Questions about Large Tank Builders

[noledoc]

Howdy,
A really big question for you wise folks.
Where can I find a glass/acrylic/steel tank maker who makes reliable aquariums with good dependable workmanship, between 8 and 12 feet in length, for reasonable cost?
I'll share with you two different costs of glass tanks as an example.
GlassCages: 96" x 24" x 31" for $1086.
Coast to Coast 96 x 24 x 31 for $4250.
The friendly man at Coast to Coast strongly urged me to avoid working with GlassCages due to "their awful reputation". He recommended I search the online info which I started. So far, he's right, very troubling feedback from most people who offered it.
Yet, I cannot afford the coast to coast tank.
Has anyone here had experience with aquarium builders of large tanks who could offer advice?
Thanks,
Paul

[myjohnson]

glass cages do have a bunch of bad reviews.

I personal don't own a tank from them.

I have seen their seal job and I don't plan on ever owning one.

Try contacting ADG. They could get you the tank and custom stand/canopy too.

[Darbex]

+1 Mike at ADG always has good deals on tanks. Or contact Randall (newb) to see if they have any used tanks.

[Darbex]

By the way welcome to the box

[noledoc]

By the way welcome to the box

Thanks and I'm glad to be here. Is this a good place for master tankers to assist us guys who are getting back into fish after many years?
Paul

[Darbex]

Mike is the owner and he loves talking about fish and tanks. I am sure he will be glad to help you out.

[black_knight]

I take it you live in TN. Had a very large GC aquarium. I strongly suggest finding another brand (bad silicone job), however they are in TN. ADA has excellent quality aquariums (other than price, they are the best). When I had 8 ft and 10 ft tanks, I had to find local builders. It's dicey, but they were close by enough for me to hassel them when something went wrong. I've also had Oceanic (very good)- Dallas Based. Coast to Coast is in NJ and Glass Cages is based in TN and ADA is in Houston.

[noledoc]

I take it you live in TN. Had a very large GC aquarium. I strongly suggest finding another brand (bad silicone job), however they are in TN. ADA has excellent quality aquariums (other than price, they are the best). When I had 8 ft and 10 ft tanks, I had to find local builders. It's dicey, but they were close by enough for me to hassel them when something went wrong. I've also had Oceanic (very good)- Dallas Based. Coast to Coast is in NJ and Glass Cages is based in TN and ADA is in Houston.

Black Knight, thanks a heap. I live in the NE tip of TN about 6 hrs away from glass cages. I will not be going there. In fact, I am in the process of rebuilding most of my house after a tornado hit it three months ago and my contractor has developed a strong interest in taking on this project of building my aquarium. The man has been totally delightful to work with. He's outstanding, thorough, creative and honest. When I started talking to him about the aquarium, he began asking questions and making suggestions. I shared with him the huge expense and big risks of obtaining a big aquarium. Finally I ask him if he would be willing to take on a project like this. He said he would love it. As we talked we enlarged from what I thought I would have to accept due to cost etc until we got to an L shaped tank. The tank will be on a stand he'll make 18" off the ground. It will have one face 16 feet long and the short part of the L would be 8 ft. The entire tank would be 36" in width and 30" deep. It will have a steel frame. This basement monster will hold over 1,000 gals.
James is a glass expert as well and works with a master welder. He is excited about doing this project and so am I. Never could I afford to have what he's planning to build on site except under these conditions. Of course the big drawback is that he's never built an aquarium before. Obviously he will need to consult an aquarium builder.
He has access to all of the materials wholesale including glass of all thicknesses, laminated, tempered etc. No one in this area builds large custom aquariums and he sees the possibilities.
I have a question. Do you or anyone know of good fairly technical sites online that discuss the finer aspects of construction including water depth, glass thickness and the more engineering details?
Thanks for letting me share this with you.
Paul

[freespool]

I would consider having the tank more than 18" off the ground, unless you plan to sit on the floor to view it. It would also be hard to put filtration under it.


post pics of the progress

[noledoc]

Excellent point. I wanted to be able to service the tank by reaching into it. I can always have a little stool constructed to elevate my armpit. ;-)

[freespool]

I have had several low tanks and recently built a stand 40" tall it is the best viewing height I have found. I do use a small step stool, but enjoying the tank is much better.

By the way, go VOLS (grew up in Memphis, went to UT Knox)

[black_knight]

Black Knight, thanks a heap. I live in the NE tip of TN about 6 hrs away from glass cages. I will not be going there. In fact, I am in the process of rebuilding most of my house after a tornado hit it three months ago and my contractor has developed a strong interest in taking on this project of building my aquarium. The man has been totally delightful to work with. He's outstanding, thorough, creative and honest. When I started talking to him about the aquarium, he began asking questions and making suggestions. I shared with him the huge expense and big risks of obtaining a big aquarium. Finally I ask him if he would be willing to take on a project like this. He said he would love it. As we talked we enlarged from what I thought I would have to accept due to cost etc until we got to an L shaped tank. The tank will be on a stand he'll make 18" off the ground. It will have one face 16 feet long and the short part of the L would be 8 ft. The entire tank would be 36" in width and 30" deep. It will have a steel frame. This basement monster will hold over 1,000 gals.
James is a glass expert as well and works with a master welder. He is excited about doing this project and so am I. Never could I afford to have what he's planning to build on site except under these conditions. Of course the big drawback is that he's never built an aquarium before. Obviously he will need to consult an aquarium builder.
He has access to all of the materials wholesale including glass of all thicknesses, laminated, tempered etc. No one in this area builds large custom aquariums and he sees the possibilities.
I have a question. Do you or anyone know of good fairly technical sites online that discuss the finer aspects of construction including water depth, glass thickness and the more engineering details?
Thanks for letting me share this with you.
Paul

Big Caution! I've a tank 500gal+ . You need to take into account HUMIDITY. It's a big factor in the design of your house and your tank. I had paint peeling of the walls and mildew near the ventilation. A big reason why my wife has restricted my hobby to nanotanks and picotanks .
A good fix is getting large capacity dehumidifiers. It's also gonna cost a but load to light deep tanks and run the filter. It cost me more to run 7 large tanks than it cost my father to run his heated olympic lap pool through winter. Just plan ahead on the expense and upkeep. My Dad's neighbor had a large "shark tank" (keeps Oscars) installed at his house, built by Fish Gallery. He's a ball player. I know he spends a pretty penny on tank maintance (when he's not bouncing checks- biggest house on the block- poorest guy on the block- go figure ).