I don't see the wonderfulness of low iron glass, it may be my aging eyes. & with balas you probably don't want a rimless open topped tank.
I'm cheap, I'd probably go with a Petco/smart 1. Acrylics often have very wide rims that limit filtration & other options. I was given a 55g 1 & gave it away rather than deal with its issues.
I like the suggestion of joining a local club to at least see other people's set ups. Plus you may find a "deal" on a used 1. There's also craigslist, you're in a fairly big market area, but you need an idea of what is acceptable to you, at what price & what that may include that you'd actually want to use.
A 180 gallon is a stock Aqueon size. You can probably find one at any local pet store or they should be able to order it for you. Petco and Petsmart do not carry that size so you are probably out of luck there.
My local Petsmarts sometimes have Aqueon 6ft 125g tank/stand combos in stock (or are they 120g?) Something to go look at anyway, or call to see if they have them and what they can order.
I realize the OP wants to see a 180g, but this would give him an idea.