Looking to Step Up.

[Boostable]

I have a 75G now and we are looking to move up to a bigger tank and wanted to know if anyone had any opinions one way or the other.

Here is what we are considering.

155G Bow Front or a 210G Standard.

Both All Glass, Dual Drilled, etc.

Anyone have an experiences with either or opinions good or bad?

Thanks in advance,

Jack

[Reefland]

Hi Jack,

Another member recently had a 210 and opted to go back to a 180 (after an unfortunate event) due to the height of the tank. The additional few inches makes it hard to reach to the bottom. If I had the option between a standard sized tank between the 155 bowfront and the 210, I would go for the 180. Now if you were interested in a custom sized tank, that opens a whole new thread.

[Boostable]

Thats a very good point. I believe the 155B is 24" high and the 210 is 30" high.

Hell its hard enough to get to the bottom of the 75G at 24" as it is...

Thats something I definetly need to consider.

JW

[Poseidon]

I would skip the bow front, you get weird refracted light at certain angles. Plus it makes it hard to take PICTURES!

Being that I am 6'3" I can reach the bottom of a 210, but be sure to figure that factor into your decision!

[Reefland]

The appearance of the bowfronts are nice but they do make it hard for photography is that is something for you to consider. The view is also a bit distorted from an angle view in my opinion. It's a personal preference, but I would go with the 180.

[Boostable]

Thanks Mike,

I will definetly take that into consideration.

[Boostable]

Scott,

You pushing that 180 pretty hard.. LOL I better look into that

[Reefland]

It's a very nice sized tank if your going for the standard size aqaurium. I'd be happy with one!

[Boostable]

ok... let me throw in a twist... How about a 240?

[Poseidon]

Well you are only limited by your "chief financial officer", mine happens to be my WIFE!

Well that and space!

[Boostable]

LOL.. well its the same here... but I have the verbal approval to proceed, just figure this will probrobly be the last tank I purchase for AWHILE, so I want to make sure I get the right one...

I think I have room to fit a 7' tank comfortably, but no more, so the 240 is probrably about the biggest I can go... I like wide tanks rather then tall, so im looking to stay under 30" but up to 7'.

Any other tanks fit those measurements?

Jack

[Reefland]

Jack,

There are some very good quality manufacturers that will build custom tanks to your specifications. So if you didn't want to go with a standard 180 or 240, you could spec out the dimensions you wanted and contact them to get some quotes and a final design.

[BubbaWPB]

Jack,

I've got a 75 now, too, and have been seriously considering the AGA 210 reef ready. I've looked around, and have even given brief consideration to the Oceanic professional series... I get all excited when I see the demensions of the 540 and 700 gallon. But after thinking seriously about the 540 and that a 20% water change would be over 100 gallons, I came back down to earth and am back considering the 210 (and only dreaming about the 700).

I've done two things in preparation - got a generator that turns on automatically when the power goes out, and just got the Delbeek & Sprung Vol. 3. It is the most practical text I have seen for planning a new system. I'm glad it was published before I committed to any system aspects.

I've read about one of the Reeflander's having problems with the 210... but, I just can't help it. I want a BIG one! (....still drooling a bit over the Oceanic Professionals).'

Bubba

[Boostable]

Bubba,

I am with you all the way on the big boys!!!! would LOVE to have one at the house, but its just not practical for me... but hey we can dream right?

I do however consider myself lucky as we are the process of doing some remodeling at the office and it looks like we are going to be putting in 2 - 150G's tanks and 1 - 540+ "will depend on deminsions" and I have been asked to help plan and set it up.

We will probrably have someone maintain it , but I am seriously excited about working on setting it up. Will probrably be the biggest tank I will ever get my hands on... Look for lots of posts on that in the weeks to come.

Ok.. back to reality for a second.

After alot of consideration I believe I have convinced myself to go with a 240 "96 x 24 x 25". Unless I hear something really bad about Glasscages.com in the next few days I will probrably be ordering a full setup from them.

