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03/17/2015, 07:54 PM | #1 |
New King of Quarantine
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Hammertown, Canada eh
Posts: 1,175
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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. |
03/17/2015, 11:47 PM | #2 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SK, Canada
Posts: 214
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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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Ian |
03/18/2015, 07:35 AM | #3 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Maryland
Posts: 3,121
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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. |
03/18/2015, 09:01 AM | #4 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Rochester, NY
Posts: 924
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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! |
03/18/2015, 09:26 AM | #5 | |
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 633
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Quote:
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03/18/2015, 12:17 PM | #6 |
Pitcher Hill Reef Society
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Syracuse, NY
Posts: 1,597
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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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-J- Current Tank Info: 80g shallow mixed reef |
03/18/2015, 05:43 PM | #7 |
New King of Quarantine
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Hammertown, Canada eh
Posts: 1,175
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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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