New Tank Options

[sheaD]

Hey guys need some help on a new tank. Would you rather buy a non-drilled AGA 120gallon 48" x 24" x 24" and drill it yourself. Or would you go the glasscages route (same dimensions) with everything drilled for you? Thanks for the help.

[NeveSSL]

Drilling is not difficult at all. If drilling is the only thing that makes you want a GlassCages tank, I'd say go the AGA route.

However, if you want Starphire glass (which personally I love), go Glasscages. But still drill it yourself. :)

Brandon

[NeveSSL]

double post

[tkeracer619]

It is easy to drill yourself and install an overflow. If you don't mind the DIY then DIY.

Personally I would have it pre-drilled. I have drilled enough holes in glass to know I can do it without breaking it and that its easy. I would still buy it drilled if I was buying new.

[cherubfish pair]

How many holes are you talking about (does it involve a CL)? And what is your experience in drilling?

[sheaD]

How many holes are you talking about (does it involve a CL)? And what is your experience in drilling?

Yeah sorry I should have been a little more descriptive. There will be 4 holes total. Two 1.5" on the back panel for closed loop, 1 1.5" in overflow for drain, 1 3/4" in overflow for return, and then the overflow itself mounted in the center of the tank. I have drilled around 7-10 sumps/fuges before and only broke one. I think my real question is probably which tank would you rather own an AGA or a Glasscages? They will pretty much cost the same after I am done with getting the holes drilled. I love the Miracles tanks as well as DSA, but can't afford to have them shipped to my house in NC. To be honest I'm so busy with work right now if I get an AGA I will probably just take it to a LFS and have them drill it anyways to save me some time. Thanks for the help.

[Fish4Me2]

Some questions that I'd ask myself if I was trying to decide between the two:
Are you able to look at examples of each of those tanks, for quality and such? Which tanks look best?
Are you willing to wait before setting up the tank, while the glasscages tank finishes curing? (If you're busy at work, this might not be an issue).
What are your plans for a stand? Will either option have a better stand that would help you stay covered by the tank's warranty?
Are there any differences in the two tanks, beyond the holes?

[sheaD]

There is no rush to set the tank up. So either one I get will be set aside for a bit to cure. I will be building the stand myself no matter which one I choose. And there are no differences in the tanks at all. Same overflow position, same hole locations, etc.

[Gold Stripe]

I would go, and have gone AGA. Dont like the euro-bracing on the GCs and friends of mine have been disapointed with the workmanship. Solid tanks but sloppy seam work on a couple I have seen. I really don't see any reason to have a tank built unless you're going custom. If its a standard dimension tank then I would go AGA but thats just an opinion.

Too bad Oceanic isnt still building glass tanks. Their Tech series with starfire glass rocked. I wanted a 70 but couldnt find one anywhere.

[NeveSSL]

Food for thought: Here is a pic of my Glasscages tank to illustrate the difference between Starphire and regular glass. Starphire on the right, regular on the left. :)

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa280/NeveSSL/Salt%20Tank/000_0380.jpg

Brandon

[sheaD]

The owner of a fish store near me just got off the phone with AGA/Aqueon and they stated that they offer a Lifetime warranty on their tanks if one of their stands is used and a 10 year warranty if you use a stand built by a certified contractor.