This is basicly what I am after with a few modifications.

http://www.glasscages.com/custpics/240L-DSC01956.JPG

I have emailed them with my specs and have asked for prices in standard and Low Iron glass configuration, and I will post the results.

The prices on there website are very good, and im hopeing to get just as good on the LI setup.

Will know tomorrow im sure.

Jack

[BubbaWPB]

This is basicly what I am after with a few modifications.

http://www.glasscages.com/custpics/240L-DSC01956.JPG

Very nice.....

Lemme know how glasscages does for you - $, quality, and dependability-wise. Getting contractors to work (much less on schedule) in our lovely state is always a crap shoot.

Bubba

[Reefland]

Awesome! Let us know your experience with Glass Cages.

[Boostable]

Hey Guys,

I actually got an email back from Glass Cages last night on the quote. Here is what I got from them.

My email to them:

Hello,

I am very interested in a 240 Gallon Long "96 x 24 x 25" tank and have a
few questions.

I am interested in purchasing the tank, stand "30" High" and Hood as a
package deal for local pickup. Do you offer any package deals?

Basically I want this setup
http://www.glasscages.com/custpics/240L-DSC01956.JPG with a few
modifications. This is a great looking setup.

I would like the tank configured with two overflows as close to the
corners as possible. Also, in this picture I see you have some covers
over the glass overflows, are those extra? and are they available in black?.

I would like to have the overflows "vented" on the bottom and middle as
well as the top. Similar to what All Glass and Oceanic is doing. Is
this possible? I really like the efficiency of this setup.

Is it possible to get the hood doors hinged, and possibly the top of the
hood as well?

To sum it up this is what I need.

240 Gallon Long "96 x 24 x 25" tank
96 x 24 x 30 tall stand
96x25 hood
glass top for tank
two overflows w/ covers
Bulkheads for tank

If you could quote me this setup in Regular Plate Glass as well as Low
Iron Glass I would appreciate it.

I will need a sump tank as well, but will figure that out later.

I live in Orlando, but have relatives in Nashville, so I can arrange for
pickup.

Thanks in advance,

Jack Wilburn

The response from them:

240 Gallon Long "96 x 24 x 25" tank $450.00

96 x 24 x 30 tall stand $500.00

96x25 hood $300.00

glass top for tank $ 60.00

two overflows w/ black covers $175.00

Sch 80 bulkheads for tank $ 60.00
----------------
Total $1545.00

Low iron glass on front and ends is an additional $180.00

Additional holes in the overflows cost $20.00 each

Canopy top has front slide up doors.

We also have a trip for Orlando for our trucks where you could get the above items for a shipping charge of $100.00

For further info or to order call 615-446-8877 (9:00AM - 12noon Central Time - Monday through Friday only)

Thank You,
-----------------------------

The price seems pretty good compaired to what I have been quoted locally. I have done alot of reading on Glass Cages and it seems like there customer service skills are a hit or miss type of deal, some bad some good.

I also read a few posts about tanks leaking, but I believe you get that with every manufactuer as we have seen from memebers posting here.

As is I do have some concern on the quality, BUT not enough to scare me away "at least not yet anyway". I will continue to do some research and welcome any opinions on them.

Thanks,

Jack

[Reefland]

A 240gal with Low Iron on the front and sides for $630? That seems dirt cheap to me!!! Also before you get to far into this, make sure you plan for a closed loop to get some current going in there.

Also, where are they located at?

[Boostable]

Scott,

Im in Lake Mary, FL.. Just north of Orlando.

I been tossing around the idea of having the back drilled for a closed loop system. $20.00 per hole to have them do it.

I was thiking just a two way or maybe four way would do the trick. I play to have two returns on both corners as well, so if figured that would be enough.

What do you think?

JW

[charlie]

When I had Mitch at IA do mine, he tempered the back glass after it was drilled, at least he said he did. It is supposed to add strength, with all the holes in there.