Starting to put together new tank, looking for recommendations

[zethimus]

Hey all!

I'm currently running with the following:

To be replaced:
40g breeder w/homemade bean animal overflow
20g sump

To be reused:
Jebao 6000 return pump (it might be a 9k, not sure)
Jebao RW-15 powerhead
Bubble Magus Nac6 Skimmer
Radion XR30w light


I'm looking at replace my tank, stand, and sump. Since all my original stuff is DIY, its not pretty enough to be in the main room at the new house . On the plus side, i've been given permission to set up a new tank, so long as I can reuse the above equipment.

I'd like to get ~60 gal rimless tank (or somewhere around that size). I had enough frustration and issues with making my original overflow & sump that I think i'll just get one thats already put together. The problem is, most internal overflows are not the animalbean style, which i really like. Another option would be to go a bit bigger and get a second Radion. I've never had a tank larger than 40, so I'm a bit uncomfortable making a huge jump but in casual conversations this seems to be the recommendation.


So i'm essentially looking for two pieces of advice. Firstly, what tank do you all recommend (and what overflow goes with it if its not internal overflow)? Secondly, who should I get it from? I've looked around online, but I'm curious if anyone has done the legwork of comparing online prices to the stuff you can find in LFS after you include the price of shipping and the like.

Thanks for any and all input!

 

[Sinekal]

I would look at the DSA line of tanks. Quite a few retailers in town can order them, and some carry stock (I believe Kona Reef and Coral Reef Imports had one/some in stock. They made quality tanks, they have a rimless tank that's about the size you want, and the overflows are drilled to accommodate multiple drains.

I doubt you will get the single light to cover a 60 gallon. In my opinion the reason to go ecotech vs ai hydra is for depth of penetration. At the size tank you have you would probably get better coverage with two hydra 26s than the one radion, and with their price drop might be mostly covered by selling the radion.

 

[kjonulak]

I've seen a custom tank made by Cad Lights. Very nice tanks. I'm planning on having them make me a custom tank. They have some cube style tanks.

Here's a link:

http://www.cadlights.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=61_74&products_id=308

It comes with tank, stand, sump, pump, and more and FREE Shipping.

 

[AntiSatan]

DSA 65 would probably be about the size your looking for. Them make a really good tank and stand plus are available locally from most lfs.

 

[plantastic]

I'll Third the recommendation for the Deep Sea Aquatics 65.

It presents as a custom grade aquarium for a modest price. I'm not sure which store locally would have the best price, but the local wholesaler stocks them, so any store that use that wholesaler should be able to get it relatively quick.

Ecotech has a new (relatively speaking) wide angle lens that spreads the light much better than the stock lens that comes with it. It makes a noticeable difference. I have been using one Radion G2 pro over the recommended aquarium with great success.

 

[zethimus]

Wow, thanks for all the responses.

I've seen the DSA tanks before, and they've definitely peaked my interest. I'm glad to see others have had success with them. What have you guys used as a sump with those tanks? Also, has anyone used their own overflow instead of the internal? Looking at their site it seems like you could get it without the internal overflow.

Also, i'll check into the wide angle lens. Thanks for the recommend there. Buying a lens would be a lot cheaper than getting another unit (provided there is enough light).