Building a custom tank

[Pico_Reefs]

So I really want to get something in the 40-50 gallon range, maybe even a little bigger (would love a uns90u). The only tanks I would really consider are UNS, but all the vendors shipping costs nearly double the price, killing any savings. I have found two places that will sell me glass cut to my exact dimensions, shipped for right at $500.

I've gotten some custom quotes and looked at places like glass cages, and for what I am looking for, it's just way too much money. I just don't understand how UNS charges $500 for a tank, then you get that same tank from someone else, and have them drill two holes in it, and it's $1500 plus shipping.

I absolutely do not want a stand from any manufacturer. I can build one, likely nicer, with higher-quality materials for way less (waterbox). The stands even the nice ones are just not worth it to me. Aside from that, I want to do something that isn't available in the commercial market.

I have done a bit of diy, built a few systems, drilled tanks, plumbed them, so I am not worried about that, and I am not even concerned about sealing a tank up. I want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

I would love to hear from anyone who has built a tank to hear what your thoughts are, and whether you would do it again.

 

[lapin]

Hahaha. I built my 600g. 1”thick acrylic. Fun project. Cost about $5,000. Quoted from 2 different manufacturers. $20,000. I figured if I messed up 1 tank I could still build another and still be way ahead. It’s supply and demand. People have too much money and are pretty lazy.

 

[drew61199]

I'm DIY to a fault and ready for an upgrade too. I'd definitely build my own stand when the time comes and have contemplated the aquarium too, but dang it'd make me nervous.....like "having a 5yr old G1 RedSea nervous"

Following along in case you go for it though...I could use the motivation and ideas

 

[joeyhatch11]

Built my own 30x20x20 (50g) display tank and 36x20x16 sump with built in ATO section for $475 for all the glass. The main display is 3/8 glass and the sump is all 1/4. Looking at prices for display/sump were putting my around $1500-2k. I was like NOPE!!!!

 

[Pico_Reefs]

Built my own 30x20x20 (50g) display tank and 36x20x16 sump with built in ATO section for $475 for all the glass. The main display is 3/8 glass and the sump is all 1/4. Looking at prices for display/sump were putting my around $1500-2k. I was like NOPE!!!!

Yeah I feel the same way. I got a water box custom quote and it was 1500 and it just had the over flow and one hole for the return. No plumbing or stand.

UNS has the best price on high quality tanks it’s just the 400+ in shipping that kills it for me.

 

[Pico_Reefs]

I'm DIY to a fault and ready for an upgrade too. I'd definitely build my own stand when the time comes and have contemplated the aquarium too, but dang it'd make me nervous.....like "having a 5yr old G1 RedSea nervous"

Following along in case you go for it though...I could use the motivation and ideas

I mean I’ve never done it clearly but building a high quality stand looks way harder than putting together a tank especially if it’s pre cut. I mean look at all the 40b’s in petco, if those people can make a tank that holds water I feel like I can too. lol those things look terrible.

 

[Pico_Reefs]

Hahaha. I built my 600g. 1”thick acrylic. Fun project. Cost about $5,000. Quoted from 2 different manufacturers. $20,000. I figured if I messed up 1 tank I could still build another and still be way ahead. It’s supply and demand. People have too much money and are pretty lazy.

lol I don’t even use 600g a year in all 4 of my tanks.

 

[Fredlee]

Have you tried Aquarium Specialty.com They have a customizable Planet Aquarium Mega Matrix 60 gallon for less than $600. They are located in SC.