ESHOPPS look nice but I was trying to convert my existing 125g tank into a sump tank. Still trying to figure out the best way to do that.
Looking to setup a 500+ gallon freshwater sump tank
- Thread starter AquaJohn
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The large glass tanks I’ve priced out are in line pricing wise with acrylic. My preference is starfire glass because the clarity is crystal clear (no green color) and equal to the clarity of acrylic however unlike acrylic that yellows over time and scratches very easily (even monster fish themselves scratching), the glass tank does not possess these negative qualities. This to me means a glass tank (starfire/low iron in particular) will stand test of time much better.
What tank custom builder are you looking at that have quoted you glass much cheaper than acrylic? The builders I’ve used in the past and that are well known are AGE, ReefSaavy as well as Glasscages, Planet Aquarium and Coast to coast. Some of these like AGE make some really nice stands as well. Would love to hear your experience here - thx
What tank custom builder are you looking at that have quoted you glass much cheaper than acrylic? The builders I’ve used in the past and that are well known are AGE, ReefSaavy as well as Glasscages, Planet Aquarium and Coast to coast. Some of these like AGE make some really nice stands as well. Would love to hear your experience here - thx
I like the Sicce pumps- running two of the SYNCRA (7) / NEW Generation pumps in a 400g twv...
The Vectra L1 is the largest that I know of that Ecotech makes. You’ll still get about 6x turnover with the M1, maybe a little less minus head pressure. How much turnover were you wanting?
I prefer acrylic because I think they last longer. I don’t necessarily trust the seems on glass tanks to last longer than 10 years and never look forward to tearing a tank down and resealing anything. I’d personally feel a lot better with a thick acrylic tank that’s chemically bonded. They can also be buffed if you scratch them but if you scratch a glass tank, you’ll have to live with it and the weight is a big deal for me....especially on a massive tank inside my home. If it was in the garage, I wouldn’t care. However, if I were to get a large glass tank, I’d consider an AGE tank...they make amazing glass tanks with PVC bottoms and steel bracing.
As for stands, again, I think metal stands are lighter and as strong or stronger than wood stands. Once you add the structural support and wrap it to make it look nice, a wood stand will be weigh a lot. You also have a lot more room to play with under a steel stand. As far looks, I would wrap a steel stand with whatever material you like and attach it with strong rare earth magnets so you can easily remove the panels for access. This is what I would personally want if I were doing this build but in no way am I saying it’s the right way. You should definitely consult professionals...especially a structural engineer and your insurance company
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I agree......the weight is the only real drawback for me with glass. My current 125 gallon is a Glasscages tank. I have inquired with them but have not heard back yet. Their pricing does seem a good bit cheaper than many of the others. I've also been in touch with Custom Aquariums. Their pricing seems pretty good too. I don't know anything about AGE. Maybe I should look into that as an option.
The weight you will be concerned with here really will be related to the water volume of over 600 Gs... That’s over 5000 lbs or around 85% of the total weight you’re going to be trying to support... you might save 400lbs or so by going to acrylic but that’s just 4-5% of overall weight of the configuration I would say.
I’d recommend looking at AGE and others here too - Glasscages will be cheaper priced (AGE i bet 30% more) but it’s a good solid product from what I’ve seen that can be outfitted with Starfire glass - wont be the more top of the line/heavy built with gorgeous seams however like AGE typical product. Reef Savvy well know as a top line builder but highest price and longest turn around time (very small premium custom shop).
Also, Glasscages wood stands & canopy are not what I would want to be putting into a formal dining area. They are very rough and not considered furniture grade (I would not recommend at all)... Something to consider if looking to buy stand and tank from same builder. I was very happy with the AGE stand build vs the Glasscages stand product (not happy).
On Glasscages, I’d call them as they usually do answer their inbound phone lines (I think Beth is their pre-build/sales person). I’ve ordered tanks from both AGE and Glasscages in the past...
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