Looking for a custom tank builder

[benjabba]

Whats up everybody. I am in the market for a new tank and am looking for a builder. So let's hear some suggestions. I am in TX and will need a company that is either close enough for me to drive to so I can pick the tank up or a company that can ship. I have already looked at Miracles and am looking for other options that are closer to me if possible.

Here is what I am looking for:

• L60" x W30" x H24"
• Starfire Front Pane
• Rear External Overflow
• Rimless

The dimms don't have to be exactly as posted but I really want rimless and the rear external overflow. If anybody has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks

Ben

 

[Mr E Wrasse]

check out A.G.E. (acrylic glass exhibits)... they make sick tanks. They are out of Dallas i think, but I'm pretty sure you would have to order through a LFS. Another option is glasscages.com, they ship to dallas

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Absolutely A.G.E. :D Acrylic and Glass Exhibits

My tank is from Tom at A.G.E. and I don't think I'll ever stray from them (if I ever need a new tank ;) ). I'm in Michigan and had my tank and stand shipped up here from Texas. Quality is second to none, the only two companies I would put next to them would be Miracles and ELOS (I've owned an ELOS and seen a few Miracles in person). You do have to order through a distributor, since you're in Texas hit up John Howerton at Kingfish Aquariums in Austin, TX. That's actully who I ordered my tank from :)

If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

 

[benjabba]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. A.G.E. seems like a good option. I have dealt with Glass Cages many times in the past and while I think they do a decent job I am looking for something with a little more quality. ELOS is an option aswell. I really like their tanks just maybe not their pricetag.

Do I have any options where it won't take 3 months once I have placed my order or am I just dreaming?

 

[Troylee]

leemar makes nice tanks and ships also.....

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Do I have any options where it won't take 3 months once I have placed my order or am I just dreaming?

My experience with A.G.E. (and other people I know) is it generally takes a while. I ordered my aquarium in October, and received it in February. With that said I was aware of a generously long holiday they take ;) (for Thanksgiving and Christmas), and I did receive a discount for missing delivery date. The timing didn't bother me a bit... patience is a must in this hobby :)

ELOS USA (Jesse) does keep some stock, and if he has the size you want in stock then there's little waiting. ELOS is a bit more expensive than A.G.E. and Miracles, after having (and seeing) the latter I would take A.G.E./Miracles over ELOS. ELOS is more of a "system" whereas A.G.E. or Miracles is totally up to you to design and build.

 

[benjabba]

leemar makes nice tanks and ships also.....

I found an old thread here that talked about the fact that Leemar does not offer tanks with an external overflow. I will give them a call and double check.

 

[benjabba]

ELOS USA (Jesse) does keep some stock, and if he has the size you want in stock then there's little waiting. ELOS is a bit more expensive than A.G.E. and Miracles, after having (and seeing) the latter I would take A.G.E./Miracles over ELOS. ELOS is more of a "system" whereas A.G.E. or Miracles is totally up to you to design and build.

Based on what I have read and seen I agree with your thoughts about ELOS. Maybe I can find somenody who already has a tank built that is close enough to my specs that I can take it off their hands. I am not in a huge rush and may take some time to order but once I order the waiting drives me crazy...

 

[chris goetz]

I'm not sure if you could coordinate shipping, but a member of our local clubs has an Elos 160XL for sale here: TCMAS

 

[benjabba]

I'm not sure if you could coordinate shipping, but a member of our local clubs has an Elos 160XL for sale here: TCMAS

Thanks for the lead. I am not a member of that site so I can't see the thread. If you have the time PM me the details.

Thanks

 

[chris goetz]

Thanks for the lead. I am not a member of that site so I can't see the thread. If you have the time PM me the details.

Thanks

Here's a link to his FS thread on RC as well: Reef Central Online Community

 

[agent462]

I used Miracles for mine.

 

[thewackyreefer]

I found an old thread here that talked about the fact that Leemar does not offer tanks with an external overflow. I will give them a call and double check.

They don't. Always a low profile horizontal overflow...

 

[benjabba]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys and keep them coming if there are others I am overlooking. One of my LFS is going to get me quote from AGE.

 

[SgtHartman]

Another local one to Texas is Deep Sea Aquatics. They make some very nice tanks, and are in the Dallas area as well.

 

[TANKSALOT]

Saw these guys at the South Eastern Coral Farmers Market.
The sold out of the tanks they brought, if that tells you anything.
Welcome to Reef Savvy Aquarium Builders.

 

[CookieJar]

I used Miracles and very happy. Shipping was surprisingly 'cheap' for the 3000+ miles of travel for the tank.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Do yourself a favor and have multiple places quote AGE for you - I received quotes from three different places, one from a friend of mine who runs a shop, and Johns was the best... he does a lot of business with Tom at AGE so he gets great deals ;)

 

[benjabba]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I will check them all out. Received my first quote from AGE and it was a bit higher than I had hoped for. I will see about getting another from the place in Austin. I am waiting for a quote from Miracles.

More to come...

 

[TANKSALOT]

After you get all your quotes would you mind sharing your findings?
You don't have to give the actual price, but a ranking show who had the best price to the highest price would be very helpful.

TANKSALOT
aka - Steve