PDA

View Full Version : fishtankdirect.com


cfd3lsd
03/28/2013, 07:36 PM
Anyone here ever use fishtankdirect.com to purchase an aquarium? Feedback would be most appreciated.

jbfloor
03/28/2013, 08:01 PM
I did. Bought an all-glass DSA 155g tank. Took over six weeks to arrive, but everything was in order. They are just a reseller, so the tank actually got shipped straight from the DSA warehouse in Texas. Nice thing is that shipping is free on any orders over $150, so buying big tanks through this site can save you quite some money.

hogfanreefer
03/28/2013, 08:18 PM
I bought a DSA from my LFS for almost the exact same as fishtanksdirect. I'm guessing they get the shipping figured in their price.

jbfloor
03/28/2013, 08:40 PM
That is possible and depends on the LFS. My LFS asked $700 more for the same tank and I had to pick it up instead of getting it delivered to my garage.

MellowReefer
03/28/2013, 10:21 PM
I can vouch for them. I got an acrylic 125 gallon and stand and have had no problems with it. Well, there was one minor problem with the canopy not fitting exactly right, but it was a minor fix they responded to quickly and gave me a good discount on lights to make up for it. Their price on everything was way better than anywhere else. John is really nice and happy to chat about how to set it up, etc. I think he's the owner.

cfd3lsd
03/29/2013, 09:02 AM
Thanks for the feedback.
Folks with DSA, I'm looking at these tanks as well on fishtankdirect.com, have you been pleased with what you have purchased, as far as looks and quality? I'm considering the 190 (60''x27''x27'') tank and stand. Just in reading, I wish the stand was taller, but the price is pretty good.

jbfloor
03/29/2013, 09:20 AM
DSA is excellent quality. Find my build thread for closeup pictures of my tank. The look of the stand is very sleek and modern, which fits the rest of my house.

I believe DSA has the stand is available in 32" and 36", but the fishtanksdirect defaults to the lower stand. You should contact them to ask about the 36" stand.

E Rosewater
03/29/2013, 09:35 AM
I have the 200, great build quality. Very happy with the tank. Went through a LFS for basically the same price as fishtanksdirect.com.

Buzz1329
03/29/2013, 04:13 PM
I have the 200, great build quality. Very happy with the tank. Went through a LFS for basically the same price as fishtanksdirect.com.

I didn't realize they deliver for free. Based on price quoted online, I'd be able to get the 200 with stand for $500 less than getting Marineland 180 through LFS.

Could you give me the dimensions of the interior of your stand. I need 30" to fit my skimmer and the stand I need to place it on.

Thanks.

Mike

Buzz1329
03/29/2013, 04:16 PM
I did. Bought an all-glass DSA 155g tank. Took over six weeks to arrive, but everything was in order. They are just a reseller, so the tank actually got shipped straight from the DSA warehouse in Texas. Nice thing is that shipping is free on any orders over $150, so buying big tanks through this site can save you quite some money.

Hi jbfloor:

Free shipping is a game changer for me. When they delivered your tank and stand, were they willing to bring it into your house for you or did they just dump it at the curb?

Thanks,

Mike

geaux xman
03/29/2013, 04:26 PM
I have the 200, great build quality. Very happy with the tank. Went through a LFS for basically the same price as fishtanksdirect.com.

Would you have pics of the top? I'd love to see how much bracing it has.

I'm looking at a larger reef tank too and those prices are good.

E Rosewater
03/29/2013, 04:31 PM
It says in the fine print they only guarantee curbside delivery. I made a deal with my LFS if they delivered it I would buy through them, and like I said it was almost the identical price to the website.

The 200 gallon, tank only weighs, 345lbs and I'd imagine the 190 isn't far off.

I think the inside of the stand is 30.5" but I will double check when I get home.

I do like their stand, it's simple, modern, though I believe a little overpriced for what it is, but I would still buy it again.

From what I saw when I looked into buying they can custom a 36" but their is a considerable mark-up.

I have a couple pictures of the tank on my upgrade thread.

E Rosewater
03/29/2013, 04:33 PM
Would you have pics of the top? I'd love to see how much bracing it has.

I'm looking at a larger reef tank too and those prices are good.

I'll see about getting a couple pictures that show the top. Or at least get you a couple measurements.

geaux xman
03/29/2013, 04:58 PM
Yeah some pics of the tank and stand whenever you get a chance would be great.

I dont know why these dealers cant do a better job of putting up REAL pics for buyers.

E Rosewater
03/29/2013, 05:13 PM
Here's a 155 build. Towards the bottom of the first page there's a picture of the top of the tank.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2219707&highlight=155

geaux xman
03/29/2013, 05:19 PM
thanks E-R.

jbfloor
03/29/2013, 05:29 PM
The 155 is me :). The bracing for the 72" wide is two 2" wide braces that divide the tank into 1/3rds. Braces are not transparent, but rather a layer of glass with a layer of black plastic on top.

Included the picture here for everyone's convenience.
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a490/jbfloor/CIMG1539_zpsf0f38675.jpg

E Rosewater
03/29/2013, 06:23 PM
I realized after I linked to it that you were already on the thread.

E Rosewater
03/29/2013, 06:30 PM
31.5" under the stand.

Also 1 nice feature are quick release hinges on the doors.

E Rosewater
03/30/2013, 06:08 PM
http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q791/E_Rosewater/d1945b72-aec7-45a6-a0da-8798b599e634_zpsda7ed32d.jpg

http://i1359.photobucket.com/albums/q791/E_Rosewater/55625cdb-a5fe-47af-b8ba-1fcff613a538_zps6b376702.jpg

cfd3lsd
03/30/2013, 06:38 PM
beautiful tank, I'm defiantly leaning towards getting one -model 190 60''x27''x27''

E Rosewater
03/30/2013, 06:47 PM
Thank you. I do like the tank. Three drains is fantastic. Those are nice dimensions. Why don't you want to go 72"?

reefaluva
03/30/2013, 07:10 PM
Actually about to order a 130 dsa or a 125 acrylic from them. After reading everybody seems to be happy. Think I will go ahead and pull the trigger. Question, the dsa worth the extra 1k over getting a perfecto or oceanic?

E Rosewater
03/30/2013, 07:19 PM
You'd have to be the one answer that one. The pro-overflow was a big part of why I chose them. Having 5 holes meant redundancy, not being corner mounted meant a lot.

reefaluva
03/30/2013, 07:28 PM
True, that overflow is awesome. After looking at the builds the dsa is def a nice sleek looking tank.

cfd3lsd
04/01/2013, 06:36 PM
I ordered the model 190 pro. I wanted to the 60'' mainly due to size and proportion to the room it is going in. I ended up ordering from a lfs (good price), plus I wanted to support locally and build the relationship. I got the tank and stand. I did not get the 8'' canopy, because I have Radion Leds and I plan to go topless. I'll need to build screens. I have not finalize my decision on bare-bottom versus sand bed, mainly due to my current stocking (haddoni-carpet anemone, wrasses, cukes).

E Rosewater
04/01/2013, 06:48 PM
Excellent. My house is almost all living room so a 6' foot tank works nicely.

Dbondaruk
04/01/2013, 08:49 PM
Actually about to order a 130 dsa or a 125 acrylic from them. After reading everybody seems to be happy. Think I will go ahead and pull the trigger. Question, the dsa worth the extra 1k over getting a perfecto or oceanic?
You can't get oceanic anymore..... Some company bought them out but same employes opened up dsa.... I heard good stuff want to order a custom 60/24 by 24. One downfall that it is not black silicone...