Help decide on a Tank

[krish]

Hello all,
I am getting crazier by the day , wandering to all the LFS/pet stores
inorder to put togther a reef setup.
I already have my 75GPD RO unit up and running. Will be adding the
DI unit in a couple of weeks. Was able to sell the idea to my wife by
the dual use of the RO unit.

I made my own stand from 2x4 and 4x4's. I will be posting pictures
to get your suggestions on improvements. Listed below is my tank
dilemma. The next project is the canopy, followed by the DYI lighting and
then the DYI protein skimmer......

Now here is the skinny. I want to go for a 120G tank with dual overflows.
Here are the choices.
1) 120G AGA - local pet store cost price $337. They want to mark up
approx 33% and sell me for $450. This is with the overflows and no
plumbing. I don't wish to purchase the AGA plumbing. Will DYI the
durso stand pipe.
I believe that i might be able to get the tank for $400.( maybe).
Will have to pay tax, but no transportation costs. Can have a friend
help pick up .

2) The thatfishplace.com price for the jetstream(perfecto) 120G tank
with their version of the dual overflows is around $397. Might get
their anniversary discount of 5% on that.(maybe).
It might cost me about $75 to get it home.( tax + transportation)
Total cost - approx $475.

3) The glasscages.com has an identical tank for $200. They will charge
$20 for the overflows. I might have to have them drill a 3rd hole for
the water returning back from the sump via the pump. Say $10.
I can also have them fabricate a 29G tank ($35) for the sump and
have it drilled for $10. In all the total cost will be $275 for 2 tanks.
They will be able to deliver it to a point about 75 miles away from my
home. So that would add $75 for the transportation. Total cost - $450.

Now here is my question. The commercial tanks come with a 90 day
warranty. The custom made one in item (3), i am not sure and don't
expect any either.

Now help me make the decision. what would you folks suggest that i
do.

Is any tank just 5 rectangular pieces of well cut glass attached by
the same silicon that has say about 6-7 years of life span??

what timeframes do folks normally replace their tanks out
of precaution.?

I could go cheaper than that by getting a used tank and messing with
it. But i am not good at it and more over that would make me pound
foolish.

Btw, i am located in Northern VA.

Lots of questions on the way like ( will start seperate threads if i don't
find answers from the archives)
Future questions like.
1) South down sand? where can i buy in No. VA?
2) Since i don't have livestock, can i buy uncured live rock and
do the curing.?
3) Can i have 2 DYI skimmers instead of one .... yada yada yada

I apologize on the long post.
thanks for your time.
-krish

 

[Anonymous]

Hi krish.

Darlin', tanks are meant to last a LIFETIME! I have tanks sitting in my garage that are decades old, and, besides probably needing to get the sealant replaced, are going to go strong. I have even repaired cracked/broken glass (I tend to go quick, cheap, and dirty so I'll often just sandwich), so, to answer the question about quality, they should all be the same. The same thickness of glass should be used for them, and the custom tank should come with a warranty as well. If not, bargain with them, tell them that if you're going to pay full pop that you want a warranty, just like the others.

You're already going through the library/archives here, so I'll point you towards another really good site http://www.wetwebmedia.com This site is owned by Bob Fenner (I'm also on the crew should you decide to ask the crew a question), and he's got lots of very knowledgable folks on board, including Anthony Calfo. The site is chock-ful of articles, excerpts from his book, so on and so forth.

Cure the live rock in trash cans with hellacious skimmers, it's how it's done in the trade. Be prepared for LOTS of water changes. If you can build your own skimmers, do it! We have a member here by the nick of ReefVan who seems to really know his stuff. Then there is also fergy who, by my assessment, is the "acrylic fabrication" guru, as well as many, MANY others who really know their stuff.

Good luck!