I'm shopping for a tank. Where to look around town? (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyNguyen]

I visited a few places over the wkend but was left unimpressed due to the quality, dimension and most importanlty, the price! The missus wants to put together a tank for a shoal of damsels Please point me in the right direction where i wont feel like im going to get robbed blind.

 

[johntdaballa]

What are you looking for? Budget? Dimensions?


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[PorpoiseHork]

If you're on a tight budget, check on Craigslist or in apps like 5 Miles or LetGo you can frequently find some sweet deals on there. Just note that these will be used systems and may not be pristine or will require some tlc to get them ready for setup.

If you have a larger budget, do not want to mess with used equipment and want top level quality, look at tank systems like those from Red Sea, Innovative Marine, or Water Box. They all have package deals that are very high quality and look amazing. Check our sponsors list and pick a few near you and give them a ring to see what they carry. Most also give members a discount as well on various items carried.

 

[JohnnyNguyen]

She wants a 6ft long, rimmed water box. Forgive her, shes a total newbie. I, on the other hand, aim for a 90-125G rimless cube that comes with a stand. Budget wise, it's what ever she approves, which isnt bery much being a cheapskate that she is LOL.

As for CL, i'll keep my eyes peeled. Thanks!

 

[johntdaballa]

She wants a 6ft long, rimmed water box. Forgive her, shes a total newbie. I, on the other hand, aim for a 90-125G rimless cube that comes with a stand. Budget wise, it's what ever she approves, which isnt bery much being a cheapskate that she is LOL.

As for CL, i'll keep my eyes peeled. Thanks!

be very cautious of buying Used tanks. you pay for what you get. I have bought tanks that worked great but have also heard bad stories. You would have to discuss with your lady friend what is more important. The quality and the worksmanship of a tank or flooded floors. I have a friend just bought a used tank from a LFS and was told no worries with this used tank. She ended up finding a huge bubble and chip on the back that was really small. found out when the tank started leaking.

Sounds like you guys are pretty new to the hobby. If you are on a budget go to petsmart and buy a 40gal for berry cheap.

 

[johntdaballa]

Sorry @Matyas i'm bringing you in. Matyas was sold a bad tank, from a marsh guest. Ended up with a bad tank and money wasted. Not worth it spend a little more to get you a new tank that is warranted

 

[PorpoiseHork]

be very cautious of buying Used tanks. you pay for what you get. I have bought tanks that worked great but have also heard bad stories. You would have to discuss with your lady friend what is more important. The quality and the worksmanship of a tank or flooded floors. I have a friend just bought a used tank from a LFS and was told no worries with this used tank. She ended up finding a huge bubble and chip on the back that was really small. found out when the tank started leaking.

Sounds like you guys are pretty new to the hobby. If you are on a budget go to petsmart and buy a 40gal for berry cheap.

Agreed on being cautious on a used tank. If you do look at used, if possible have the seller fill the tank with you there to verify it's not leaking. If this is not possible, then inspect the silicone very carefully. It should not be discolored, or show any signs of damage or cuts, and most importantly still be pliable. If the if you see any damage, discoloration, or isn't pliable, move on to the next option. If it checks out, make sure to do a leak test in your garage for at least 3 days. I would do this regardless if it's a used tank or a new tank. People make mistakes and the last thing you want to have happen is spend thousands of dollars and hours of time on a tank setup, only to have it have a leak right from the start.

To do the leak test, get some sheets of closed cell styro-foam at least 1/4" thick and place the tank on it. If it is a rimmed tank you only need to have the it under the rim. If it's a rimless tank then you want the cover the entire bottom. Next plug any overflow piping and fill the tank with hose water and check it with a level. As long as the tank is level, leave it sit and check it for leaks over the next several days. If there are no leaks, then you should be OK as long as the tank and stand are perfectly level once setup in the house. Any torsional stress brought on by the tank not being level especially if say the front corner is lower or higher than the back corner on the same side. If this happens the chances of a seam failing or glass cracking goes up significantly. This can also happen with new tanks as well. One thing that can help tremendously is aquarium leveling mat. You can find it at places like Marine Depot for pretty cheap and the stuff is amazing.

 

[Reefahholic]

I’d go with Planet Aquarium if you want a budget friend tank with good build quality. They’re not Reef Savvy, but I’m on my 3rd custom and for me they are great. Quick turnaround time and the price is right. Talk to Nick at Ocean Life. Tell him Reefahholic sent you over.

 

[JohnnyNguyen]

Prolly gonna swing by OL later in the week. Boy, that place always packed to the gills every time i go there. Thanks!

 

[johntdaballa]

Prolly gonna swing by OL later in the week. Boy, that place always packed to the gills every time i go there. Thanks!

Lol hit up Urban Aquatic let David know JT sent you. Name dropping time
Compare prices


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[mittens]

Lol hit up Urban Aquatic let David know JT sent you. Name dropping time
Compare prices


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Ditto. And let him know mittens needs her sump finished


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[Reefahholic]

What are we comparing prices on?

 

[Bolo]

I highly recommend ADG. Mike Senske the owner gives awesome deals compared to all the other stores in Houston. I shopped around and mike was the best prices

 

[Reefahholic]

I highly recommend ADG. Mike Senske the owner gives awesome deals compared to all the other stores in Houston. I shopped around and mike was the best prices

Where is that at?

I highly recommend Pho H’ai Van for your beef tenderloins! I’ve travel the whole state and Houston area and can’t find another tenderloin cooked that perfect and soft.

 

[Rio1969]

Where is that at?

3520 S. Sam Houston Pkwy. E. Suite 100, Houston TX 77047

 

[JohnnyNguyen]

I need to start a GoFundMe acct

 

[johntdaballa]

I need to start a GoFundMe acct

SMH


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[RR-MAN]

I highly recommend ADG. Mike Senske the owner gives awesome deals compared to all the other stores in Houston. I shopped around and mike was the best prices

I love to go to ADG - about 7 minutes from my house. The store is insane. The large reef is breathtaking.

I started buying corals from them - prices are pretty decent. And once they get to know you even more discount.

 

[JohnnyNguyen]

Never been to ADG. Some how the name intimidates me into thingking they’re high end, but I’ll sure to check them out this week.
I kid about starting a GoFundMe acct. Too proud to beg for some thing this trivial in the scheme of things.

 

[johntdaballa]

good luck with ADG lol