Build my own or settle for whats available?

[Kronk]

So i need some advice from you reefers... I am going to upgrade to an aquarium in the 40g - 60g range and i am wondering if its worth going to the effort of building my own or just settling for something close in dimensions but more available?
My wife and I have a baby on the way so realistically I wont be upgrading for a long time. Oh and the Mrs. has absolutely no interest in reef tanks... crazy I know...
My main concern is if I get a tank that doesnt have the exact dimensions I want, I will end up regretting not going with a custom. But honestly does 2" here or there make a huge difference? Budget is a concern as well...

Thanks,
Ken

[Rbacchiega]

call around and get some quotes for tanks built to your specifications...either completely built or glass only if you feel comfortable enough to build it yourself. Then compare it to what is conventionally available and go from there. Sometimes "custom" tanks aren't all that much more expensive, you'd be surprised

[Chin_Lee]

My opinion is if its a 2" difference, get a common tank dimensions especially if budget is a concern. custom tank will easily double to triple your cost.

[Tangman]

I couldn't agree more...

Originally Posted by Chin_Lee

My opinion is if its a 2" difference, get a common tank dimensions especially if budget is a concern. custom tank will easily double to triple your cost.

[mike31154]

2" here or there makes no difference really, unless you're planning to fit it into a specific space and are therefore limited to custom measurements. Other than that, the dimensions are a personal preference, within limits, depending on what you plan to keep. Another thing to consider is that spare parts such as tank trim are much easier to source if you happen to break the center brace or something.

If budget is a concern, why not keep an eye on the selling forum for a good used tank? You might even find a custom tank there close to the dimensions you're interested in...and the price will be way better than new. You're not in a hurry, so it's to your advantage to wait for a good deal.

[Myka]

What is the specific size you're looking for? Personally, I think 40-60g is too small to bother with custom dimensions. Too big of a price gap.

[karazy]

i would go with a common dimension like they are saying. but if you do get it built, make sure to get it done by someone good and maybe try to remember a built in overflow or something like that

[Pan]

Originally Posted by Kronk

So i need some advice from you reefers... I am going to upgrade to an aquarium in the 40g - 60g range and i am wondering if its worth going to the effort of building my own or just settling for something close in dimensions but more available?
My wife and I have a baby on the way so realistically I wont be upgrading for a long time. Oh and the Mrs. has absolutely no interest in reef tanks... crazy I know...
My main concern is if I get a tank that doesnt have the exact dimensions I want, I will end up regretting not going with a custom. But honestly does 2" here or there make a huge difference? Budget is a concern as well...

Thanks,
Ken

Speaking from personal experience, yes not having a tank the way you want is irksome, but if you can live with it then no big deal. I've upgraded/downgraded etc several times, every time i regretted not doing something exactly the way i wanted. Even the color of the silicone can bother you if it is not what you want. But sometimes budget, most cases budget....limits you on what you can get. There are several cheap places to have aquariums made and shipped, as well as having glass cut and assemble it yourself...which for a custom size is more affordable.

[StirCrazy]

I agree, if you are not planning on another tank for a long time, get exactly what you want as long as it is within your budget. Don't rule out a custom tank with out looking for prices. My tank was a custom (3'X2'X2') and it was only 50 bucks more for the custom size. It is usually when they go over a certain length in one dimension that they get real expensive.

Steve

[Kronk]

I reckon that i will go with a 65g as suggested and just build the canopy so it comes down 4", it may also have the benefit of being a jumping guard against suicidal fish.

Thanks for all the advice,
Ken