Where do you buy a large tank?

[Texanjordan]

I'm looking to buy a large tank maybe 240 gallons or 300. Where can you buy a tank that size and not pay a ton for it? It has to be reef ready. I have looked at Glasscages.com but they seem a little pricey. Thank you for your help.

 

[owenspackman]

Glass Cages actually have great prices, the best I've seen. I was very unhappy with the quality of their work on my 120. I went with Miracles on my 180 and although their prices are much higher than Glass Cages their tank was fantastic.

They are just one of a number of great large tank builders. I think you'll find GC are considered the cheapest around, for a reason.....

 

[S14Swap240sx]

I just got a quote from miracles today on a 200+ tank, and considering the overall expense of setting up a large reef tank, I found it reasonable.

Its a small price to pay in the end compared to the overall costs of a tank that size

 

[Texanjordan]

My local LFS sells tanks really cheap, i should just grab one from him before i move, i just didnt necessarily want to transport a huge tank cross country! I can get a 210 reef ready all glass aquarium from him for 699.00.

 

[Squidward5]

http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/ Great people to deal with.

 

[DavidinGA]

Craigslist is your new best friend imo...

 

[slief]

myfishtank.com
The owner Jim is my friend. He is also LA Fishguy. From what I have seen, his prices are very reasonable.

 

[humaguy]

avoid glasscages...

 

[benjc]

If glass cages is more than you want to spend, you're probably going to have to go the used route.

 

[Wmich2008]

You could look at Great Lakes aquariums. They are over by Detroit.

 

[Squidward5]

myfishtank.com
the owner jim is my friend. He is also la fishguy. From what i have seen, his prices are very reasonable.

+1

 

[leveldrummer]

Glass Cages is one of the cheaper companies out there for large tanks... Their reviews are sketchy at best.

Find a used tank if they are too much for you. Browse your local reef clubs and craigslist, or put a "want to buy" thread and see if anyone has one laying in their basement they would sell.

 

[Texanjordan]

Thank you all for your suggestions.

 

[heatdissipation]

Craigslist!!!!!

 

[Railcar79]

ATM in Vegas

 

[Newbie Aquarist]

Really. ATM.

 

[guserto4]

If you have enough patience craigslist or your LFS

 

[tom obrecht]

I'm not sure if you are set on a +200 gallon tank but in my area there are pet supply stores that sell 180's for around $675. Not sure what r considering pricey but I have had large custom tanks made that were in the multi thousand range. Now granted the 180's are not reef ready but I drill my own tanks anyway so no biggie. To save bucks I think you will have to wait for a tank tear down . Good luck. Although I have not used GC I have seen more negative feedback than positive.

 

[khowst]

Something I think people don't think about, the price of support equipment.

If the price of a big tank is daunting you need to look at the over all cost of a system. 300lbs of rocks you looking $600 cheap. A cheap skimmer another $400 easily. Some odyssea el cheapo lights for a fowlr another $200. Return pump another couple hundred. Sump tank a couple hundred. You're looking at quickly creeping on $2k just in all the other stuff.

Going used and CL you can maybe cut this down to $1k but still in comparision to a GC tank which is about as cheap and entry level as you can get, its still a big investment.

 

[yachtdr22]

375 gal, turn key, no stock is gonna be about $20k... can it be done on the cheap for less.. Yes it can.. but for all better to top shelf stuff... its gonna cost...

+1 craigs list....