't have a center brace front or back. The back is wide open. The plan is to have the sump in place before the tank is placed on top, then install two center braces, even though it may not 'need' them. (I want them)

If for whatever reason, I need to replace the planned 48" sump, I could remove the front brace and cut the faux front, between the doors without having to move the tank and stand. (Hopefully, that day won't ever arise.)


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[alton]

DSA is my choice, but I am not sure if they are available in the NE? The problem I have with most is the plastic cross bracing. DSA adds glass under theirs for support