i started looking today... :(

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

In Vancouver, the glass alone would cost more than $600, not including the labour or anything else.

[Milad]

whats the chances i could build it myself?

[globaldesigns]

I also recommend getting one built, but be careful, do find a reputable builder with alot of experience. The last thing you want is a big tank blowing a seem!

Also price isn't everything, you do get what you pay for, and in my opinion the experience of the builder is the most important. You can spend thousands for a custom tank build, it all depends on many factors, so do your shopping/research.

In response to you building it yourself, if you have the courage to do it, then give it a try. But don't get upset if it leaks, I think patience in the building process is key. I myself thought about building my own tank next time, but probably will get Jay (Calgary tank builder) to build my next one, he built my current one, and I can say the quality of it surpasses most.

[Skimmerking]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

I also recommend getting one built, but be careful, do find a reputable builder with alot of experience. The last thing you want is a big tank blowing a seem!

Also price isn't everything, you do get what you pay for, and in my opinion the experience of the builder is the most important. You can spend thousands for a custom tank build, it all depends on many factors, so do your shopping/research.

In response to you building it yourself, if you have the courage to do it, then give it a try. But don't get upset if it leaks, I think patience in the building process is key. I myself thought about building my own tank next time, but probably will get Jay (Calgary tank builder) to build my next one, he built my current one, and I can say the quality of it surpasses most.

Seriously building your own tank isn't rocket science, when you look at what you have to do its a joke to build. and looking around and knowing the right people helps alot too. 1/2" glass isn't that much and the mark up that people put on things is crazy...

and having a tank that is surpasses the builders are doing nothing that order that special glass in that are cut and polished to a certain way. So when you look at the builders its where they get it from all they do is tape the edges and time thier time when applying the silicone/

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by Skimmer King

Seriously building your own tank isn't rocket science, when you look at what you have to do its a joke to build. and looking around and knowing the right people helps alot too. 1/2" glass isn't that much and the mark up that people put on things is crazy...

and having a tank that is surpasses the builders are doing nothing that order that special glass in that are cut and polished to a certain way. So when you look at the builders its where they get it from all they do is tape the edges and time thier time when applying the silicone/

HEHE, I do agreee, but again I never built one, and when you are talking hundreds of gallons of water.... HHMMMMMM, I probably don't want to take a chance. If you have the contacts and knowledge, then I think you can save alot of dollars doing it yourself.

With most builders, you are correct, they just measure things up, get it all cut/polished/etc elsewhere and then tape and silicone. With Jay though, I can tell you that he does it all. He cuts, polishes, mitres, and whatever else is done for his tanks. He isn't cheap either, but he does keep the quality control under one roof. Again it is all part of the research and shopping around. Builders are not all the same either and most reefers can probably do the same job as the builders. So you are correct with your claims for most.

[fishytime]

Originally Posted by Skimmer King

1/2" glass isn't that much and the mark up that people put on things is crazy...

some people are a skilled trade......whats your time and skill and effort and name worth to you?.....

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by fishytime

some people are a skilled trade......whats your time and skill and effort and name worth to you?.....

HEHE, sooooo true. I am a computer GEEK, if you need a computer fixed, web hosting or a website developed I can do it. Put a tool in my hand and I am like a Prehistoric Dumb Dumb!!!!

[Skimmerking]

Originally Posted by fishytime

some people are a skilled trade......whats your time and skill and effort and name worth to you?.....

Well I guess that you dont make tanks or have some one making them for you hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm . a talker

[reefwars]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

I also recommend getting one built, but be careful, do find a reputable builder with alot of experience. The last thing you want is a big tank blowing a seem!

Also price isn't everything, you do get what you pay for, and in my opinion the experience of the builder is the most important. You can spend thousands for a custom tank build, it all depends on many factors, so do your shopping/research.

In response to you building it yourself, if you have the courage to do it, then give it a try. But don't get upset if it leaks, I think patience in the building process is key. I myself thought about building my own tank next time, but probably will get Jay (Calgary tank builder) to build my next one, he built my current one, and I can say the quality of it surpasses most.

also had jay do mine and i couldnt pick out one inperfection and i went over it with a fine tooth comb theres things he can do with a tank that not everybody can piece together so it all comes down to what you want and what you expect

[Milad]

i might go buy some glass and do a 24x24x10 cube for a frag/clown tank and see what happens. does someone have some good links on "how-tos"?