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Custom Tank Manufacturers

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Stu, Jan 20, 2012.

  1. Jan 20, 2012 #1
    Stu West Des Moines

    Stu

    20
    West Des Moines
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    So I've been searching around to get a custom 48x30x18 90G rimless starphire during the past week and I never thought it would drive me this crazy [​IMG].  Seems like it's hard to compete with glass cages pricing but I've also heard of the bad experiences people have had with their customer service/quality.  Miracles quoted me out at around $1450 shipped with a coast to coast overflow.  I know that it'd probably be worth the change and then some but I thought I might ask who you've had luck with for your tanks before I bite the bullet.  Became a member last week so hopefully you'll be seeing more of me in the months to come.
     
  2. Jan 20, 2012 #2
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

    8,015
    La Porte City, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,014 / 6 / -0
    Hey

    We ordered one in from great lakes aquariums. Everything was ok but the trim. It seemed really hokey, which is the complaint I hear from most custom manufacturers.

    Marinland does do custom orders as well, and their tanks are top notch.
     
  3. Jan 20, 2012 #3
    MJB Tanks Pleasant Hill, IA

    MJB Tanks Well-Known ReefKeeper

    309
    Pleasant Hill, IA
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Sounds like a pretty fair price for what you will get from Miracles. They will come highly recommended from several forum members.

    I have worked with glass cages in the past and I was attracted to the pricing but the communication could have better. I ended up with a tank that wasn't ideal for what I wanted to do with it. Whoever you decide to work with, make sure they understand everything about your plan. Even something with plumbing or a closed loop can affect the tank design. Remember it's custom! Ask them any questions you may have so you get a perfect product.
     
  4. Jan 20, 2012 #4
    FlyingMoray Minburn, IA

    FlyingMoray Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,029
    Minburn, IA
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    That price that Miracles quoted seems very good. Especially since it includes shipping and everything. I would snag that up in a heartbeat.
     
  5. Jan 20, 2012 #5
    slovan

    slovan Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,834
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    I had a Miracles Aquarium tank before and they did a good job. They seem to do about the best value work. Going with Glass Cages is risky but cheap. Some might think its worth it but not me. I'd rather go with a smaller and higher quality tank over them. If you want sticker shock, look into Reef Savvy, AGE or Elos. Otherwise Miracles is about your best choice for a glass aquarium.
     
  6. Jan 20, 2012 #6
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

    8,015
    La Porte City, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,014 / 6 / -0
    And reef savvy service is horrible. Ask a couple of club members how long it took to get their tanks they paid for up front.
     
  7. Jan 20, 2012 #7
    FlyingMoray Minburn, IA

    FlyingMoray Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,029
    Minburn, IA
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    Don't even try Reef Savvy. Terrible service and definitely over priced.
     
  8. Jan 20, 2012 #8
    Kpotter2 North liberty, IA

    Kpotter2 Expert Reefkeeper

    3,721
    North liberty, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 0 / -0
    Glasscages
     
  9. Jan 20, 2012 #9
    Roman Cedar Rapids, IA

    Roman Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,277
    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +321 / 3 / -0
    I have had a couple of rimless glasscages. aquariums and didnt have a problem at all. Biggest thing is they ship on their own trucks and have a set route that they travel so you have to meet them at some point, and it could take a few weeks before they come your particular way. Wouldn't recommend their stands kind of generic in my opinion.
     
  10. Jan 20, 2012 #10
    AJ

    AJ Inactive User

    5,011
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    I have a 120g Glasscages starphire tank and I'm happy with it.

    --AJ
     
  11. Jan 24, 2012 #11
    Bud West Des Moines, IA

    Bud Loves Bacon Website Team Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member Vendor

    8,884
    West Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +1,821 / 14 / -0
    The tank at Grove & Platt Dental in Grimes I had custom built by Miracles and I'm very happy with it. One thing to note is that they make all their tanks as if they were rimless, meaning the thickness of the glass is such that a rim and cross-brace is not required on the top, so if they crossbrace ever breaks or gets overheated by MH lights it won't affect the structural integrity of the tank. Just one of the many good thoughts they put into their tanks.

    It help to let them know as much info as you can. For instance, if you want rimless, and truly rimless, meaning no bottom trim, then tell them that. I wasn't expecting to have the tank show up with any kind of trim around the bottom but it did, not like it was the end of the world, but I wasn't expecting it and it was only like 1/16" thick L-shaped piece around the bottom, so it still needed to be on foam.

    Their seam work was very good too. A few bubbles but that's difficult to get 'perfect' as this has to do with offgassing within the silicone I guess, or at least that's what they told me. Dunno, I've seen plenty of 'stock' tanks with perfect seams, others with not-so perfect seams. I have heard plenty of people having issues with Glass Cages (seams failing after 3 years comes to mind) but that could be related to the stand.

    Also Miracles will extend their warranty to 5 years if you have them approve the stand you build. I had Craig's shop build the stand for mine and it is like a rock and good price too (based on the RC design) and Derek at Miracles approved it for the 5yr warranty.

    So that's my one and only personal experience with a custom glass tank builder. HTH
     

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