Iam looking at getting into the hobby and start a reef tank. I want a tank that is about 150-250 gallons. The problem I am having is finding a place to buy the actual aquarium, stand, and lid. I have been looking around the web but I haven't found the site I am hoping to find. I found reviews and websites for everything else for the aquarium (heaters, lights, pumps, etc.) but I can't seem to find the right place for the actual aquarium. If anyone can point me to a place or if you know of a place in Phoenix, AZ I would appreicate it. I would also like to hear your review if you have purchased a tank similiar to what I am looking for. Also, what do you suggest for a reef tank, glass or acrylic? I look forward to reading the forum and meeting you all. Thanks for helping out a noob!
The Actual Aquariums themself
- Thread starter shramj
- Start date
alexb518
New member
i dont' know of where to buy in your area. and i've mostly built my own tanks...so i'm no help on that. but i would like to put in my two cents on glass v. acrylic. I would go with glass and my only reason being that acrylic scratches way too easily. see, if it was a 29 gallon or something like that i'd say it doesn't matter b/c chances are that you're going to be upgrading within a few years. but, on a tank of that size, it's really unlikely that you'll upgrade. also, this is a hobby that stretches out over the years. you're not going to have a nice looking tank in a few months. so, you have to think long term. over the course of a few years or longer, the acrylic tank will get scratched. it is invevitable. and on a tank that size, what are you really gonna do? it's sooooo much easier to clean glass as well. coraline comes off with a razor...etc. Oh, and by the way...welcome!!! i look forward to hearing about your progress.
BurntOutReefer
New member
I think Sir_DudeGuy lives in Mesa AZ....might want to ask him....
Abynum1
Premium Member
Try ebay, theres always tons of them on there. I just did a search within 50 miles of your zipcode and there were 4 or 5 auctions on some nice 120 and 150 gallon ones.
Also looks like there's a cutom builder on ebay from Tempe.
Heres the link to the auction for their 330 gallon complete setup:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Custom-Aquarium...ryZ20755QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
There a little out of my price range, but they may have more options.
Also looks like there's a cutom builder on ebay from Tempe.
Heres the link to the auction for their 330 gallon complete setup:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Custom-Aquarium...ryZ20755QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem
There a little out of my price range, but they may have more options.
harleychic
New member
Can't help you with the "where", but maybe with the "which". I had glass aquariums for years with no problems. A couple of weeks ago I set up a 3g acrylic to cycle and it is already scratched where a piece of LR fell when I was aquascaping. Not too mention, at the rounded corners the view is very distorted! Just my $.02! Oh yeah, welcome to the addiction!
sir_dudeguy
Active member
hey, i sent you an email back 
Normally i would have seen this thread right away, but i've been hanging out in just the local arizona board a bit more lately instead of the rest of the site. That and i dont check my email much, so ya...sorry about the delay!
Normally i would have seen this thread right away, but i've been hanging out in just the local arizona board a bit more lately instead of the rest of the site. That and i dont check my email much, so ya...sorry about the delay!
Shagsbeard
New member
Be prepared for the entire budget though... a tank is about 10% of the cost of the entire system. Gettting started on a tank in the 150-250 gallon range without a commitment of about $7500 is folly. Have us look over your entire budget to see if it's reasonable.
My take on the glass vs acrylic debate is that it's situational. If you have children in the house, or the tank is going to be in a hi traffic area, go with glass. Acrylic scratches way too easy. Otherwize, acrylic looks a lot better.
My take on the glass vs acrylic debate is that it's situational. If you have children in the house, or the tank is going to be in a hi traffic area, go with glass. Acrylic scratches way too easy. Otherwize, acrylic looks a lot better.
cowboyswife
New member
glasscages.com allglass.com Even try your local craigslist.com
Thanks everyone for the replys. I think I will stick around the 150g range just due to the costs of all the other equipment. I am going to do some research of the information you provided and I will get back with everyone on what I decided. It can get confusing setting up aquarium just because of all the options you have to choose from. This forum is going to be a big help in the decision makings!
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