Custom Tanks

[RG21]

Not sure if this is allowed, apologies to the Mods if it isn't and feel free to remove it.

Anyway, I think we've all read mixed reviews on the GC build quality etc. So I'm wondering who some reputable companies are.

I'm looking for a custom build. Still undecided between acrylic or glass. Looking at all sizes and dimensions, but nothing crazy huge. I just want a reef tank to my specifications. Budget isn't really an issue. Let me know about your experiences, or whole has a streamlined custom tank service with all kinds of add-ons. Thank you!

[vitodog]

There are quite a few reputable and excellent custom builders available these days and I'm sure others will chime in with their recommendations and personal experiences. I had Reef Savvy build my 125 gal custom build. The quality and attention to detail is unbelievable. Felix was very helpful and easy to communicate with. Reef Savvy is a high end builder but well worth the cost so if cost is not an issue, I would certainly look into a Reef Savvy tank. The only downside that I can think of is the build time. My understanding is that you could wait up to a year for you tank but IMO, these tanks are worth the wait. Good luck with whatever builder you chose.

[MarkW64]

Originally Posted by vitodog

There are quite a few reputable and excellent custom builders available these days and I'm sure others will chime in with their recommendations and personal experiences.

+1 to this.
I had to choose a custom tank builder about a year ago myself. Considered many factors important to me. Ended up getting just the tank I wanted from Miracles in Ontario. Price was about double Glass Cages, but only about 60% of the quotes I received from Coast to Coast and Reef Savvy. The build quality and customer service weren't perfect, but good enough for me. And they ship to US no problem.
Good luck!

[burton14e7]

I'm not sure if they're still around but I remember people used to love AGE aquariums last time I was in the hobby.

[Mghanayem]

Originally Posted by RG21

Not sure if this is allowed, apologies to the Mods if it isn't and feel free to remove it.

Anyway, I think we've all read mixed reviews on the GC build quality etc. So I'm wondering who some reputable companies are.

I'm looking for a custom build. Still undecided between acrylic or glass. Looking at all sizes and dimensions, but nothing crazy huge. I just want a reef tank to my specifications. Budget isn't really an issue. Let me know about your experiences, or whole has a streamlined custom tank service with all kinds of add-ons. Thank you!

I have a 60 gallon TruVu hex tank, their website has many different options and they will drill everything for you. It can get expensive, but you're talking custom tanks I presume you expected that.

[D-Nak]

Since you're in CA, many of us use Advanced Acrylics and Crystal Dynamic for our custom tanks. You should be able to order through your LFS to save money on direct shipping. There used to be a person named Keith Grandt in Sac who built custom glass tanks. Not sure if he still does.

Best to check out your local club thread, located here:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=173

[Hal]

Many people are very happy with their Miracles in Glass aquariums, including myself.

I love the idea of a pvc bottom that AGE does, but they ended up being too expensive for me.

Whatever company you use, make sure they send you a sketch with dimensions of the entire tank, including sizes for every hole and distances from edges.

The only change I'd make if I were to do it over would be to have an external overflow. I already space my tank 3 inches from the wall, so why shouldn't that be used up by the overflow.

And for goodness sake, make sure that you have at least 4 holes in the overflow so you can do a Bean Animal.

[saf1]

Doesn't hurt to get 2 or 3 bids if you are going custom. You are already doing some research. I ended up going with Concept Aquariums out of Calgary, Canada. It is currently being built so I can't actually say much about the overall build quality. I can say their support during the process along with questions have been answered and good. Most of the people I reached out to regarding the builds had nothing but positive things to say.

Price was reasonable. Shipping not out of order (Calgary to Sacrament, Ca) price wise. All in all I'm happy so far. Outside of that I've purchased local 100 gallon glass, acrylic, and a 40 breeder which is what I'm currently running.