Highest quality aquarium build companies

[alindell]

Just curious from personal experience what your opinion is of the highest quality built large aquariums between 200 and 300 gallons. I want to know what company builds the best aquarium. Things like silicone use, glass, bracing, the stand quality to hold the aquarium, any issues you have had, the overall look and feel.

 

[Fish Fan]

@Joe Glass Cages

^There you go!

 

[edsbeaker]

Glass cages has a great reputation. I have been happy with the two Innovative Marine tanks that I have had, but I think the largest is 240 G.
Just stay far away from Red Sea!

 

[alindell]

People keep saying glass cages. They are expensive but those of you that have actually bought is it actually a well designed built aquarium

 

[C_AWOL]

I'm not throwing shade at anyone but best quality is pretty subjective.

As long as the custom builder can do whatever you want (ie: external overflow/internal overflow/euro bracing interior bottom/euro bracing top/rimless/etc) at the proper or better thickness at a price you're willing to pay then thats good enough to be the best for you.

 

[Fish Fan]

People keep saying glass cages. They are expensive but those of you that have actually bought is it actually a well designed built aquarium

By all accounts, yes. I have never purchased one myself, so certainly seek other advice, but from all accounts here on R2R everyone seems really happy with Glass Cages. Joe is an active member here on R2R, I'm sure he will be happy to let you know what they can do for you, with no obligation.

 

[rhitee93]

People keep saying glass cages. They are expensive but those of you that have actually bought is it actually a well designed built aquarium

I feel the build quality of both my tank and stand from them is quite high. The only issue I had was the lead time turned out longer than expected. In the end it was worth the wait.

 

[rhitee93]

Here is another pic I just took a moment ago. Almost 2 years in, and the stand is holding up fine. I ordered the stand unfinished so I could match it to the furniture in my office, so don't hold Joe accountable for my weekend warrior finish work.

 

[alindell]

Nice well maybe if Joe can give me a fair shake on my next build I will have to go with him to replace my red sea. I don't like the tank and I don't trust it

 

[areefer01]

Nice well maybe if Joe can give me a fair shake on my next build I will have to go with him to replace my red sea. I don't like the tank and I don't trust it

Highest quality as already mentioned is vague. Miracles, Glass Cages, Reef Aquarium Design...a lot to choose from and many not mentioned. Do you want glass, acrylic, shipped to door, pre-built, custom, semi-custom, and the beat continues.

It also goes without saying that price != highest quality.

 

[alindell]

I like the options Joe has. Custom is the way. I just priced out a tank with stand about 13k

 

[rtparty]

Glasscages builds great tanks for sure.

I think if you wanted the absolute best, no budget option then Reef Savvy is your go to. If he is even still building tanks. Last I heard was a multi year wait to get a tank from him.

I have not seen the Glasscages stands in person but they look good in pics. I would also contact Chris Benner for quality stands.

A local cabinet shop would also be a good place to look for high end stands. Assuming you can find one that understands what we need to handle the moisture from aquariums

 

[PPBlimpy]

If i had to replace my current 300g shallow truvu acrylic anytime soon I would order thru glasscages. Was just on their site this morning pricing out the tank and it was way more reasonable then I expected and the review here are great

 

[alindell]

Glasscages builds great tanks for sure.

I think if you wanted the absolute best, no budget option then Reef Savvy is your go to. If he is even still building tanks. Last I heard was a multi year wait to get a tank from him.

I have not seen the Glasscages stands in person but they look good in pics. I would also contact Chris Benner for quality stands.

A local cabinet shop would also be a good place to look for high end stands. Assuming you can find one that understands what we need to handle the moisture from aquariums

Yah I guess Joe offer stands too but I'm sure shipping is alot

 

[Troylee]

People keep saying glass cages. They are expensive but those of you that have actually bought is it actually a well designed built aquarium

Love my glass cages! Check out my tank thread if you’re curious.

 

[rhitee93]

Yah I guess Joe offer stands too but I'm sure shipping is alot

Once you have a truck coming your way, the addition of a stand isn't going to be all that much more. Shipping wat $375 for my 120 tank and stand together. I have a loading dock, so that might have helped the price a bit.

 

[areefer01]

Once you have a truck coming your way, the addition of a stand isn't going to be all that much more. Shipping wat $375 for my 120 tank and stand together. I have a loading dock, so that might have helped the price a bit.

Shipping will vary of course depending on doorstep vs loading doc and of course the mother of all, distance. The quote I received for shipping was over $1,200.00 USD for the display alone and that was a couple of years ago. Only going to be higher today.

 

[purpfish]

People keep saying glass cages. They are expensive but those of you that have actually bought is it actually a well designed built aquarium

Just got my 75 acrylic extremely satisfied with the tank and working with @Joe Glass Cages was awesome.

 

[captainsmitty]

This is Crystal Dynamic tank and stand. I purchased it in 2018. Set up in 2019 and am extremely happy with the set up.
But I have just learned that they had to shut down due to a rent increase. The tank is built rock solid.

 

[AydenLincoln]

Another vote for Glass Cages!