View Full Version : Which tank out of these 3?
geaux xman
07/06/2010, 11:37 PM
I've been back and forth about 18" and 20" tall. Anyone went 18" and then wish they gotten 20"? This will be my 1st SW tank.
Is the 1/2" and 3/4" glass noticeable? Does it even matter?
a)Glasscages
48x24x20"(tall) same price up to 24"
3/4" glass, 3side starphire, black silicone, drilled internal overflow(acrylic cover), 2 bulkheads
shipped $1131
b)Glasscages
48x24x18"
1/2" glass, same options
shipped $834
c)Miracles
48x24x20"
1/2" glass, same options
$1261 shipped.
d)Miracles 48x30x18
Would the 30"deep be more appeasing to the eye? I've never seen any of these type tanks in person, so i'm clueless.
Any opinions. I would really like to order this week.
TampaReefer79
07/06/2010, 11:45 PM
C every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
BrianOKC
07/07/2010, 04:06 AM
I'd go for the 30" wide tank personally. Not sure I'd spend $1300 on my first salt water tank though.
AngelAddict
07/07/2010, 04:56 AM
I wouldn't go with glass cages period. If you do a search, you'll find many negative views. There's a reason they're so cheap.
Rich1427
07/07/2010, 05:41 AM
theres so many getting out of the hobby or they try it out for a couple of month and cant figure it out i just bought a new tank this year i could kick myself in the rearend for not looking on ebay or craigs for a third the price of new
cthedaytrader
07/07/2010, 05:45 AM
When I researched my tank I read a lot of negative reviews of glasscages, which is why I decided to go with coast to coast.
My tank is 40x24x18, and while I really dont have the room for anything bigger right now, I think when I upgrade lol 48x30x 20 or 22, would be ideal. Would look cool, and
you could easily cover the extra 6 inches in width and 2-4 inches in hieght with the same lighting as you would with 24 wide and 18 deep, and probably have a little more flexibility in coral placement with lower light corals.
chimmike
07/07/2010, 06:45 AM
there are many reviews of both for glass cages.
As for a 30" high tank, don't do it. PITA to reach into. I like shallower tanks with more depth to them than narrow tall tanks, personally. Gives a lot more visual depth and space for rock outcroppings, etc., rather than setting the rock against the back wall.
Steve175
07/07/2010, 06:56 AM
Agree w/ all of the above:
1) You can get a lot more tank for your $$$ used (just make sure that no copper-based meds ever went into it; make sure silicone has no bluish tint).
2) Go as big (volume-wise) as your budget and space allow (more volume is more stable chemistry-wise; if you stick with you, you will soon want something bigger).
3) Many like wider tanks (more than 24" wide) as this really adds a lot more surface area for aquascaping, for corals, and makes it easier to make your reef look realistic (I am planning a 6' x 4' x 2' [length x width x depth] inwall now).
4) 24" depth is pretty standard but more shallow will allow for less wattage w/ lights if that is an issue (as therefore also less heat which may then allow avoidance of a chiller if that also is an issue). Would not go deeper than 24" unless you have arms like a chimp and/or are planning a deep sand bed (could do the latter instead in the sump or refug or as a remote DSB or skip it all together).
$0.02
TampaReefer79
07/07/2010, 07:31 AM
I'd go for the 30" wide tank personally. Not sure I'd spend $1300 on my first salt water tank though.
theres so many getting out of the hobby or they try it out for a couple of month and cant figure it out i just bought a new tank this year i could kick myself in the rearend for not looking on ebay or craigs for a third the price of new
there are many reviews of both for glass cages.
As for a 30" high tank, don't do it. PITA to reach into. I like shallower tanks with more depth to them than narrow tall tanks, personally. Gives a lot more visual depth and space for rock outcroppings, etc., rather than setting the rock against the back wall.
Agree w/ all of the above:
1) You can get a lot more tank for your $$$ used (just make sure that no copper-based meds ever went into it; make sure silicone has no bluish tint).
2) Go as big (volume-wise) as your budget and space allow (more volume is more stable chemistry-wise; if you stick with you, you will soon want something bigger).
3) Many like wider tanks (more than 24" wide) as this really adds a lot more surface area for aquascaping, for corals, and makes it easier to make your reef look realistic (I am planning a 6' x 4' x 2' [length x width x depth] inwall now).
4) 24" depth is pretty standard but more shallow will allow for less wattage w/ lights if that is an issue (as therefore also less heat which may then allow avoidance of a chiller if that also is an issue). Would not go deeper than 24" unless you have arms like a chimp and/or are planning a deep sand bed (could do the latter instead in the sump or refug or as a remote DSB or skip it all together).
$0.02
Where are all of the extra dimensions coming from? The OP gave us 3 choices...and none of them were 30" wide, or 30" deep. As far as $$ goes, if you could get a Miracles tank to your door for a TAD bit more than a Glasscages tank to your door, you do it. You don't ask about it and think about it and sleep on it. You just do it. ;) As far as used, DON'T do it. You'll be so happy with your Miracles tank, and honestly $1200 in this hobby is a drop in the bucket. You'd be better off spending the $$ now rather than finding some piece of garbage on CraigsList that has been beat and had copper in it (the owner will never tell you the truth on this because they want to make a sale) and then having to buy another tank anyway. The tank is the center piece to the whole system...don't underestimate the importance of quality of tank, even if it's just your peace of mind.
C all the way.
BrokeColoReefer
07/07/2010, 07:47 AM
I would not buy a used tank, if you got the change, and it sounds like you do, then get what you want the first time. Cant tell you how many times i have had to re buy stuff that i went cheap on/bought used the first time.
Now, to the OPs question:
C if you want a standard set up.
