Shopping for new complete set-up ... Ideas wanted...

[VFX]

Originally Posted by fishmaster

If you can build the rest, you can drill the tank. It's not hard at all. You just need to make sure you don't buy a tank made from tempered glass as it can't be drilled.

Just a bit nervous about it I guess.

I'm pretty sure I'll be okay piecing together a tank from pre-cut sheets but figured if I was getting the glass (or acrylic) cut to size, why not get them to drill it too?

[fishmaster]

Originally Posted by VFX

Just a bit nervous about it I guess.

I'm pretty sure I'll be okay piecing together a tank from pre-cut sheets but figured if I was getting the glass (or acrylic) cut to size, why not get them to drill it too?

Oh, I didn't realize your going to build the tank! I thought you were talking about getting a tank custom built. If they don't charge you an arm & leg, it would totally make sense to have it done by the glass shop. That way, if a panel breaks, it's on them not you!

[Myka]

Originally Posted by VFX

Just a bit nervous about it I guess.

I'm pretty sure I'll be okay piecing together a tank from pre-cut sheets but figured if I was getting the glass (or acrylic) cut to size, why not get them to drill it too?

That's just silly. Tanks aren't expensive, and if it's store bought you have warranty. Albeit many companies won't warranty a tank kept on a stand other than their own brand.

[Redrover]

Hey welcome VFX...talk to Mike at Hidden Reef in Abbotsford...they do great custom work...this is a pic. of the 120 I had built

[VFX]

Wow!

Your setup looks beautiful! I'm VERY envious!

Love the fact that you have 2 display tanks!

Who did the install? How long has it been up 'n running?

What's on TV?

[Redrover]

Redrover tank journal...column 3...Marc [ SuperFudge ] did the install
All was done through Hidden Reef of Abbotsford

[phillybean]

DIY and buying used is half the fun (so far for me, all the fun).

My 75 gallon will be completed for about $1000 out of my pocket. That includes a 75, with a dart closed loop, 45 gallon sump, 2 x 175 MH, 88lbs live rock, 120lbs sand, RODI, salt, etc. Now I swung a few good deals to make that happen, but it's doable. Once it's done (should be running by end of January) and corals etc. are added, I think it will rival most "store bought" custom set ups.

Currently on the buy and sell forum, you can get a 125 gallon, with metal stand and lighting for $425. Get it drilled at a glass shop or drill it yourself (search RC). Add a calfo overflow. Skin the metal stand with ply wood, stain it, add doors. Buy a 55 gallon used tank, have a glass shop cut baffles to size. Pick up a used skimmer or a nice Octopus skimmer (cheap, but good). Get a closed loop, a mag 7 for return. And pick up two boxes of Fiji Live Rock from J&L.

$425 for Tank, Stand, Lights.
$100 for glass work
$200 for wood/stain
$300 for skimmer
$400 for closed loop
$75 for Mag 7
$600 for Live Rock
$200 for sand
$400 for metal haliades
$300 for misc & beer


Total of $3000 for a 125 gallon tank ready to go. I think I went over kill on some of the prices as well.

[cav~firez22]

Originally Posted by phillybean

DIY and buying used is half the fun (so far for me, all the fun).

My 75 gallon will be completed for about $1000 out of my pocket. That includes a 75, with a dart closed loop, 45 gallon sump, 2 x 175 MH, 88lbs live rock, 120lbs sand, RODI, salt, etc. Now I swung a few good deals to make that happen, but it's doable. Once it's done (should be running by end of January) and corals etc. are added, I think it will rival most "store bought" custom set ups.

Currently on the buy and sell forum, you can get a 125 gallon, with metal stand and lighting for $425. Get it drilled at a glass shop or drill it yourself (search RC). Add a calfo overflow. Skin the metal stand with ply wood, stain it, add doors. Buy a 55 gallon used tank, have a glass shop cut baffles to size. Pick up a used skimmer or a nice Octopus skimmer (cheap, but good). Get a closed loop, a mag 7 for return. And pick up two boxes of Fiji Live Rock from J&L.

$425 for Tank, Stand, Lights.
$100 for glass work
$200 for wood/stain
$300 for skimmer
$400 for closed loop
$75 for Mag 7
$600 for Live Rock
$200 for sand
$400 for metal haliades
$300 for misc & beer


Total of $3000 for a 125 gallon tank ready to go. I think I went over kill on some of the prices as well.

well, for starters, $300.00 for misc & Beer?
Why so little, I think you could make it $200 for a skimmer, and $400 for Misc and beer.

that evens it out a bit better.


Merry Christmas everyone.