Custom Fish Tank Makers
- Thread starter izzyishh
- Start date
- Tagged users None
kingjoe
Active Member
I just received my 180 gallon 60x30x24 tank from Crystal Dynamic, and I'm very impressed with the build. It is 0.5" low iron glass with a euro-braced bottom, double euro-braced top, and reinforced corner seams. I inspected all of the seals with a flash light, and everything was clean and well put together. I'm still in the process of assembling everything, but I really like what I've seen so far- the tank is solid and will likely last longer than I will.
ShepherdReefer
5000 Club Member
This is an interesting topic, we are also looking.
JoshH
Tank Status: Wet...ish, growing things....
I have a custom Miracles Aquariums tank and am pretty impressed overall with the quality and finish they produce. A list of all the top manufacturers and some reviews can be found here....
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/your-thoughts-on-custom-tank-manufacturers.616102/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/your-thoughts-on-custom-tank-manufacturers.616102/
biecacka
Valuable Member
schuby
Valuable Member
Custom Aquariums I got my 150gal, 60x24x24 DT from them.
ReefEco
Well-Known Member
I don't typically flame a manufacturer - but this is a cautionary tale about Custom Aquariums/Custom Cages that I feel obligated to communicate it was so bad to prevent fellow hobbyists from going through the same thing. Hired them after a ton of research to build a 400g tank/stand, and 4 other tanks. They were damaged in transit (their fault, they didn't crate the tanks correctly) and they refused to remake the 400g tank unless I accepted the also damaged stand, that we didn't even know was safe after coming loose in its crate and bouncing around for 2,000 miles and the leg levelers being stripped from the threads. They only cared about the bottom line and not having to pay return shipping to fix the damage - it was pretty stunning. One of the original reasons I chose them was because of their lifetime warranty. Considering how impossible it was to work with them on getting their damaged tanks replaced, I can only imagine how a warranty claim would go. And in the fine print in their lifetime warranty - you have to ship the tank back to them first and the condition it shows up as will determine the evaluation. So - add the crating, freight costs, and shipping risk to the ridiculousness of their warranty. Goo luck there. And then there were the machining marks on the edge of the tank panels, on the main viewing panel, that they said were "normal." This on a $5k tank. Right. I'm sure they have a lot of satisfied customers out there - one of the reasons I chose them. But you don't really get to know a company and its people until things go wrong. They showed their true colors - wow. They finally punted on the entire order because it was cheaper for them to declare it a complete loss, rather than fix their mistake. There are a lot of other manufacturers out there to choose from - you might consider a different one. Had to re-place my tank order with AGE - and they have been great so far - hopefully the tanks turn out ok. Crossing my fingers the tanks arrive ok this time....
OP
OP
izzyishh
Well-Known Member
I don't typically flame a manufacturer - but this is a cautionary tale about Custom Aquariums/Custom Cages that I feel obligated to communicate it was so bad to prevent fellow hobbyists from going through the same thing. Hired them after a ton of research to build a 400g tank/stand, and 4 other tanks. They were damaged in transit (their fault, they didn't crate the tanks correctly) and they refused to remake the 400g tank unless I accepted the also damaged stand, that we didn't even know was safe after coming loose in its crate and bouncing around for 2,000 miles and the leg levelers being stripped from the threads. They only cared about the bottom line and not having to pay return shipping to fix the damage - it was pretty stunning. One of the original reasons I chose them was because of their lifetime warranty. Considering how impossible it was to work with them on getting their damaged tanks replaced, I can only imagine how a warranty claim would go. And in the fine print in their lifetime warranty - you have to ship the tank back to them first and the condition it shows up as will determine the evaluation. So - add the crating, freight costs, and shipping risk to the ridiculousness of their warranty. Goo luck there. And then there were the machining marks on the edge of the tank panels, on the main viewing panel, that they said were "normal." This on a $5k tank. Right. I'm sure they have a lot of satisfied customers out there - one of the reasons I chose them. But you don't really get to know a company and its people until things go wrong. They showed their true colors - wow. They finally punted on the entire order because it was cheaper for them to declare it a complete loss, rather than fix their mistake. There are a lot of other manufacturers out there to choose from - you might consider a different one. Had to re-place my tank order with AGE - and they have been great so far - hopefully the tanks turn out ok. Crossing my fingers the tanks arrive ok this time....
I will definitely not go with them. I am doing a custom drop off and price has been a bit higher than anticipated for the tank alone but. I will be going with one of the following:
Crystal Dynamic: Bid Received
Tank Me USA: Bid Received
Planet Aquarium (local): Bid Pending
ReefEco
Well-Known Member
Good choice. Can't wait to see your drop off - looks totally killer! On a whim I got a quote on a drop off version of my 400g setup and yeah - pricey. Apparently they have to cut the glass with a water jet for the side panels, which is expensive. Now I'm just having the 400g on top then putting the garden eel species tank underneath in its own dedicated tank. Would have loved to do the drop off route instead, just out of my budget...
OP
OP
izzyishh
Well-Known Member
yeah im supper excited the display is only 70g since i move around alot its easier to break down and move. I only need the tank and steal stand. since my cousin does high end custom cabinetry work for house he will be doing by cabinet work incase i have to switch up down the rd ( wife likes my tank to be part of the furniture/look)
ReefEco
Well-Known Member
I like that you are planning ahead, and your cousin is a good hookup! Love tanks that look built in. Nice your wife has some buy-in and wants the tank to look good too - makes all the difference in this journey : )
