Custom Aquariums

3377 Views 24 Replies 10 Participants Last post by UDGags, Dec 2, 2010

UDGags

Discussion Starter · Nov 28, 2010 (Edited)

I'm just about ready to place an order for my aquarium and wanted to get feedback on who was best to buy from. I'm more looking for quality but cost is a consideration. I'm in Ohio so shipping might play a factor in the cost.

Requirements
~200 gallons (72" x 24" x 24") (I have room to make it larger)
Rimless
Need holes drilled in bottom (4- 1")

Some of the manufactures that I have seen named by people in forum posts:
Glasscages
Lee Mar
Coast to Coast
Miracle Glass (edit)

I'm sure there are a few I'm missing. So in your opinion or experience, which is best and why?

1 - 20 of 25 Posts

Francis Xavier

· #2 · Nov 28, 2010

We (Aquarium Design Group) can also have tanks custom made to whatever specifications you want. Most of our custom installation work is done this way. If you'd like to know what kind of price we can offer, let me know via pm and i'll get you a quote. We can also have stands made to the same specifications.

UDGags

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 28, 2010

Okay, I was under the impression you only had the normal ADA sizes. Once I settle on a size I might shoot you a PM for a quote to compare.

Francis Xavier

· #4 · Nov 28, 2010

ADA represents the bulk of our online sales, yes. But for the maintenance and installation side of the business it's almost 100% custom made aquariums. Big aquariums do have to ship via freight. In which case your cheapest options in order are: business with a loading dock or fork lift, pick up at carrier terminal or business w/o loading dock or fork lift.

We have the ability to pretty much make any style and size aquarium and stand.

UDGags

Discussion Starter · #5 · Nov 28, 2010

Yeah, the delivery part will be a headache I'm sure.

Sounds good on the styles/sizes. I'm trying to figure out how big I can go and still get it downstairs in my basement. Don't have the luxury of windows if I measure wrong like you guys did

Francis Xavier

· #6 · Nov 28, 2010

Haha. I have to admit, that last line referring to our window removal debacle caught me off guard! Glad you've seen the video! That is an example of one of our custom crafted aquariums and the scope and size we can go with it.

VadimShevchuk

· #7 · Nov 28, 2010

What about miracles glass? I know a lot of reefers buy tanks from them.

UDGags

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 28, 2010

ahh miracle glass is the one I was trying to think of when I listed marine something.

UDGags

Discussion Starter · #9 · Nov 29, 2010

Anyone have experience with any of these?

Centromochlus

· #10 · Nov 30, 2010

First i want to say that i have no experience with any of these companies, but this is what i have heard/seen from others on the forum and locally who have had custom aquariums made.

Glass Cages: Horrible reputation... I'd scratch them off the list unless you don't care about sloppy silicone work and bad customer service. However, rountreesj got a new aquarium from them, and the silicone work looks great.
Lee Mar: I've heard good things about their aquariums. Worth looking into.

Have you gotten a quote from Tenecor? Not sure if they do glass, though... they might just be in the acrylic business.
Sorry, can't help you with the other ones.

UDGags

Discussion Starter · #11 · Nov 30, 2010

Tenecor doesn't do glass, which is what I would like.

Jim Miller

· #12 · Nov 30, 2010

I was at Coast to Coast today. First class outfit!

jim

Indignation

· #13 · Nov 30, 2010

Charlie & The Fish Tank Factory supposedly does very good work. Check out monsterfishkeepers forums, he is a sponsor there and a couple members have his tanks. I think Tom Barr used him on a couple of his tanks also, and recommends him.

aquascapechicago

· #14 · Dec 1, 2010

glass cages has been a great company to work with for custom jobs

UDGags

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 1, 2010

aquascapechicago said:
glass cages has been a great company to work with for custom jobs

I've heard mixed reviews about them.

I'll probably get a quote from the ones I listed and decide from there.

Finalplay10

· #16 · Dec 1, 2010

I used glass cages for my tank (acrylic) and was fairly disappointed. There prices are pretty average but their customer service was just awful. I'd call and ask when the tank would be shipped or if it had already been shipped. All I got in response was "Yeah we shipped it you'll get the email soon" ... 2 days later "Has my tank shipped yet ? ... No No it's still being prepared it'll be another week !". Yeah I'm done with them. There are prices are decent but I swear I wanted to reach through the phone and strangle that customer service rep (there's only one and it sounds like she's in her living room watching the golden girls) !

mmelnick

· #17 · Dec 1, 2010

I've heard some horror stories on glasscages. On the reef forum that I'm on you'll pretty muchget instantly flamed for even mentioning them.

plantbrain

· #18 · Dec 1, 2010

Don't buy from GC.
I bought 4 tanks and ain't happy.
Heavy, do not leak, tough.......but the poorest craftsman ship I've ever seen.

LeMar tanks are some of the best glass tanks I've seen in the USA for custom made sizes. Needs to be purchased via a retail store.

For acrylic, there are many options.

Regards,
Tom Barr

plantbrain

· #19 · Dec 1, 2010

Francis Xavier said:
ADA represents the bulk of our online sales, yes. But for the maintenance and installation side of the business it's almost 100% custom made aquariums. Big aquariums do have to ship via freight. In which case your cheapest options in order are: business with a loading dock or fork lift, pick up at carrier terminal or business w/o loading dock or fork lift.

We have the ability to pretty much make any style and size aquarium and stand.

UD, this might be a better option for you vs LeeMar etc.
They are somewhat local for CA. But for you, ADG might be a good option.

Frank, you might suggest this more often and openly to market them.
And also not just the plant forums, but over at Reefcentral and other larger reef sites.

They will toss gobs of $$ at such tanks.

Regards,
Tom Barr

plantbrain

· #20 · Dec 1, 2010

Indignation said:
Charlie & The Fish Tank Factory supposedly does very good work. Check out monsterfishkeepers forums, he is a sponsor there and a couple members have his tanks. I think Tom Barr used him on a couple of his tanks also, and recommends him.

Yes, smaller outfit.
LeeMar did better work and had good pricing.

I'd still suggest you speak with ADG and see what they offer, I expect the tank quality will be very high with various options.

FYI, a 180 gal rimless tank will be very very heavy, you'll need suction disc to move it and piano carts etc. I dread moving my 180. Surprise I have not broken it yet.

If you do not mind a rim, then you can likely move it far easier.
Starfire glass seems worth while IMO if you go this route as well.
You are spending a fair amount and it looks pretty nice, many would not note the difference, but I have it and one without, I still am happy I got it.

Spend this much time on the lighting and CO2 system too

roud:

Regards,
Tom Barr

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