New Rimless Tank Suggestions

[jchap]

Hi All,

Ive been lurking for a long time and am now making the leap. I've been kicking around what tank to purchase and have been going back and forth on this for months. So hopefully I can get some suggestions!

Tank parameters:
- Rimless
- Anywhere from around 50 gallon to 100 gallon.
- I REALLY like the shallow tanks. Would like something around 48"x24"x16".
- I really like peninsula tanks and have the space for one.
- I really like tanks where the back glass is clear and not blacked out.
- Stand must be manufactured and match/compliment the tank. I unfortunately don't have any location to build something myself nor would I trust myself to build something that looks extremely nice.
- Price range for tank/stand: $800 - $1,500.00. I really don't want to spend more than this, but if I find the right tank perhaps I would.

Tanks I've looked into. Pros/Cons for each:
- New Cadlights 45g shallow. I've heard mixed reviews for cadlights and am aware this would be somewhat of a risk going this route. The tank is 36"x24"x12" and would come with a nice looking stand. I would buy this in a heart beat if it were 48" instead of 36".
- Reefer Series 350. I was dead set for a couple months on this tank, but the more I've thought about it the more I realized I want something that's wider (it's only 20" I believe) and shorter. Mainly wider. I know they have the 425XL coming out, but that will be in the $2k range. I stll really like this tank, just feel like I would be settling if I bought it.
- Cadlights 70g Artisan. Same setup as the 45g and same draw backs as the 45g. It's only 36" wide and and it's Cadlights which makes me nervous.
- SC Aquariums 80 or 90 Gallon PNP Once again only 36" wide, but it has great depth which I like. I did email them and asked if they could put the plumbing on the right side of the tank with the right small side of the tank glass being black and the large back side being starfire clear. They shoot me a quote of $1,600.00 for the 90 gallon to do this. I think this setup would be intriguing because you could do a peninsula or regular straight on view. I do wish it was closer to 48" wide and perhaps a bit shorter height.
- Deep Blue 80 I looked at the Deep Blue 80 gallon which is the exact size I want. I have heard mixed reviews on quality of this tank and I would have to try and find a stand. I noticed they sell stands on their website, I personally don't like the look of them. I really like the look of the Reefer stands and the Cadlights stands - very simple and clean. One advantage with the Deep Blue is the fact that the plumbing is in the corner so you could always set it up as a peninsula or regular.
- Reef Savvy Received a quote from those guys for a tank around the 48"x24"x16" range with the ghost flow and starfire glass. It was EXPENSIVE, but from everything I heard you pay for what you get. It also doesn't have a stand so I would have to find a stand. They also have a long lead time (I believe they said 6 months) which makes this not an option for me.
- Nuvo 80 I want a stand with a traditional sump in the stand, I'm not looking for something that has everything built into the back.
- Glass Cages I heard quality was an issue with these tank and I don't like the look of the stand they offer.

Does anyone have any suggestions, thoughts, input? Hoping perhaps there are a couple brands I didn't know about that someone could push me in the right direction.

I also have some equipment so I was hoping to try and use it on the new tank. The following is what I currently have:
- (2) Kessil A360W with controller
- Skimz SM163 skimmer
- Reef keeper lite with multiple power strips
- MP10
- Dosing pumps

I plan on buying more equipment specific to whatever I end up with. If I get the 45 Cadlights I think I would be sitting ok, but if I got a larger tank I would most likely need more flow (thinking Gyro 130/150).

[kevin_e]

I am looking for a 48x24x16 inch rimless too. Any suggestions besides Glass Cages? Reef Savvy is too damn much for me.

[danrobberg]

Try miracles in glass in Canada. I do t know where you live but that's where I got mine from. They can be pretty pricey but their service and craftsmanship exceed their price. They also build stands.

[mitch91175]

First off I want to say welcome to a new addiction in your lives. We all have our vices and saltwater aquaria is definitely one of those that you will be venturing into. If you guys are dead set on getting a new setup, that is great. I have had great experience with DAS Aquariums out of Waxahachi, TX. I had them build my 240G display with a custom stand and canopy and it has been rock solid.

On the other hand, I also just purchased a used 67g from my local forum. I got it at a great price too. What i would suggest if you haven't already done so is to scour your local forum to see if anyone is selling to upgrade or simply getting out of the hobby. You will definitely save some $$$ going that route and could stumble across a deal that would cost you the same amount as buying just a tank, stand, and canopy new that includes additional equipment. Even if you cannot find one with the equipment you need, you can get a great on the aquarium and spend some extra $$$ on the skimmer and lights.

[Cliving1]

I have the deep blue 80gallon on a. Custom stand and love it. Best part is it is 16" high so no more wet armpit. Although I invested in the bulk reef supply top because I had one fish jump.

[Drae]

What did reef savvy quote you if you don't mind me asking? I know it was expensive. I just got a quote of $800 for a 36x18x18 rimless with ghost overflow, black back, and standard glass.

[Brieninsac]

Aside from what comes with each, it's such a subjective question. I will say I love my 350 and get compliments on it all the time. It's also dead silent, which is a plus.

[scubadan206]

Aqueon will make you a custom height as long as it starts out as a standard tank that they make.
They will start with an off the shelf model and chop a few inches off any tank that is mot tempered.

[mbemount]

I have a 80G Deep Blue Frag tank that is 48x24x16 that's replacing my Biocube, really good looking tank with great dimensions. Price was pretty good too.

[Yaneznayu]

I just ordered a 100g PNP from sc aquariums that's arriving tomorrow - they don't have it listed on their site yet, but it's 48x24x20. Can't wait to move and take down my 90g half circle. That puppy is 28 tall and soaked pits is all I ever got, so wanted something shallower to work with. I almost went with the 90 PNP, but then called them and talked to Steve. I would call him directly as he will work with you on price and options - just tell him what you're looking for.

[kevin_e]

Originally Posted by Drae

What did reef savvy quote you if you don't mind me asking? I know it was expensive. I just got a quote of $800 for a 36x18x18 rimless with ghost overflow, black back, and standard glass.

1500 with the ghost and shipping will be like $250...9 hours away.

[kevin_e]

Originally Posted by mbemount

I have a 80G Deep Blue Frag tank that is 48x24x16 that's replacing my Biocube, really good looking tank with great dimensions. Price was pretty good too.

Leaning towards it, honestly. Can you order without the corner overflow? I have that on my 120. Hate it.

[kevin_e]

Originally Posted by Cliving1

I have the deep blue 80gallon on a. Custom stand and love it. Best part is it is 16" high so no more wet armpit. Although I invested in the bulk reef supply top because I had one fish jump.

This is where I'm leaning now. Can you get it without the corner overflow?