Who build the best aquariums and stands

[alindell]

So this has been discussed before, but now 2025 has come and it's a new year for reefing. Who would you recommend builds the strongest, safest, and high quality aquariums and stands?

Almost every tank I have owned there's always this little thought in the back of my head that this 2000 lb beast might explode one day and flood my basement. I'm never confident in the stand and I'm surprised some of the stands that come with tanks now can even support the massive weight. With money being no issue where would you buy your dream tank?

 

[stE25wy14]

waterbox

 

[alindell]

waterbox

That's funny as I was just was going through a thread that was saying water box makes absolute worst quality weak stands that sway when being touched.

 

[ThaBeast]

I have a tank from customaquariums.com and am happy with it. Glass Cages has lots of good reviews. If budget is not a concern perhaps A.G.E. or Reef Savvy

 

[stE25wy14]

That's funny as I was just was going through a thread that was saying water box makes absolute worst quality weak stands that sway when being touched.

Red Sea stands r really good, but tanks are aaaaaahhh

 

[BryanM]

Money not an issue, glass cages, easy.

 

[ThaBeast]

waterbox

I find it difficult to believe a tank & stand manufactured in China would be the absolute best on the market

 

[alindell]

I have a tank from customaquariums.com and am happy with it. Glass Cages has lots of good reviews. If budget is not a concern perhaps A.G.E. or Reef Savvy

Me too, glass cages seems to have good reviews and I've heard Joe the owner is a good guy. I've priced out some builds and yes they are expensive, but if they are as good as people say then cost does not matter. I absolutely hate when companies cut corners on things and build cheap products but say they are building something very impressive. It's lying and deceit. This is especially important when it comes to something like an aquarium that not only harbors life and our passion but has thousands of dollars involved.

 

[alindell]

Red Sea stands r really good, but tanks are aaaaaahhh

As an owner of two red seas id say stands are meh. They work but I wouldn't say they are really good.

 

[vlangel]

I am old school and prefer a less contemporary look and the only tanks and stands that I have ever bought was Aqueon (formerly All Glass Aquarium). I have owned 3 sets in the span of 20 years and all were reliable. That being said the tank/stand combination I have now is going on its 9th year so haven't checked to see if glass thickness is still the same and quality of stands are still as good.

 

[Fish Styx]

If money and time are not issues then Reef Savvy. Otherwise Glasscages and Planet in that order.

 

[Usarmy227]

I will say Pro-Clear Pro-Star aquariums and stands are really nice. The stands have metal bracing. They come with a power strip as well.

 

[JTP424]

I've had one of the larger waterboxes on my "dream tank" list for a while, but from the reviews of the stands im thinking of taking a crack with Glass Cages from the positive information I've seen here.

 

[rtparty]

Glasscages

@Joe Glass Cages is the best in the business!

 

[alindell]

Glasscages

@Joe Glass Cages is the best in the business!

How are the stands? I was thinking the next big build I do go with them. Im talking like 8 ft tank

 

[ZzyzxRiver]

We just put together our waterbox stand and I’m surprised people say they wobble. We double checked and tightened every screw and bolt and this thing is hardcore with thick aluminum bars. I feel totally secure with it. I think a lot of complaints on this type of thing come from people who build things wrong.

 

[BryanM]

How are the stands? I was thinking the next big build I do go with them. Im talking like 8 ft tank

Just check them out, if price is not an option you really can't go wrong.

 

[BryanM]

I find it difficult to believe a tank & stand manufactured in China would be the absolute best on the market

Maybe, but they get great reviews, good customer service, and I like mine.

There's no comparison between IM, WB, when throwing glass cages into the mix though.

 

[rtparty]

How are the stands? I was thinking the next big build I do go with them. Im talking like 8 ft tank

I’ll know in a couple months when mine is delivered but from all the pictures and talking to Joe, they look amazing

Joe built my 250g tank in My Tank Thread

 

[Pntbll687]

So this has been discussed before, but now 2025 has come and it's a new year for reefing. Who would you recommend builds the strongest, safest, and high quality aquariums and stands?

Almost every tank I have owned there's always this little thought in the back of my head that this 2000 lb beast might explode one day and flood my basement. I'm never confident in the stand and I'm surprised some of the stands that come with tanks now can even support the massive weight. With money being no issue where would you buy your dream tank?

So, I bought my 180g aquarium with this in mind. Not just the stand, but the warranty on the tank as well. Buying a large tank is fun, but most companies are only offering a warranty that just covers the period to where you finally get the tank the way you like it (2-3 years).

I actually went with Aqueon, who provides a LIFETIME warranty on the tank itself, and you can use any "aquarium appropriate stand" which is up to them to decide, but any manufacturer that is labelled for aquariums is just fine.

Now I sleep fine because i'm not worried about the tank leaking at all.

And just because something is expensive, doesn't mean it's the best option out there.