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#1
12/23/2005, 09:10 PM
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Custom Tank Depth Question
Getting read to order a pretty big tank (not so big around here, but big to me) from GlassCages. I wanted
68 X 24 X 29 (high) . I was told I had to choose between 68 X 24 X 24 (high) and 68 X 24 X 31 (high). My instinct is that, since I'm going BB, 31" is a long way to reach down, even with my 36" sleeve! Also, that light would penetrate better in the 24" depth. Of course the 31" depth has a lot more water. (169+G vs. 219G). Does anybody have opinions/experience to share on this matter? I'm slightly flummoxed.
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Jim Roth |
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#2
12/23/2005, 09:42 PM
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If you can go wider than taller it looks better IMO. see if you can get a tank 68 x 30w x 24t. that would look nice!
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Gabriel Want to see my tank? click on my Red House.. |
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#3
12/23/2005, 09:48 PM
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I had a 30" deep tank. I am 6'3" I found it to be too deep. Yeah I could scrape the alge off the bottom area of the glass or get a frag that fell down in the front. But if it fell back a bit or under a rock ledge, forget about it. I would not go that deep again, unless it was a huge tank.
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#5
12/24/2005, 12:00 AM
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My tank is 40" deep... I'm 5'10" and the reach is not a problem, that's what aquatongs are for
 Something to consider though, 68 X 24 X 31 is not an optimal size for aquascaping, your rock scape will be a vertical wall and it will be hard to create nice ledges for your corals to sit on. IMO it's best if width is equal or greater than height. Unless you have space restrictions 68 x 31 x 24 or 68 x 31 x 31 is a much better configuration. You really can't have too much front to back depth
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#6
12/24/2005, 01:08 AM
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I just went from 15" wide to 24" and I love it! More width is the way to go.
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Buying a fish tank is like buying a car, if you don’t do your research you'll end up buying the undercoating, or in my case 2 canister filters and a Prisim skimmer. |
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#7
12/24/2005, 02:29 AM
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Quote:
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I would go with at least 30 to 36" front to back depth if you can, even if it's only 24" high...You may want to check out this thread on GlassCages if you have not seen it already... GlassCages Thread
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Shawn |
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#8
12/24/2005, 12:20 PM
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Forgive me if I'm stating the obvious, but if the manufacturer can offer a tank at 31in. high, why can't he make you one at the height you wanted, 29in. high? The manufacturing procedure is exactly the same, just a slight adjustment required at the glass cutting stage.
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#9
12/24/2005, 12:32 PM
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But windsor makes a good point, if they can't supply it in the size you want there probably are other places that can 
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#10
12/24/2005, 01:05 PM
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It would suggest to me that the supplier is not the manufacturer. Custom built should mean exactly that; the tank is built to your requirements (obviously taking into account accepted safety practices and guidelines). If that's the case, go directly to the manufacturer.
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#11
12/24/2005, 02:13 PM
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My buddy had a tank built by them and it was a horror story. Well the problem was fixed 6 months latter. It started with them shipping the tank truck freight. We go it setup and put water in it and the tank started to crack in multiple places. Then we had to wait two months more for them to come to a show and bring a replacement. When they attempted to bring the tank out of the truck the crew dropped the tank on the movable platform and cracked two panes glass on the tank. Then finally we recieved the third tank. Then when we recieved that we had to wait an additional month for the silcone to cure. I would spend the extra money and get it built somewhere else. This is a big investment. So take that into consideration. The dimenstions are 60" x 24" x 36".
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#12
12/24/2005, 02:36 PM
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I know, if you go with Glass Cages there are compromises. The height thing was a surprise to me, too. My second choice was the 178 Oceanic, 60.5 X 24 X X 29", even sold "at dealer cost" it was $1500 for the tank and stand. If I drill any holes in it, I void the warranty. By going with Glass Cages I can get it with the CL holes already drilled and (I think) with a horizontal overflow. I've seen their tanks in person and the workmanship doesn't bother me. Hey if I had the dough, I'd get a Miracles in Glass tank with an external overflow, a beautiful stand and such, but I'm working within a fairly tight budget. I really want to do this this year and I'm not willing to go into debt for it. Here is a list of tank manufacturers who I have read "horror story" theads about: AGA, Oceanic, InterAmerican. Even Miracles has recently been cited for an odd mistake. You really pays your money and you takes your chances. Hell, If I had any common sense, I'd use the money to remodel our decrepit bathroom. And switch hobbies to coin collecting. But I don't.
