My Custom Tank Builder Going Out of Business... Now What?

[Dennis Cartier]

Did you want the cross-braces just out of concern for the long panels bowing out or for another reason? I plan on having as much flow as I can manage so I'm wondering if I might need to go the cross-brace route for that reason.

It was suggested by a member on here to avoid panel bowing. However Derek assured me that with the top eurobracing, the panels would not bow. I probably should have listened to Derek. Worst case is that if the cross braces become too cumbersome, I can always drop the water level a few inches and have them removed. They were added on after and I expect they can be removed by just cutting the silicone seam. If I do decide to remove them, I will have to invite Derek over to see the tank and, "Oh by the way while you are here ..."

Dennis

 

[JoshH]

Did you want the cross-braces just out of concern for the long panels bowing out or for another reason? I plan on having as much flow as I can manage so I'm wondering if I might need to go the cross-brace route for that reason.

Usually to avoid putting cross bracing in they just go with a wider euro brace appropriate to the length of the tank. For instance going with a 6" wide euro instead of 4". Don't quote me on those measurements as I'm not sure exactly the width they would use but to just give you an idea...

 

[wtac]

Another vote for Miracles. When I was in the business back in Toronto, Derek and his team built all the custom aquariums. Always on time and solidly built to specs as well as attention to detail as I am VERY OCD .

When I did a build for a client that had a place in Dallas Texas in 2012, we hired Reef Savvy to build it.

 

[kkiel02]

I would take it as a sign to go bigger!

 

[ElussssvReefSD]

"Oh by the way while you are here ..."

Dennis

LoL, love it! Nothing like a bit of well-intentioned subterfuge and manipulation to keep life interesting for all involved haha.

Okay, when I speak to him again, I'll ask his thoughts. In the quote it didn't specify the if there'd be cross-bracing, just said "eurobraced".

 

[ElussssvReefSD]

I would take it as a sign to go bigger!

I most likely am! Exploring increasing the length to 120" since it seems price-wise it will be similar to my previous spec. Just have to verify everything will fit!

 

[ElussssvReefSD]

Usually to avoid putting cross bracing in they just go with a wider euro brace appropriate to the length of the tank. For instance going with a 6" wide euro instead of 4". Don't quote me on those measurements as I'm not sure exactly the width they would use but to just give you an idea...

I think I could live with that for the increased aesthetic appeal, as long as I can still reach underneath and be able to easily get to the inside of the glass without any gymnastics I should be good...

 

[JoshH]

I think I could live with that for the increased aesthetic appeal, as long as I can still reach underneath and be able to easily get to the inside of the glass without any gymnastics I should be good...

I wouldn't be concerned about access myself, just give Derek a call and he will talk you through anything related to it and answer any concerns that you may have.

 

[kkiel02]

A.G.E
look into them as well


corey

I thought AGE shut down awhile back. I remember their hybrid pvc tanks back in the day. Much lighter than all glass. I was sad to hear dsa shut down. They built my 375g and that thing was super stout.

 

[JoshH]

I thought AGE shut down awhile back. I remember their hybrid pvc tanks back in the day. Much lighter than all glass. I was sad to hear dsa shut down. They built my 375g and that thing was super stout.

I spoke with AGE a few weeks ago so I think there still running..

 

[kkiel02]

I spoke with AGE a few weeks ago so I think there still running..

Good to hear. I might have to give them a try on my next upgrade. I heard a lot of the dsa guys went to planet so I was also looking at them.

 

[NeverlosT]

AGE is still running, I spoke with them a couple of months ago about a tank. Honestly I should have gone with them probably.

One thing important to note, if you are trying to build a big tank, the cost of 3/4" glass has gone through the roof. Using 3/4" as opposed to 1/2" now almost doubles the price. I think this is due to a supply issue.

Furthermore, CDA is having Silicone supply issues right now so their lead times are now SUPER long. I think they make an amazing tank (we chose to go with them for that reason), but a 3 month lead time is now going on 5...

 

[Aardvark1134]

This is your chance to ditch the glass and go cast acrylic for something truely nice