jcardona1;4876600; said:
96x30x24: $2160
96x24x30: $2220
I paid a little more than that for a 375g delivered. I've been very pleased with the quality.
http://www.midwestcustomaquariums.com/. The process was a few weeks after ordering, but it was pleasant all the way around.
I made a spreadsheet with 10 different fabricators, and compared price, reviews, materials, and warranty. I spent a month reviewing, negotiating, and deciding. In the end, I wouldn't rush the decision. Think about it, and review it again.
It's a big decision because you'll never get the money back out of the tank. It is not an investment, it is a money sink.
So, if that Tenecor cracks, will they replace it?
Or will you have to pay shipping again, and have them repair it?
Do you trust a repair?
What's their warranty?
Is it specific to their stand?
Is it ridiculous like a glass cages warranty?
Do they take pride in their work?
Do they have AWFUL customer service like glass cages?
Do they even make their own tanks or outsource like Aquart?
Do they push for you to pay up front?
Do they allow you to make changes along the way?
Can you talk to the actual fabricator?
Do you want to do a herbie style overflow?
Do you want a bean animal and thus need more holes?
Do they charge you extra for little things?
Can you talk to them?
Do they respond to emails?
Tenecor was a possibility, but I think you'll find that their workmanship has suffered in the last few years. Ask other companies about their competitors. See what they have to say as well. It's a biased opinion of course, but they can tell you if they're repairing tanks from other vendors.
It's a big decision, so get what you want. Don't be disappointed by a budgeting decision that limits your enjoyment. Personally, I got the tank I wanted.
I started off looking for a 300, but ended up purchasing a 265 on CL. I resealed it, and got it all set. Then I decided that it wasn't big enough. I knew that from the start, but though I would make it work. I'm glad I didn't. I parted it out and broke even on the purchase, but was reminded that if you're going to go for something you want in the long term, get what you want. The added expense should not be a factor that compromises the item. I know that I personally didn't want a 24" wide tank. I've had them, and they aren't as nice as a 30" or even 36". I probably could have gone with a 36", but I got just what I wanted. I would have preferred a 10', but it wouldn't fit in the spot without compromising the structural integrity of the home.
So, I rethought my strategy and made a spreadsheet and went through all of the criteria, decided on a 375 (not 300), and I am very glad I did. Not once have I regretted my purchase decision.
HTH
