Best Acrylic Tank Builders

[tomojsg]

i would go with midwest or clear for life/seaclear as theyre one of best reputable
manufactures to date but those are just my opinion. please update us on your
tank and how titan aquatics is.

 

[Randys]

i would go with midwest or clear for life/seaclear as theyre one of best reputable
manufactures to date but those are just my opinion. please update us on your
tank and how titan aquatics is.

I had a bad experience with one of these builders. I don't like bashing businesses in public so if anyone's interested you can message me.

 

[DN328]

I haven't had any luck. I have heard very good things about Midwest, but might go with Titan aquatics as my lfs is ordering from them and might save some on shipping

If I were you, I'd get a quote from each, for exactly what you want shipped to your door (if you haven't already). Make sure that you are comparing "apples to apples" in terms of design and materials (i.e. acrylic thickness, overflows/design, drilled holes, etc.) I think that would inform your decision. Sometimes it's just worth spending more on a brand new tank...especially if you plan to keep it running for the "long term".

If $2300 includes shipping (?), that's an awesome price given I hear typically acrylic costs more than glass for the same size.

 

[Randys]

Another option is the Tsunami sold by fishtankdirect.com. I know of at least one persons who is happy with their tank and they offer free shipping. The quote I got from them looked good I'm just undecided on which way to go.

 

[nzafi]

When I was researching I found a lot of folks that we're happy with fishtanksdirect. The only comment I'd make is that they are more aggressive on acrylic thickness which is reflected in their price. Midwest insisted on using thicker a acrylic.

 

[Randys]

When I was researching I found a lot of folks that we're happy with fishtanksdirect. The only comment I'd make is that they are more aggressive on acrylic thickness which is reflected in their price. Midwest insisted on using thicker a acrylic.

Yes, I found that also. Fishtankdirect quoted me the standard 1/2" thickness for a 24" tall tank while Midwest gave me two quotes; 1/2" AND 3/4".

 

[soupa2]

What's wrong with in between those sizes?? 5/8"

 

[Randys]

What's wrong with in between those sizes?? 5/8"

Hmmmm, that's a very good question.

I DO know that the difference between 1/2" and 3/4" on the quote I received from Midwest was only a couple of hundreds dollars.
I would assume the 5/8" just wouldn't be worth the builders keeping in stock.

 

[ragin_cajun]

I think you need to very carefully compare the overflow/weir construction, and the way that is integrated into the top lip of the tank.

All these guys can make an acrylic box. The good tank builders differentiate themselves with the craftsmanship that goes into the overflow boxes, weirs. Also, there's the stand--mine came with a very high quality, thick, custom cut piece of heavy plywood for the tank to sit on. Buying and cutting that myself would have been a project, and expensive. Be sure the builder does that for you.

And the sump. I had mine built custom along with the tank, and the way it was built saved me a flood in the house while I was outta town. My filter socks clogged with gunk from new driftwood.

This is a very long term purchase. I would not compare price, I'd compare quality. Saving a couple hundred bucks right now is not a big deal for a tank that you'll probably have for a decade or more.

Ask around "who is the highest quality custom acrylic builder". That's what I'd do.