Where would you buy a custom tank from?

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#1
I have wife approval for the "dream tank" upgrade after we move, and so I'm trying to decide which builder to go with. I'm thinking I'd like to go with a 400g reef with dims of 8' L x 4' W x 20" T. I'm planning to go with glass (just because with 2 toddlers, I think an acrylic tank would end up with some "awesome" scratches). What builders would you guys recommend?
 
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#2
I have wife approval for the "dream tank" upgrade after we move, and so I'm trying to decide which builder to go with. I'm thinking I'd like to go with a 400g reef with dims of 8' L x 2' W x 20" T. I'm planning to go with glass (just because with 2 toddlers, I think an acrylic tank would end up with some "awesome" scratches). What builders would you guys recommend?
There is crystal designs in SD. I think cadlights does custom as well and there is also precision aquariums.

Precision tanks are really sexy IMO but i don't own one myself
 
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#3
There is crystal designs in SD. I think cadlights does custom as well and there is also precision aquariums.

Precision tanks are really sexy IMO but i don't own one myself
Thanks! I'll definitely have to check out Precision! I've not heard of them before, but I really like "sexy" tanks. :) I'll look into Crystal Designs as well. I've heard too many horror stories about CadLights customer service at this point to consider them (which is a shame bc they have some nice tanks).
 
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Thanks! I'll definitely have to check out Precision! I've not heard of them before, but I really like "sexy" tanks. :) I'll look into Crystal Designs as well. I've heard too many horror stories about CadLights customer service at this point to consider them (which is a shame bc they have some nice tanks).
I own a crystal design tank. You are welcome to come see it when you are in town and settled down. I'm pretty close to DTLA if you happen to be around that area.

The reason I stated that precision is nice is because they implement a different style to the corners of their tank. Forgot what its called but the corners are not 90 degree angles. hard to explain but take a look!
 
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96x24x20 is 200, a good size, but if the wife says 400 and you have the room double down. My tank is close to 400 100x36x26, I wish I had gone 48" wide as a Peninsula tank steals space with a gap on each side. My Tank is LeeMar, who is now Crystal Dynamics, they did a good job on my tank. Precision does very nice work, but I have yet to see a super large size, their edges are mitered and look hot. Glass Cages will be at Rap and they build large tanks. Cad makes some affordable smaller tanks, but I would not advise them for large build. Reefapalooza should net you some good ideas. Any tanks over 300 gallons should be built on metal stands in my opinion and glass is the way to go. If you are ever in Cypress you are welcome to check mine out as well.
 
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96x24x20 is 200, a good size, but if the wife says 400 and you have the room double down. My tank is close to 400 100x36x26, I wish I had gone 48" wide as a Peninsula tank steals space with a gap on each side. My Tank is LeeMar, who is now Crystal Dynamics, they did a good job on my tank. Precision does very nice work, but I have yet to see a super large size, their edges are mitered and look hot. Glass Cages will be at Rap and they build large tanks. Cad makes some affordable smaller tanks, but I would not advise them for large build. Reefapalooza should net you some good ideas. Any tanks over 300 gallons should be built on metal stands in my opinion and glass is the way to go. If you are ever in Cypress you are welcome to check mine out as well.

This is gold. You need to check out Scott's. It's like going to a mini aquarium.
 

805reef

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My tank is being made by precision and is 80x36 wide x24 tall. It should be finished in a couple weeks.
 
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#11
I would like to see your precision tank, I am going to need a couple more tanks and I like mitered edges. When designing your dream tank get at least 3 quotes from reputable builders. Leemar would not build my tank at the 30" height I wanted, my friend got an extra 5" over Leemar and this made his decision to whom built his tank. 400 gallons on the floor, and a lesson to learn. If reputable builders advise against a size or height, Listen!
 

All Delight

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Welcome dude!! I saw your post and thought what the heck is he doing in these neck of the woods. hahaa

What city you moving to?

To answer your question I'd check out crystal dynamics old lee mar crew.
 
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#13
My tank is crystal dynamics and I love it. It's a 48x24x24x, so not quite as big as the tank you want but if you are moving by me, you are welcome to come check it out.
 
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#14
Go with someone with a good customer service especially if you'll be spending thousands of $$$$. I recently upgraded to a 70 gal from a company mentioned above. I am not impressed with their customer service. I will not be a repeat customer.
 
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#16
Like somebody said, LeeMar is back as Crystal Dynamics and people have been liking the quality of the tanks. That'd be my first choice.

But what ever you decide, buy your tank through Aaron at SPS Coral Store. He's a great guy to deal with and always willing to help and answer questions. I bought my first big tank from him and the day I upgrade I'm buying my tank from him as well and let him design everything. I highly recommend him.
 

OnTheTake

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If you are looking for the best quality tank hands down the best right now is REEF SAAVY. I was able to see what all the hype was about at MACNA when I was there last weekend and they did not disappoint. With their ghost overflow design and beautiful sumps they are the best in the industry. They do have a wait right now though. GL and check them out.
 
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If you are looking for the best quality tank hands down the best right now is REEF SAAVY. I was able to see what all the hype was about at MACNA when I was there last weekend and they did not disappoint. With their ghost overflow design and beautiful sumps they are the best in the industry. They do have a wait right now though. GL and check them out.
Yeah. Those guys build great tanks. Love the ghost overflow! So sleek!!
 
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#19
96x24x20 is 200, a good size, but if the wife says 400 and you have the room double down. My tank is close to 400 100x36x26, I wish I had gone 48" wide as a Peninsula tank steals space with a gap on each side. My Tank is LeeMar, who is now Crystal Dynamics, they did a good job on my tank. Precision does very nice work, but I have yet to see a super large size, their edges are mitered and look hot. Glass Cages will be at Rap and they build large tanks. Cad makes some affordable smaller tanks, but I would not advise them for large build. Reefapalooza should net you some good ideas. Any tanks over 300 gallons should be built on metal stands in my opinion and glass is the way to go. If you are ever in Cypress you are welcome to check mine out as well.
I estimate that filled tank weighs 5000 pounds. Did you have to modify your floor?
 

solitude127

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Like somebody said, LeeMar is back as Crystal Dynamics and people have been liking the quality of the tanks. That'd be my first choice.

But what ever you decide, buy your tank through Aaron at SPS Coral Store. He's a great guy to deal with and always willing to help and answer questions. I bought my first big tank from him and the day I upgrade I'm buying my tank from him as well and let him design everything. I highly recommend him.
This is great advice
 
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