Recommendation for Tank Maker

Solo77 · July 1, 2008

Dear experienced reefers,

Need your experienced advice in making a tank. Understand some of you will get second hand, from reputable makers like geo aquatic, am, etc or search around for reliable tank maker to custom build one.

Apart from geo-aquatic or am, any other reputable tank maker to recommend. Am thinking to setup a 3.5X2X2 with sump of 2.5x1.5x1.8(12 mm thick). For cabinet, was thinking to get my relative who is a carpentor to assist. For piping, may have to diy if not getting any system integrator to do. Hence, also need advice to the place where i can buy special and good pipes or normal pipe from normal hardware store.

Those who had made such purchase, will also appreciate your advice on your spending so that i can guage the avg cost and determine what is high and low(subject to quality)

Hopefully to get some advice. Thanks inadvance. Regards.

dleecool · July 1, 2008

I tot u oredi have a tank? second tank huh? :whistle

Solo77 · July 1, 2008

I got a 2ft cube tank from a bro here. I am happy with the tank but just find it too small for my fishes....got a 4.5 inche purple tang and my other fishes growing fat...hence i thought of upgrading when i shift out from my parent's place. I am expecting my new flat by end of dec 08, hence started to plan for my new tank. Also, considering to shift my 2 ft cube from current place to my new place.....i think there will be lots effort...hence was thinking to do up a new tank after the renovation and transfer my lifestock over after the new tank is recycled and stablised. So far, i have gotten a ATI light set andDaeil chiller from a snr reefer here(thanks). Also looking for skimmer(considering Deltec AP 701 or 851. Got a 6100 and 6055 with 7095. The rest like ph/orp, ozonizer, UV, etc will try to use my existing equipment if needs be(return pump, etc may have to buy or source again). Started to also stock up LR for deco.

Hence, now the trouble is tank. Considering to buy from bro here but got mixed advices from reefers i met. Hence, hoping to get quote and assess the pro and con before making a decision to buy second hand, get a integrator to do for me or DIY by sourcing tank maker, piping and cabinet.

Thanks for your response and appreciated your attention on my posting. : )

bellinayu · July 2, 2008

I got a 2ft cube tank from a bro here. I am happy with the tank but just find it too small for my fishes....got a 4.5 inche purple tang and my other fishes growing fat...hence i thought of upgrading when i shift out from my parent's place. I am expecting my new flat by end of dec 08, hence started to plan for my new tank. Also, considering to shift my 2 ft cube from current place to my new place.....i think there will be lots effort...hence was thinking to do up a new tank after the renovation and transfer my lifestock over after the new tank is recycled and stablised. So far, i have gotten a ATI light set andDaeil chiller from a snr reefer here(thanks). Also looking for skimmer(considering Deltec AP 701 or 851. Got a 6100 and 6055 with 7095. The rest like ph/orp, ozonizer, UV, etc will try to use my existing equipment if needs be(return pump, etc may have to buy or source again). Started to also stock up LR for deco.

Hence, now the trouble is tank. Considering to buy from bro here but got mixed advices from reefers i met. Hence, hoping to get quote and assess the pro and con before making a decision to buy second hand, get a integrator to do for me or DIY by sourcing tank maker, piping and cabinet.

Thanks for your response and appreciated your attention on my posting. : )

Hi Solo. It's always good to plan early for your tank so that you can make provisions in your new house design for certain things like dedicate DB for electrical supply. Also to make water change easier etc. As for tank designer, it's individual preference and budget. U can talk to a few and u decide which one you prefer. My tank was designed by Reef Systems and I will recommend anyone who is looking for a good set-up and good service to go to them. They are not cheap though. PM me if you want to visit them. Of course you can save cost by DIY but you won't consider that option unless you are good with piping work and have tons of experience in tank set-up or else you'll live to regret it later. :whistle

Solo77 · July 2, 2008

Thanks. Appreciated your reply and advice. Will pm you. So far, for a 3 ft tank...DIY quote is slightly above 1k with chengai wood cabinet, sump and tank. plus piping, should be around $1.3. For integrator, the charge i gather is around $2.5k. Agree with you. Trying to get quote from various reliable makers. Hasnt go to iwarna, ML, AM, geo-aquatic. Reef system is new to me. Thanks.

Hi Solo. It's always good to plan early for your tank so that you can make provisions in your new house design for certain things like dedicate DB for electrical supply. Also to make water change easier etc. As for tank designer, it's individual preference and budget. U can talk to a few and u decide which one you prefer. My tank was designed by Reef Systems and I will recommend anyone who is looking for a good set-up and good service to go to them. They are not cheap though. PM me if you want to visit them. Of course you can save cost by DIY but you won't consider that option unless you are good with piping work and have tons of experience in tank set-up or else you'll live to regret it later.

Thexder · July 2, 2008

Hi Solo77,

You may want to consider a depth of 1' or 1.5'. I have a 3x2x2' tank now and find that 2' depth is quite a chore to do aquascaping or maintenance. I have to stand on a stool to reach into the bottom of the tank, and this causes a lot of backaches <_< . Others may find 2' ok, but thats just me.

Solo77 · July 2, 2008

Thanks Bro Thexder for your valuable advice. Agrees with you. Me 2, has to stretch my hand to touch the base. Hopefully my arms dont grow shorter...lol....when first started, gotten body aches all over after the scaping. Lol.... Will consider this but just worry the depth is too short for the fishes.....wanted them to be happy also....nevertheless, will take note. Thanks for your attention. Regards.

Hi Solo77,

You may want to consider a depth of 1' or 1.5'. I have a 3x2x2' tank now and find that 2' depth is quite a chore to do aquascaping or maintenance. I have to stand on a stool to reach into the bottom of the tank, and this causes a lot of backaches . Others may find 2' ok, but thats just me.

raymus · July 31, 2008

Thanks Bro Thexder for your valuable advice. Agrees with you. Me 2, has to stretch my hand to touch the base. Hopefully my arms dont grow shorter...lol....when first started, gotten body aches all over after the scaping. Lol.... Will consider this but just worry the depth is too short for the fishes.....wanted them to be happy also....nevertheless, will take note. Thanks for your attention. Regards.

mine is a 2.5 ht last time. thats y im changing. i climb up a ladder even worst.

then a few time i try to stretch my hand, end up hand clamp and cannot lit out of my tank..dun laugh horr..

:paiseh: