So i am seriously thinking about building an all glass 240 gallon, or something around that size, has anyone actually done this themselves and could give me some input? I would think it would be considerably cheaper than just just purchasing one, but i do not that for sure yet.
All Glass DIY Tank build questions
- Thread starter kevinfleming21
- Start date
personally, I think for an all glass tank of that size, its probably better to go to the LFS and buy a brand new tank. 220's are a common size for example, you can probably find 240's too.
I think in order for it to be cost effective you really need to be up over the 300g mark where you can't just go out and buy a tank from the LFS.
if you have never done a tank build before, there is also the risk of having a problem, and with 200+ gallons of water, its serious stuff. that can literally cause thousands of dollars in water damage if you ever had a problem.
personally, I would start building some smaller tanks on your own first before attempting a build that big as a first try.
this is just my opinion. others who have actually built a tank might be able to help more. I never have.
I think in order for it to be cost effective you really need to be up over the 300g mark where you can't just go out and buy a tank from the LFS.
if you have never done a tank build before, there is also the risk of having a problem, and with 200+ gallons of water, its serious stuff. that can literally cause thousands of dollars in water damage if you ever had a problem.
personally, I would start building some smaller tanks on your own first before attempting a build that big as a first try.
this is just my opinion. others who have actually built a tank might be able to help more. I never have.
Honestly, your best and cheapest bet would be to surf craigslist, or some other local site, and find used tanks for sale. They will give you the most gallons for your dollar.
If you simply want a brand new never used tank, then depending on how cheap glass is near you, you may be able to build one cheaper than you can buy one. The markups at your average lfs is pretty high. But you have to be confidant that you can build a tank that will hold up over time.
If you live close enough that shipping isn't too bad, you could always order from glasscages.com or some other tank manufacturer directly.
If you simply want a brand new never used tank, then depending on how cheap glass is near you, you may be able to build one cheaper than you can buy one. The markups at your average lfs is pretty high. But you have to be confidant that you can build a tank that will hold up over time.
If you live close enough that shipping isn't too bad, you could always order from glasscages.com or some other tank manufacturer directly.
actually, it is almost nothing. at least on the tank itself.
I used to work at a LFS and on most tanks the markup is very little. because tanks are expensive to build ( glass and labour) and ship (trucking all over the country) the retailer's cost of the tanks is high already, so the mark up they charge is not much at all, otherwise tanks would cost a fortune.
for example, a 125g costs the store about $250 to buy, and they might sell it for $300. thats it. We never got our staff discount on tanks for this reason. mark them down a bit from regular price and they are below cost already.
now, all the other stuff? well, thats a different story LOL.
but the actual markup on glass tank is very small, contrary to popular belief.
12 Volt Man;4307697; said:
You can't find a 125g tank in my town for under $400 new, and usually its closer to $500. And my lfs' will only purchase tanks when they have enough requests to justify a shipment, so they are getting the best deal on tanks and shipping that they can. I got my 125g RR for $400 because someone else placed an order for it, then backed out, and so the manager just wanted to get rid of it. It was normally a $500+ dollar tank.
I thought tanks were expensive here in SA but compared to $500 for a 125 gal my 280gal is very cheap then but i geus you can't really compare it like that lol.
OP why don't you build a ply tank then you can go even bigger that 240 and there are some beautiful ply tanks on here.
I think you have to be very sure in you building skills when you attempt to build an all glass tank over 200gal, that is an enormous amount of water in a glass box sitting in your living room next to your family and friends.
OP why don't you build a ply tank then you can go even bigger that 240 and there are some beautiful ply tanks on here.
I think you have to be very sure in you building skills when you attempt to build an all glass tank over 200gal, that is an enormous amount of water in a glass box sitting in your living room next to your family and friends.
I've never done it but here is a link to someone who has. Mind you this tank is about 375gallons.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=254328&highlight=mdstark
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=254328&highlight=mdstark