i started looking today... :(

[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.