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Unread 03/17/2015, 07:54 PM   #1
Reel North
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Location: Hammertown, Canada eh
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Miracles - are they worth the cost?

I'm a down to the end of choosing my tank builder.

My design is as follows

84 long x 30 wide x 24 high.

External calfo coast to coast with a bean animal
Notched back
Internal euro
Top eurobrace
All edges polished
5/8" glass.

I live about an hour and change from their facility so shipping is zero.

I like to buy Canadian and found another builder that is about 800 less, but only uses 1/2" glass for the 4 sides, with 5/8 bottom and eurobracing.

Is miracles worth the extra cost? Buying from the U.S. is obscene right now with exchange and northbound freight charges.

I'd love to hear the good and bad before I shell out a pile of Benjamin's.


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Unread 03/17/2015, 11:47 PM   #2
IanWR
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You may want to get a quote from Concept Aquariums in Calgary. They ship all over NA, and I was pleased with the tank they made for me. They have some really slick options like a one piece eurobrace, CNC notched weir, etc.


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Unread 03/18/2015, 07:35 AM   #3
Reef Frog
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IMO, for a tank that size I would make all decisions based on structural integrity and longevity. So I would go with the thicker glass and what ever bracing is known to be the most durable. Manufacturer reputation & history goes a long way too.

You might want to ask candidate B the cost of 5/8"'glass & all the other features Miracle is quoting you so you have an Apples to Apples comparison. IMO a tank that won't fail is THE top priority in a mega build like you're doing. There have been many tales of tank failure on RC and they are terrifying. 800 clams is a lot of money but sleeping well is priceless.


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Unread 03/18/2015, 09:01 AM   #4
Haffs09
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I've had water in my Miracles tank for 5 years and am very happy with it. Here are the specifics on my tank:

94" long x 30" wide x 30" high

- External overflow on one short side that was notched
- Internal bracing along bottom perimeter
- Top eurobrace
- All edges polished
- 3/4" glass

When I received the tank, I found a couple of 3/8" long scratches on the main viewing pane. Miracles offered to send a couple guys down to polish it, but I declined. Five years later, there are a bunch of other scratches so those two weren't a big deal, but I was impressed they were willing to address the issue.

I had to clean up their silicone job along the bottom bracing. When I questioned them about why the mess, they responded they weren't aware I was going bare bottom. I didn't think that should have mattered, but that was a minor inconvenience.

I got a quote from AGE and they were pretty similar if I recall correctly. I would order another tank from Miracles in the future.


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Current tank info: 94"x30"x30" Miracles in the works!
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Unread 03/18/2015, 09:26 AM   #5
hart24601
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Reef Frog View Post
IMO, for a tank that size I would make all decisions based on structural integrity and longevity. So I would go with the thicker glass and what ever bracing is known to be the most durable. Manufacturer reputation & history goes a long way too.

You might want to ask candidate B the cost of 5/8"'glass & all the other features Miracle is quoting you so you have an Apples to Apples comparison. IMO a tank that won't fail is THE top priority in a mega build like you're doing. There have been many tales of tank failure on RC and they are terrifying. 800 clams is a lot of money but sleeping well is priceless.
+1, get a quote with thicker glass to really make a comparison. IMO I would go with the thicker glass. I had a miracles tank made and it's amazing. They wanted to go up to 3/4" on my rimless while other places wanted to make it 1" shorter and use 1/2". I like having the thicker glass, this tank should last decades.


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Unread 03/18/2015, 12:17 PM   #6
jaybfresh
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Location: Syracuse, NY
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I had a 72x18x18 Miracles tank, beautifully built and still up and running with another local reefer. I do remember my LFS was able to get a better price than I was quoted for the tank, and they were nice enough to order it for me. The cost savings may have been shipping related... still probably worth a try.


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Unread 03/18/2015, 05:43 PM   #7
Reel North
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Location: Hammertown, Canada eh
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I spoke to Derek from miracles this afternoon. On his cell. He went over why the thicker glass is better, why eurobracing is important, benefits of the c2c overflow etc. I think having a top tank builder nearby and being able to sit down and go over it is a huge advantage. I think I would be a fool to skimp for under a grand on a 10 year purchase. I agree the thicker glass and mostly the peace of mind and a good nights sleep are well work the extra money. I've also spoke. To a few members through pm and they say the same thing.


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