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Jim Roth |
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#13
12/24/2005, 02:48 PM
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The heading of the thread was Custom Tanks; I merely pointed out that a custom tank is just that, not custom built as long as you have it 24in or 31in high. I'm still not sure why the can't make what you ask for; it's certainly nothing to do with the sheet size of the glass. Perhaps the answer is the cost factor that you mentioned, and not being familiar with USA tank prices I could not comment on that aspect.
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#15
12/24/2005, 08:52 PM
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Geez, people really hate that GlassCages, don't they? Now I don't know if I wanna get a tank from them.Who here thinks I should suck it up ang get the Oceanic 178? C'mon, whaddya think?
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Jim Roth |
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#16
12/24/2005, 09:07 PM
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Shawn |
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#17
12/24/2005, 09:15 PM
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I do think they have the glass pre cut at least in height. When I ordered mine I wanted to go 32 but it was 30 or 36" wide.
With glasscages it is hard. I had a hole that was chipped out pretty badly and a chip in the end of one of the sides of glass. Not something that gives me great piece of mind when I put 200 gallons of water in my house. I took pics and sent them to the owner and he said it should be fine. So I took his word for it. Would I rather have a perfect tank hell yeah. Would I pay double what I paid at glasscages from miracles? Maybe. I just wish there was someone building tanks in the north east that I could pick it up from and not pay the hundreds of dollars in shipping. But my tank is up and is doing fine. I beieve it will be fine for the long haul. But would I buy again I dunno. I imagine for my next tank I would pony up for a manufacturer that will make my tank perfect. I believe if you where closer to Glasscages you could address the problems early. When I picked up my tank at a local show it was paid for so what do you do send it back and wait 3 months to get a new one or maybe they don't send one? I believe their tanks are structurally sound and their build is solid its the little things like drilling that is the problems. maybe have them take pictures of the holes before they send the tank. If they won't do this ask for your money back.
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"Where's the dueling banjos smiley when you need it ?" nolofinwe "Chuck Norris does not sleep. He waits." |
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#18
12/24/2005, 10:14 PM
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Shawn |
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#19
12/24/2005, 11:38 PM
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Regarding curing time, whenever we build a tank on site, we advise the customer to allow 1 day per mm of glass thickness for curing time; aquaria made in our workshop are not delivered until the silicone has cured, so that the customer may use it as soon as he wishes. Living where I do I have never heard of any of the manufacturers mentioned earlier, but I have heard of AquariumObsessed, and have had several conversations with Will, their president. Based on those conversations only, I have to say that I was quite impressed with his professional approach to the business and his willingness to supply what the customer required, rather that what happened to be convenient to the company.
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#20
12/25/2005, 12:27 AM
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Thats what they told us for the warranty.My buddy could of lied and said "I waited" but if the problem occurs he would have to wait for the cure date. They write the cure that on the glass. Have no clue why they enforce this. I would imagine one week is enough. Also they are pretty sloppy with the silcone. I would think when they deliver they would clean the globs off in the bottom. And clean the glass on the exterior where silcone should not be. I agree for the money they charge its great. But buyer beware. Dont have your hopes on setting it up on a time frame. Custom tanks are a hit or miss.
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#21
12/25/2005, 12:50 AM
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Globs of silicone off the bottom? Silicone on the exterior? Forgive me for being sceptical, but they sound more like cake decorators than aquarium manufacturers! There is no excuse acceptable for sloppy workmanship, irrespective of the price paid for the finished article. It takes the same amount of time to build a tank that is pleasing to the eye as it does to make one that's an eyesore. Cleaning the finished product, however large it may be, should be part of the manufacturing procedure.
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#22
12/25/2005, 01:49 AM
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Well said windsor-aquatic...
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Shawn |
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#24
12/26/2005, 12:24 PM
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Asnatlas, what is Will at AO.?
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Jim Roth |
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#25
12/26/2005, 01:10 PM
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Jim did you look into Aquariums For You? There in Long Branch so you could pickup and save money on shipping. They're doing my 210 FBH with starphire on 3 sides, nice tanks built like tanks. Mine was supposed to be ready last week but no luck, like some one said I guess locking them down on a completion date is impossible, I still don't know when mine will be done.
Tony |
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