Where'd you get your tank, what'd it cost?

[BuckeyeTodd]

Just starting initial planning on tank for new house. Stopped by LFS and it looks like a Marineland 300 DD will cost about 2k, and I'm assuming this is my cheapest option. 300 is really smaller than I'd like, looking to see what other option there are. I would like to stick to glass, but would consider acrylic if glass is too much $$$. I'm wanting a 6-10 foot long tank and 300-500 gallon.

 

[Alex T.]

You're probably going to get your thread closed looking for prices. Your best bet would probably be to take a look at Reef Saavy in Florida. If you're close enough, you might be able to rent a truck and pick it up yourself if you have the help. That would probably be your best and most cost effective option if you want a non-standard size.

I got my tank at Coast to Coast Aquariums here in New Jersey. They're more expensive than most, but with me picking it up myself it was about even with Miracles' price, and I like to support the local economy if at all possible.

HTH

 

[BuckeyeTodd]

Thanks Alex I've always appreciated your input on RC.

Didn't realize it was against policy to ask what people paid for their tank, not sure what policy that breaks but if it does I apologize. Reefsaavy does rimess expensive tanks, I was trying for a larger rimmed tank as my wife demands a canopy.

 

[jeremyjoslin]

I'm planning something similar to you, and am finding the Marineland stock 300dd with stand and canopy (delivered) to be the most economic, but least favorable option.

I'm analyzing and collecting quotes from ReefSaavy, Miracles, Glass Cages, Coast to Coast, and LFS right now for similar tanks to the 300dd but with custom overlfow options.

I'm finding C2C expensive, but gorgeous examples.
Glass Cages is about half the price, but I'm having a hard time getting over the negative reviews.
Miracles is middle of the road to high.
ReefSaavy is pending.
My LFS quote is still pending for weeks.

If money didn't matter, I'd go with Coast to Coast in a heartbeat based on customer service experience and professional quote depth. Product looks spectacular.

 

[BuckeyeTodd]

I'm planning something similar to you, and am finding the Marineland stock 300dd with stand and canopy (delivered) to be the most economic, but least favorable option.

I'm analyzing and collecting quotes from ReefSaavy, Miracles, Glass Cages, Coast to Coast, and LFS right now for similar tanks to the 300dd but with custom overlfow options.

I'm finding C2C expensive, but gorgeous examples.
Glass Cages is about half the price, but I'm having a hard time getting over the negative reviews.
Miracles is middle of the road to high.
ReefSaavy is pending.
My LFS quote is still pending for weeks.

If money didn't matter, I'd go with Coast to Coast in a heartbeat based on customer service experience and professional quote depth. Product looks spectacular.

WWC has a Coast to Coast that is outstanding craftsmanship.

The issue I'm seeing is that the Marineland 300 Gal DD has a 27" tall stand. That means you'd need to run and external skimmer. I've got the 150 gal DD and it barely fits most skimmers needed for this size, let alone a 300 gal.

 

[Alex T.]

If you have the skills, build your own stand. Peace of mind, and exactly what you want. I'll never buy a store bought stand.

 

[Moser]

WWC has a Coast to Coast that is outstanding craftsmanship.

The issue I'm seeing is that the Marineland 300 Gal DD has a 27" tall stand. That means you'd need to run and external skimmer. I've got the 150 gal DD and it barely fits most skimmers needed for this size, let alone a 300 gal.

I don't know who did WWC 5 ft cube tank with the ghost tang in it, but the build quality was one of the best I've seen!.

Mo

 

[Hal]

I won't discuss the price for my 250g Miracles tank, but I'll tell you that I'm very happy with it. I hit a few hiccups during the build/install and Derek's customer service was fantastic.

I think I had Reef Savvy quote the job, and they were pretty comparable to Miracles. I chose Miracles in large part because of their reputation for quality and customer service. (I'm not saying that Reef Savvy isn't either of those; I've just heard more about Miracles.)

 

[danfeig]

I just had A.G.E. out of Garland, Texas build my 850 gallon display. I thought they did a superb job, were very competitive (I bid my tank with several companies) and they did an excellent job with packaging/shipping.

 

[TangsRule]

I found my glass 475 (96x36x38) Oceanic on craigslist, with oak stand for 1650. It's one of the last big tanks they made before company restructuring. Excellent condition, had it 1.5 yrs now - no leaks. I couldn't build the stand for that price - the wood would cost more. I've seen a couple big tanks on CL go by in the major metro areas - cheep..... I couldn't afford a new big tank

 

[SPotter]

check atlastankworks.com. They're in canada and built my 315g tank and I am very pleased with the work they did. One very unique thing they offer is a one piece glass euro brace.

 

[SPotter]

check atlastankworks.com. They're in canada and built my 315g tank and I am very pleased with the work they did. One very unique thing they offer is a one piece glass euro brace.

 

[Alex T.]

check atlastankworks.com. They're in canada and built my 315g tank and I am very pleased with the work they did. One very unique thing they offer is a one piece glass euro brace.

I've seen Steve's tank. Very, very, nice.

 

[BuckeyeTodd]

I don't know who did WWC 5 ft cube tank with the ghost tang in it, but the build quality was one of the best I've seen!.

Mo

That is the Coast to Coast

 

[Alex T.]

Thanks Alex I've always appreciated your input on RC.

Didn't realize it was against policy to ask what people paid for their tank, not sure what policy that breaks but if it does I apologize. Reefsaavy does rimess expensive tanks, I was trying for a larger rimmed tank as my wife demands a canopy.

I didn't realize Reef Saavy only did rimless tanks. I would think that would pigeon hole them and keep them from capitalizing on a much larger consumer base. Oh well, to each his own. I'm happy with my Coast to Coast and would use them again if I was upgrading...which would be years away hopefully. When I figured the cost of everything else that goes into keeping an SPS reef tank, the cost differences between custom fabricators didn't seem significant enough in the long run. After visiting their facility 3 times I was surprised that my tank was on the smaller side of what they normally build. Many aquarium maintenance companies in the northern New Jersey/greater New York area use them for large builds. They also were in the process of modifying a bottom pane for a large skate and ray tank at the Camden aquarium because it was originally done in acrylic and severely scratched from the ray's undersides. Being that the tank was only viewable from the bottom, their glass expertise was called upon for the job. I liked that they've pretty much seen it all, and stay small so that they can control quality. The only caveat is the premium price paid for that quality.

 

[JeF4y]

The tank is generally the cheapest part...

 

[geaux xman]

I didn't realize Reef Saavy only did rimless tanks. I would think that would pigeon hole them and keep them from capitalizing on a much larger consumer base

RS does eurobraced tank as well.

 

[Chappy]

I am hopefully about a month away from my tank being completed by Reef Savvy. It is not rimless. 84x32x26 peninsula and starfire. It was just under 5k. I'm going to pick it up also. I really liked coast to coast also but shipping killed it. Look at their Facebook page and Felix posts most of his tanks when they are completed. Pretty impressive work.