Custom tank

Alex T. · 10/27/2010, 08:00 AM

Recently I asked for a quote from a very reputable custom tank builder here in New Jersey that's only a half hour from my house. Tank dimensions were 72" x 48" x 27". Starphire glass in front viewing panel because tank will be in-wall plus 2 external overflows with 2" drains. Those were specs.

When I got the quote I was floored!! I would have been picking the tank up myself so delivery charges and tank stand wouldn't apply, as I'd be building it myself.

Call me crazy but more than $5,000 seemed a bit steep. Am I wrong? Is there another reputable custom tank builder someone knows of that can beat this price substanitally?

luv951 · 10/27/2010, 09:12 AM

Over $5K sounds ridiculous to me....

todd141 · 10/27/2010, 12:11 PM

Look at glasscages.com.

a 72x36x25 reef ready with starphire front panel is $1380. It isn't the same size you had spec'd out, but not too far off.

I don't know anything about their quality though.

Alex T. · 10/27/2010, 12:32 PM

I'd be concerned going with glasscages after all the reviews I've read. I was wondering what others thought about the pricing and quality of Miracles or Reef Savvy.

crvz · 10/27/2010, 12:41 PM

you talking about coast to coast? I've gotten quotes from them as well, and while they are high, the costs are justified with overbuilding the tanks. From what I recall, they used higher end materials and thicker glass than competitors. Something with a 48"x72" footprint is going to need some extra bolstering, but it's hard to say that they're design was over-done or just over priced. But at that size, I would expect it to be somewhere in the $3500-$5500 range (depending on builder, specs, and location).

I've got a marineland 300DD (72x36) which I got for under $1700 with starfire.

JG1 · 10/27/2010, 02:16 PM

I'm picking up my Miracles tank tomorrow. Your welcome to come over and look at it to see if it's the quality you're looking for.

BTW I paid $998 shipped for a 48x24x20 three sides starphire.

kv2wr1 · 10/27/2010, 03:50 PM

http://acrylicandglassexhibits.com/

10/27/2010, 08:00 AM	#1
Alex T. Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,803	Custom tank Recently I asked for a quote from a very reputable custom tank builder here in New Jersey that's only a half hour from my house. Tank dimensions were 72" x 48" x 27". Starphire glass in front viewing panel because tank will be in-wall plus 2 external overflows with 2" drains. Those were specs. When I got the quote I was floored!! I would have been picking the tank up myself so delivery charges and tank stand wouldn't apply, as I'd be building it myself. Call me crazy but more than $5,000 seemed a bit steep. Am I wrong? Is there another reputable custom tank builder someone knows of that can beat this price substanitally?

10/27/2010, 09:12 AM	#2
luv951 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washougal, WA Posts: 841	Over $5K sounds ridiculous to me.... __________________ "Ummm, you do realize that you just took a picture of a cup of poo, right?" -my wife

10/27/2010, 12:11 PM	#3
todd141 Golf Nut Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Centerville, OH Posts: 385	Look at glasscages.com. a 72x36x25 reef ready with starphire front panel is $1380. It isn't the same size you had spec'd out, but not too far off. I don't know anything about their quality though. __________________ This is my fancy signature..... Current Tank Info: 75 gallon; Lifereef overflow; 18 gallon acrylic sump

10/27/2010, 12:41 PM	#5
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	you talking about coast to coast? I've gotten quotes from them as well, and while they are high, the costs are justified with overbuilding the tanks. From what I recall, they used higher end materials and thicker glass than competitors. Something with a 48"x72" footprint is going to need some extra bolstering, but it's hard to say that they're design was over-done or just over priced. But at that size, I would expect it to be somewhere in the $3500-$5500 range (depending on builder, specs, and location). I've got a marineland 300DD (72x36) which I got for under $1700 with starfire. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

10/27/2010, 02:16 PM	#6
JG1 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Sicklerville, NJ 08081 Posts: 2,256	I'm picking up my Miracles tank tomorrow. Your welcome to come over and look at it to see if it's the quality you're looking for. BTW I paid $998 shipped for a 48x24x20 three sides starphire. __________________ -John Current Tank Info: 100g Rimless Starphire

10/27/2010, 12:32 PM	#4
Alex T. Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,803	I'd be concerned going with glasscages after all the reviews I've read. I was wondering what others thought about the pricing and quality of Miracles or Reef Savvy.

10/27/2010, 03:50 PM	#7
kv2wr1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 498	http://acrylicandglassexhibits.com/

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