commercially built tanks vs. mom & pop tanks?

[srossnz]

I'm getting a 3ft tank any day now. The local tank builder has them VERY cheap compared to the store branded tanks. They are all glass but I figure I could build a case around most of it for added protection. From what I can see they are well constructed and the lfs shop sells them. The options are a $200 all glass locally built tank vs. 4-500 for the same size. I can't see any reason to spend more for a 'brand' tank when I could put that towards rock, fish etc..

[FeatherDuster]

I'm getting a 3ft tank any day now. The local tank builder has them VERY cheap compared to the store branded tanks. They are all glass but I figure I could build a case around most of it for added protection. From what I can see they are well constructed and the lfs shop sells them. The options are a $200 all glass locally built tank vs. 4-500 for the same size. I can't see any reason to spend more for a 'brand' tank when I could put that towards rock, fish etc..

Does the local tank builder offer a warranty? Question them about what would happen in the case of a leak or possible support problems. Thats the only reason I would buy a commercial one. Some of them offer 5 years or more on warranty and have no problems replacing tanks.

[schigara]

Warranty schmarranty!! If you can save that much on a local built tank, do it! Come on people, we are talking about 5 pieces of glass stuck together with silicone!!!!

Is a major brand tank mfg with a "warranty" going to replace your thousands in fish and coral if the tank fails and you're out of town? NO.

I have had major brand tanks fail and while they were willing to replace the tank, there was no way they would pay for the time and hassle involved in the procedure of replacement or the fish and coral that were lost. Inspect and reinforce ANY tank you buy.

If you can save a considerable amount, buy the ma and pop tank and some silicone and re-silicone the tank if you see any air bubbles in the seems or what seems to be under sealed joints.

Saving money on a local builder means you most likely won't get the magical warranty and you might have to learn be aware of what you are buying and not just a blind consumer. Take some responsibility!

[srossnz]

Inspect and reinforce ANY tank you buy.
Are there diff techniques to reinforcing? are you just talking about re-siliconing or other methods?

[srossnz]

Ok, so now the question of glass thickness, the tank will be roughly 50gallons, i can do 6mm or 10mm, I am thinking 10mm would be a safer bet or is it just overkill?

[j_chicago]

wait a second...
the locally made tank is about 200 and the commercially made tank is 4-500.
But then you say the tank is about 50 gallons?
Seems like 200 is way overpriced for a commercially built roughly 50g tank, let alone a "cheap" knock off.

[srossnz]

sorry, should have mentioned it is NZ dollars, but it is looking like the 50gallon with 10mm will be around 135-150$

[Reefscape]

The following chart is good for working out your glass thickness....

http://saltaquarium.about.com/cs/aquariumdiy/l/blcustomtank.htm

Hope it helps...

Oh, and to add, i would build my own.. :)

Niko

[kcress]

Thicker is better in my opinion.

I have three 55g tanks that are now 15 years in service.

3/8" glass.

Never a leak.

There are also external knocks that can happen. During my remodel a crummy standing lamp was knocked over. It hit one of my tanks and slid down the tank face cutting a deep arc across the tank face. DOH! I shudder to think what 1/4" glass would've thought about that.