Best aquarium manufacture 48x24 ext reef ready?

[crappie]

After getting a great deal on a cheap 75 gallon Petco tank for $79 bucks with tax!
I did the phone and polarized glasses test and it turned black so I thought it was good to drill. I found out the hard way it was tempered!!! What a mess!!!

I’ve already bought the lights, sump, skimmer, return pump, and built the frame for a 48” tank but now I have no tank!

I’m in the market for a new 48” tank and looking for a size around 48x24 because that is the spread for the lights I bought.

I’m sure everyone has varying opinions but please post who you think makes the best 48x24 tank with external overflow. Pictures are much appreciated!!!

 

[fishface NJ]

Tanks

www.scaquariums.com

SCA
or Glass Cage

Not too many manufactures sell just the tank. I would stay clear of Fiji Cube

 

[crappie]

That sucks. I was really looking at Fiji cube as an

Tanks

www.scaquariums.com

SCA
or Glass Cage

Not too many manufactures sell just the tank. I would stay clear of Fiji Cube

That sucks. I was really looking at Fiji cube as an option. Any particular reason why you don’t like Fiji cube?

 

[fishface NJ]

I like the Fiji Cube tanks. I had considered buying one but after searching on here, there have been problems...example: scratches, Fiji being difficult. Do a search on the Forum

 

[Zissou Intern]

I also wanted this size tank and decided to go with Fiji even though there are some vocal critics. I found the company to be quite responsive and eventually decided they wouldn’t be in business unless they got it right most of the time. Are my seams perfect? No, but they are good enough for me. Take a look at my build thread for delivery pics. I was really nervous from the negative reviews but it turned out fine in my case.

 

[crappie]

I also wanted this size tank and decided to go with Fiji even though there are some vocal critics. I found the company to be quite responsive and eventually decided they wouldn’t be in business unless they got it right most of the time. Are my seams perfect? No, but they are good enough for me. Take a look at my build thread for delivery pics. I was really nervous from the negative reviews but it turned out fine in my case.

Which model did you go with? Any pictures you can post?

 

[thedon986]

I would choose SCA’s 120 over the Fiji 108 for the same footprint. SCA is a more established brand and it’s got a bit more height to it. Last bonus is its eurobraced. More peace of mind and fewer splashes compared to rimless. Pretty much the same price.

 

[Zissou Intern]

Which model did you go with? Any pictures you can post?

I have the 76G EXT. There are a bunch of pics if you click blue “My Tank Thread” button to the left.

 

[crappie]

I have the 76G EXT. There are a bunch of pics if you click blue “My Tank Thread” button to the left.

Just checked the thread out! Awesome post and excellent pictures! Thanks!

 

[paragrouper]

I have no suggestions for you, but I did want to mention how much I like your screen name—my favorite freshwater quarry.

 

[Tcook]

I have no suggestions for you, but I did want to mention how much I like your screen name—my favorite freshwater quarry.

I had to look twice. I thought it was crapple. Old eyes.

 

[cilyjr]

I had an sca 120. At one point, fantastic tank.

 

[vividwrasse]

I can second staying away from FijiCube. Check my build thread, which is still dead in the water, for what I have been going through. They even submitted false information to Amex to fight my chargeback.

 

[VintageReefer]

How much are you looking to spend?

 

[thedon986]

I can second staying away from FijiCube. Check my build thread, which is still dead in the water, for what I have been going through. They even submitted false information to Amex to fight my chargeback.

Man that sucks. No way I would ever use an aquarium with obvious bubbles in the silicone. Everyone has seen what Red Sea did. I would dispute this charge again. Sorry but it is kind of hilarious that these large bubbles are in the silicone seam and they slap the Fiji cube sticker right over. “Love your tank” lol

Their overflows are great. Sump kits are just okay. I wouldn’t buy anything else from them.

 

[VintageReefer]

I dont know what these companies charge for just the tank…

But I’ll throw this bundle out there…it’s $1600 shipped from CurrentUSA

Here is what’s included that you do need: new 83g rimless, 3 sides low iron, rear painted black, external ghost overflow, plumbing kit preassembled, 9g custom ato, curbside nationwide shipping
Tank dimensions are 48x20x20…

Here what it comes with that you don’t need:
26g custom sump
Custom stand (nice, quality stand, marine grade plywood, 4 vertical load bearing supports, skinned inside and out in waterproof laminate

Not sure what other companies would charge for a tank in your measurements, but might make sense to get this builds and then sell a sump / stand.
The other items you purchased: lights, skimmer, return pump could all be used.

You would just end up with an extra sump - probably an easy thing to sell on the forum, and an extra cabinet. you could sell the cabinet you have, or the cabinet this comes with, or if you love your cabinet then offer a bundle of this cabinet with the sump custom fit for it

Anyway figured there is no harm in giving you the option. If you are interested let me know and I can direct you to a thread with more information and others that bought it

 

[crappie]

I can second staying away from FijiCube. Check my build thread, which is still dead in the water, for what I have been going through. They even submitted false information to Amex to fight my chargeback.

Ouch! Thanks for the response. Now I’m thinking what ever brand I go with I need to see it in person at the LFS and deliver it my self!!!

 

[crappie]

How much are you looking to spend?

For the tank under $2000 and for the stand I will probably build it. I’m 6’4 and I want a tall stand. The original frame I made was 42” tall and I haven’t put the top on so add another 1” to it when completed.

 

[crappie]

I dont know what these companies charge for just the tank…

But I’ll throw this bundle out there…it’s $1600 shipped from CurrentUSA

Here is what’s included that you do need: new 83g rimless, 3 sides low iron, rear painted black, external ghost overflow, plumbing kit preassembled, 9g custom ato, curbside nationwide shipping
Tank dimensions are 48x20x20…

Here what it comes with that you don’t need:
26g custom sump
Custom stand (nice, quality stand, marine grade plywood, 4 vertical load bearing supports, skinned inside and out in waterproof laminate

Not sure what other companies would charge for a tank in your measurements, but might make sense to get this builds and then sell a sump / stand.
The other items you purchased: lights, skimmer, return pump could all be used.

You would just end up with an extra sump - probably an easy thing to sell on the forum, and an extra cabinet. you could sell the cabinet you have, or the cabinet this comes with, or if you love your cabinet then offer a bundle of this cabinet with the sump custom fit for it

Anyway figured there is no harm in giving you the option. If you are interested let me know and I can direct you to a thread with more information and others that bought it

Thanks for the post but definitely not looking to buy just to sell…I’m also leaning towards a taller and deeper tank so more in the range of 100-120 gallon range.

 

[Bruttall]

start looking in the used sales pages for a 4ft Oceanic Tank. I have a 300g 8ft that is over 30yrs old.
Enjoy!