I'm getting ready to take the plunge but would like to get a second opinion. My LFS says the best way to go leak-free in glass is with an Oceanic Systems tank. Initially I was going to go with a tank with a 48"x18" footprint on a custom stand [made by me] to be used as a room divider but the Oceanic warranty is invalid if you don't use one of their stands. They sell nothing that is finished on all sides. My questions:
1) The LFS stocks only All-Glass and Oceanic. Is Oceanic worth the premium price?
2) $650 is a lot to pay for a 90 gal reef-ready tank without a warranty [custom stand]. How often do they fail? How often do they leak when first set up? (i.e. shipping damage)
3) The Oceanic tank uses Starphire glass on one side only. Is there a noticable difference in clarity with it?
4) Do you lose a lot of the visual impact when light can enter the "back" of the tank as seen by the viewer?
5) As an alternative I could get a 90 gal All-Glass tank (not reef-ready) for $260. It has the same warranty limitation but it is a lot less $$$ lost if it fails. Assuming a well built stand is that a viable alternative?
If I decide I'm not comfortable without a warranty then I'm going to put the tank in a different, more traditional location against a wall using a purchased stand but then I can only use a 36"x18" footprint tank.
6) Which depth tank is better? I'm aiming for FOWLR with a few hardy soft corals. Choices seem to be:
a) 21" (available on 36" tank only)
b) 25"
c) 29" (available on 48" tank only)
Both locations will easily support anything I want.
Thanks,
al
1) The LFS stocks only All-Glass and Oceanic. Is Oceanic worth the premium price?
2) $650 is a lot to pay for a 90 gal reef-ready tank without a warranty [custom stand]. How often do they fail? How often do they leak when first set up? (i.e. shipping damage)
3) The Oceanic tank uses Starphire glass on one side only. Is there a noticable difference in clarity with it?
4) Do you lose a lot of the visual impact when light can enter the "back" of the tank as seen by the viewer?
5) As an alternative I could get a 90 gal All-Glass tank (not reef-ready) for $260. It has the same warranty limitation but it is a lot less $$$ lost if it fails. Assuming a well built stand is that a viable alternative?
If I decide I'm not comfortable without a warranty then I'm going to put the tank in a different, more traditional location against a wall using a purchased stand but then I can only use a 36"x18" footprint tank.
6) Which depth tank is better? I'm aiming for FOWLR with a few hardy soft corals. Choices seem to be:
a) 21" (available on 36" tank only)
b) 25"
c) 29" (available on 48" tank only)
Both locations will easily support anything I want.
Thanks,
al
