I've been out of reef tanks for a while

LostMind · #1 08-06-2009, 05:00 AM

Thanks Christy!

They all have deals setup for custom tanks now? I vaguely remember Wendell used to use a guy on the island but I think that "guy" closed shop. And I always thought JL and the rest just sold standard tanks...

I think there were a few guys locally who do good tank stands as a side job kinda thing?

chujai · #2 08-06-2009, 05:25 AM

i had my old tank custom built by miracles in toronto.... 39" x 24 x 20

not sure about out here but im sure there are some makers. have you seen some of the zero edge systems? rimless and very sexy tanks ... id try to make something like that!

canreef is a pretty quite forum i find. but id defiantly check out reef central and look at whats new there in the equipment section. always new stuff being posted.

good luck! its so fun you've been missing out!

LostMind · #3 08-06-2009, 06:48 AM

Yah canreef is quiet, but the people here know all the locals!

I ordered my last custom tank from Aquarium Obsessed in Ontario. Great tank but shipping sure put a big dent in my budget. Wouldn't it be nice to get a custom tank made locally and just pick it up?

Myka · #4 08-06-2009, 01:35 PM

I know a couple years back J&L had custom tanks made to your specifications, they just didn't advertise it. I seem to remember them being fairly pricey though.

Or...go with a standard 36" tank? That will save a lot in the budget, and you can spend it on getting a better skimmer or better lights. 36x18x16" is a 40 gallon breeder, 36x18x18" is a 50 gallon, or 36x18x24" is a 65 gallon. A few nicely shaped options out there depending whether you prefer shallow and wide or tall and narrow, or a nice one in between. This would also cut you down to a single halide, and if you put 2-4 T5 to supplement you will have a nice light distribution.

Are you going sump or not? Lots of new skimmers available in the last 3 years.

Aquattro · #5 08-06-2009, 01:51 PM

Most of the mainland shops still use the place that was Seastar, not sure what they're called now, but it's still the same place, different owners. Wendell can surely set you up with whatever you need. Good luck with the new build!

Leah · #6 08-06-2009, 01:53 PM

So sorry for your loss, but the tank set up in his memory is soo neat. I am sure he will be smiling down. Oh and it will be something your new little one can share, his/her little part of Grandpa.

LostMind · #7 08-06-2009, 05:14 PM

Thanks guys.

Leah, that was exactly my thoughts. Not only is it a nice memorial to my dad, but the little one will have something fun (all those colours!) and educational plus I get back into a hobby I love...

About standard tank sizes, I never really thought of that. LOL. I'll have to shoot off a few emails today to see if I can find some standard size, reef ready tanks...

I will definitely have a sump, I like clean tanks with as little equipment in them as possible. Those new vortec powerheads look VERY cool.

Lance · #8 08-06-2009, 09:46 PM

Welcome back to the hobby.

Myka · #9 08-07-2009, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostMind

About standard tank sizes, I never really thought of that. LOL. I'll have to shoot off a few emails today to see if I can find some standard size, reef ready tanks...

I'm not sure I've ever seen any 36" reef ready tanks. However, I see that Bulk Reef Supply is now selling nice black acrylic overflows. Cut to length, and silicone it in. Then drill the back or bottom of the tank. BRS also sells cheap good-for-5ish-holes glass drill bits too.

Speaking of overflows, do a Google search on "Herbie reef overflow". It's a "new" style of overflow that is honestly silent. You will need a gate valve for the Herbie (also found for an unbeatable price at BRS), don't cheap out and try a ball valve.

PS I'm an idiot, you're looking for a reef ready, of course you have a sump. *smacks forehead*