I need a custom glass tank manufacturer

[javajaws]

Does anybody know of any local (Austin or within 3 hours) custom glass tank manufacturers? Will Oceanic build completely custom tanks (special overflows, etc.)? Anybody else?

I need a 52x22x24 tank with dual overflows that will run the full width of the tank along both ends of the tank. It'll be viewable from both front and back, so I probably want to use low iron glass as well.

Thanks,

- Jason

[brewercm]

Check with Aquatrend here in San Antonio, they do custom tanks.
210-733-0462

[R_S_C]

i know amazonia has a tank manufacturer that does custom stuff as well.

[Richard]

Aquatrend in SA or OceanView out of Dallas (probably who amazonia uses, nice tanks). Yes Oceanic will build custom tanks but they charge ALOT to do it. What I was told from oceanic is that for a ballpark range on price, double the price of an oceanic standard size tank of equal size. Your dimensions are ~ 120 gallons so probably twice the price of an standard Oceanic RR 120.

[don-n-sa]

I know you said local but glasscages.com builds custom tanks and has decent shipping prices


here is the link http://www.glasscages.com/?sAction=News

[javajaws]

Thanks guys, I'll give aquatrend and amazonia a call. I've already tried glasscages.com, but they said they weren't interested in building to my specs...not sure why. I've also gotten a quote from aquariumobsessed.com, but 3 monthes and the shipping from Canada is a stretch (but probably still cheaper than Oceanic).

[StephenA]

Oceanic will build any type, size tank you need. I see people at Aquatek always ordering odd size tanks. They let me pick overflow styles and placement with no problems on mine.

[GaryP]

You can't beat the shipping from SA. Can you say borrowed pick up and a couple of gallons of gas?

Gary

[prof]

Amazonia uses a guy from Pasadena. Universal Aquatics mfg. I have one of their tanks, very nice... I have never talked to them about a tank with overflows but I am sure they can do it.

[MikeP]

Oceanic custom tanks are very pricey. You could try Interamerican in Calgary? good quality but the wait time is supposedly interminable - and cheap!

[javajaws]

OK, I'll also get some Oceanic quotes from Aquatek and/or AA. My previous two tanks were both Oceanic and both were good tanks (a friend is still using my old 20L Oceanic tank I bought more than 12 years ago without problems). I'm prepared to pay slightly more for the quality...but I won't compromise on design and it can't cost me an arm and a leg. I'll also give that guy in Pasadena a call...I've got relatives that live not 10 minutes from him - so shipping would be 0.

[RobertG]

Try using Gallery of Pets here in Austin also. 512-345-8920. Tell her you were refered by MAAST. Kathy can help you out. Great Service!

[javajaws]

That's funny - I actually got my second tank from GoP years ago (another Oceanic). Didn't know they would do custom tank orders though...

[javajaws]

Well, Oceanic is out. They can't build a tank with an overflow greater than 13" or so. I guess they cut their overflow teeth on a router jig that has a limited size or something.

[javajaws]

Finally got around to calling Aquatrend. Unfortunately, they don't do low-iron glass.

Looks like it may be up to one of the Canadian guys after all...

I've still got to call Universal Aquatics though (FYI: 281-998-3474).

[RobertG]

Oceanic can drill the holes where you want them & then could you make your own overflows. I know Aqautrend made there own. Install them with some silicone. Should be pretty easy. Just a thought.

[matt]

If you really want the Oceanic, I agree with Robert you can have the overflows made. Dan, here in San Antonio, would be perfect for that. Another overflow option would the calfo style overflow, which is toothless; I think that would work fine if you're using the combined ends; that's about 44" of total length. The calfo style is basically a shelf and wall, so it doesn't take up any real estate on the bottom, and it's silent.

Another option, maybe you've considered this, is a custom acrylic tank. There's a guy in Portland named James who's email is acrylics@aol.com. This guy helped out teaching the MACO acrylic courses and his work is really fantastic. Apparently he does alot of HUGE systems for commercial aquariums. Even starfire glass isn't nearly as nice to look through as good acrylic. If you're willing to spend a little time getting good with micromesh, you can usually buff out any light scratches on the inside of the tank without draining it.

[javajaws]

Yeah, I'm still thinking I may go with Oceanic. I could get the overflows built by several different people probably. Universal Aquariums will do Starphire - I'm still working on getting a quote from one of their dealers.

The calfo overflow won't work. Although the overflows are on both "ends" of the tank, I won't have any room outside of the tank for plumbing. Immediately next to the aquarium on both ends will be an open area in the wall for display shelves (to please SWMBO). So all the plumbing has to go through the bottom of the tank.

I suppose I could make the tank shorter and run the plumbing outside of the tank...it's an idea I'll have to work on.

As for acrylic: I've already gotton a quote from James (heard very good things about him already). Very good price, I'm just not sure I'm ready to live with acrylic yet.

Here are some pics to help visualize:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/javajaws/TankWallSketch.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/javajaws/Tank.jpg