D if you want a shallow reef set up that is a bit more unique.
My recommendation would be more clear if i knew what you wanted to keep and what equipment you plan on having especially lighting.
Steve175
07/07/2010, 07:55 AM
Where are all of the extra dimensions coming from? The OP gave us 3 choices...and none of them were 30" wide, or 30" deep. As far as $$ goes, if you could get a Miracles tank to your door for a TAD bit more than a Glasscages tank to your door, you do it. You don't ask about it and think about it and sleep on it. You just do it. ;) As far as used, DON'T do it. You'll be so happy with your Miracles tank, and honestly $1200 in this hobby is a drop in the bucket. You'd be better off spending the $$ now rather than finding some piece of garbage on CraigsList that has been beat and had copper in it (the owner will never tell you the truth on this because they want to make a sale) and then having to buy another tank anyway. The tank is the center piece to the whole system...don't underestimate the importance of quality of tank, even if it's just your peace of mind.
C all the way.
Dude:
1) The 3rd option he listed is 30" wide. Feel free to read the thread.
2) I make 600K and bought a 220G "piece of garbage" tank off Craigslist which was fully stocked for the same price that he is looking to spend on a much smaller tank. Agreed that the seller might not always be honest: I only looked at functioning, healthy reefs by which growing SPS proved that there were no issues w/ the tank (I put the stock in a 100G rubbermaid w/ light and skimmer for a couple of months while I cycled the tank). I'd now put my SPS growth against anyone's.
3) That is quite a talent: spending other people's money.
HHIreefer843
07/07/2010, 09:59 AM
its his fourth choice that is 30" wide.....but im sure he didnt post this thread to have an argument...
But too the OP, id go with choice D, really cool dimensions, plus youll want the bigger tank!! Good Luck Man, let us know what you decide!!
MK Reefer
07/07/2010, 10:13 AM
I find miracles way overpriced and i have seen their quality drop in the last few years. They are local to me so i wouldn't recommend them for both those reasons.
Mike
geaux xman
07/07/2010, 10:36 AM
Well I emailed Miracles asking for the quote on a 48x30x18 and 48x30x20.
Another guy from RC got the 48x30x18 shipped for $1260.
If I can get that quote, I will strongly lean towards getting it. I've been searching craigslist the last couple of months and have never came across a shallow, rimless tank(Baton Rouge/New Orleans). I browse Houston too just out of interest and never see it either.
Not sure what other options I have to make the tank?
cody6766
07/07/2010, 11:03 AM
deeper, front to back, is way better than deeper vertically IMO. You need a little top down to work with, but front to back gives you the room to build a really nice scape
phenom5
07/07/2010, 11:11 AM
48x30x18 without a doubt. Awesome dimensions.
You could check with some LFS and see who they work with for custom tanks.
Craigslist is okay, but it's pretty unlikely that you'll find something with those dimensions. Seems like most people are unloading "standard" tanks on there. 55, 75, 125 gallon tanks...no problem. A tank with a 48"x30" footprint...not likely.
LifeAquatic
07/07/2010, 01:51 PM
try this size. 48x30x24. You will like it a lot more once its set up.
cthedaytrader
07/07/2010, 02:13 PM
$1260 for that tank would be a nice deal.
Is that with any starphire glass, thats what really can boost the price of these tanks.
I defiently think it is worth it to pay a little extra for quality especially for the tank if you are going the custom route.
When I had my 20g I had all this nice expensive equipment running a $30 tank lol Not that it didnt hold up well especially since I drilled 6 holes in it, but I always regreded not paying a few hundred extra at the time for an ADA tank or something like that.
Good luck with whatever you decide it sounds like it will be sweet!!!!
Steve175
07/07/2010, 03:55 PM
try this size. 48x30x24. You will like it a lot more once its set up.
+1 (add the 4" depth if it can be afforded). Excited for you: keep us posted.
fihsboy
07/07/2010, 05:21 PM
I have to agree.......that 30" of tank depth is a big deal....it will really go a long way in aquascaping. You may have to run a little more lighting....or run large reflectors a little higher......but its certainly worth it.
TampaReefer79
07/07/2010, 05:52 PM
Dude:
1) The 3rd option he listed is 30" wide. Feel free to read the thread.
2) I make 600K and bought a 220G "piece of garbage" tank off Craigslist which was fully stocked for the same price that he is looking to spend on a much smaller tank. Agreed that the seller might not always be honest: I only looked at functioning, healthy reefs by which growing SPS proved that there were no issues w/ the tank (I put the stock in a 100G rubbermaid w/ light and skimmer for a couple of months while I cycled the tank). I'd now put my SPS growth against anyone's.
3) That is quite a talent: spending other people's money.
What in the world are you talking about? The 3rd option is 30" wide? Why don't YOU read the thread. And the 4th option was NOT one of the options when I posted. The thread was edited and the 30" tank was added after I made my choice. And yes, most tanks on CL are garbage. I'll spend the OP's money since he ASKED FOR ADVICE. Glasscages tanks vs Miracles tanks was the discussion, nowhere in there did he mention a 2nd rate, un-siliconed, falling apart, copper treated CL tank.
I along with everyone else here could care less how much you make. (I'm sure you're not telling the truth about it anyway...) Someone that makes $600k a year doesn't look for the junk on CL for this hobby.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch...
Now that D is an option, go with that one. Width is great and awesome for aquascaping. To the poster that says Miracles has slipped in the last few years, I bet they are still better than Glasscages. lol A 75% quality Miracles tank (compared to a few years ago - if true) is better than a 100% quality GC tank. I've owned two GC tanks, one glass and one acrylic...and had issues with both. I got what I paid for...a HEADACHE. lol
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