Best reef ready tank deal of 2024 - whose looking for a new tank?

[Fish Fan]

If you can build everything else, why not just order a deep blue tank in the size you want? Can even drill it yourself to get the external overflow.

Peninsula tanks are a favorite of mine. Wish I had a spot for one.

Because I really want a more contemporary looking tank. I really don't want a standard framed tank, and I'm hoping for the clearer, low-iron glass. Rimless or Eurobraced, I don't care (leaning Eurobraced, actually). That's just what I'm looking for with this purchase, no offense to anyone or their tanks because I know standard tanks can be beautiful!

I am something of a woodworker, and could build a stand and canopy for a standard tank (which I can buy cheap at an LFS - I saw a 210 for $1000 today!). Again, I mean no offense, but I've been looking at these tanks for 40 something years lol! I want one of the newer, more contemporary looking tanks.

Thanks for your suggestion and for letting me rant lol!

 

[Fish Fan]

Fyi the one I linked is all low iron glass
The rear comes painted black with felt pads between the overflow plumbing and anything else that has a risk of touching the rear, to prevent scratch’s in that rear paint

There are other nice touches like a stand-off to hold the weight of the plumbing, bulkheads to allow the return to exit cleanly

The stand isn’t particle board crap. It’s made from marine plywood and skinned in waterproof laminate inside and out - completely waterproof stand

You could sell your extra gear and buy this lol

And I already worked with vivid creative aquatics and figured out a powerhead / rfg combo to handle flow so that no internal powerheads are needed

I get that this is low-iron, rimless, and made by Current, who I'm familiar with. It's beautiful, I'd love to run this tank. And, I've done enough research to know that this is a SCRAMING DEAL. I'm just hung up on the dimensions, and that I really just want to buy the tank alone, not everything else, which is really hard to find.

But thanks again for your help and time answering my questions

 

[VintageReefer]

I get that this is low-iron, rimless, and made by Current, who I'm familiar with. It's beautiful, I'd love to run this tank. And, I've done enough research to know that this is a SCRAMING DEAL. I'm just hung up on the dimensions, and that I really just want to buy the tank alone, not everything else, which is really hard to find.

But thanks again for your help and time answering my questions

You’re welcome! Most don’t research as much as you and message me with the same questions over and over

One person I’m proactive with and you already know it all haha!

Any other questions feel free to let us know

 

[VintageReefer]

You could always integrate your skills and make a sleek matching canopy ! Or a side table with enclosed storage for supplies and equipment

 

[Fish Fan]

You’re welcome! Most don’t research as much as you and message me with the same questions over and over

One person I’m proactive with and you already know it all haha!

Any other questions feel free to let us know

Thank you, V.R.!

I really appreciate your help, and I know that you're not making money on this tank sale; thanks again!

You could always integrate your skills and make a sleek matching canopy ! Or a side table with enclosed storage for supplies and equipment

Yes, I believe I could. I'm decent with woodworking, not a pro. I have definitely seen very, very nice setups with standard tanks and some great woodworking, or at least some fancy molding, or placing the tank behind a wall. I know it can be done. I'm just really looking for a more modern look with this purchase, and again, that's just me, no offense to you, anyone else, or their tank.

Thanks again!

 

[mch1984]

This deal is tempting, but I am one that likes to run a refugium and I'm just not sure how I would pull that off with a skimmer. The stand is beautiful but that center brace just kind of cuts off a lot of options. I wonder if you could remove that shelf the ATO sits on, and drill some holes in the center brace and put a fuge in that section? Just not sure how I would work that.

 

[Fish Fan]

This deal is tempting, but I am one that likes to run a refugium and I'm just not sure how I would pull that off with a skimmer. The stand is beautiful but that center brace just kind of cuts off a lot of options. I wonder if you could remove that shelf the ATO sits on, and drill some holes in the center brace and put a fuge in that section? Just not sure how I would work that.

Great questions!

Sorry to everyone in advance, but when I first saw this stand, I personally thought it was not to my taste. Please don't take offense, but it's fake wood laminate, absolutely unnecessary marine-grade plywood, and I see what you're saying about how the stand is divided, so to speak. I am worried about space for dosing containers, and you are pretty much just limited to their sump too. But, I showed the pics of this system to my wife, and she thought the stand looked awesome! And hey, happy wife, happy life, so now I think this stand looks pretty good lol!

 

[mch1984]

Great questions!

Sorry to everyone in advance, but when I first saw this stand, I personally thought it was not to my taste. Please don't take offense, but it's fake wood laminate, absolutely unnecessary marine-grade plywood, and I see what you're saying about how the stand is divided, so to speak. I am worried about space for dosing containers, and you are pretty much just limited to their sump too. But, I showed the pics of this system to my wife, and she thought the stand looked awesome! And hey, happy wife, happy life, so now I think this stand looks pretty good lol!

I shouldn't even be looking at it, but I like the tank is nice, and I could double my capacity before even getting my 40-gallon (it's used, not new) wet. I'm wondering if you could you lower that shelf and convert that ATO container into a refugium? Pump into it and do a gravity overflow back into the sump. I don't want to mess with the integrity of the stand. Holes shouldn't have a negative effect, there is enough support left to keep the force distributed. I don't want that, "We can't help you because you messed up the stand scenario". The rest of my equipment will be housed in a cabinet beside the tank so that part doesn't bother me.

 

[JoJosReef]

Great questions!

Sorry to everyone in advance, but when I first saw this stand, I personally thought it was not to my taste. Please don't take offense, but it's fake wood laminate, absolutely unnecessary marine-grade plywood, and I see what you're saying about how the stand is divided, so to speak. I am worried about space for dosing containers, and you are pretty much just limited to their sump too. But, I showed the pics of this system to my wife, and she thought the stand looked awesome! And hey, happy wife, happy life, so now I think this stand looks pretty good lol!

Can you expand on the unnecessary marine grade plywood for the woodworking uninitiated (me)? Is it overkill? Poor substitute?

P.s., a 32x32 tank would be awesome. You'd need a crazy set of lights, though!

 

[VintageReefer]

I really appreciate your help, and I know that you're not making money on this tank sale; thanks again!

You saw that accusation ? Lol
Can’t believe people sometimes.

 

[JoJosReef]

I shouldn't even be looking at it, but I like the tank is nice, and I could double my capacity before even getting my 40-gallon (it's used, not new) wet. I'm wondering if you could you lower that shelf and convert that ATO container into a refugium? Pump into it and do a gravity overflow back into the sump. I don't want to mess with the integrity of the stand. Holes shouldn't have a negative effect, there is enough support left to keep the force distributed. I don't want that, "We can't help you because you messed up the stand scenario". The rest of my equipment will be housed in a cabinet beside the tank so that part doesn't bother me.

Interesting idea!

I'd personally like a larger refugium, but I'm not too miffed about it. Already a lot better than my 40g AIO, which is still a great tank.

The ATO and dimensions were a big selling point for me. I wanted somewhere between shallow and tall, so 20" was just about right. Also didn't want too wide because I didn't want to get all new lights. Perfect would have been 60" instead of 48" length, but there's also the argument that bigger would be too big for my office. And RE: ATO, I've got a titanium hydrofill, an AutoAqua optical and have used bottle ATOs--I'm ready to ditch those for old tech that just works.

The dream dream would be 8' x 2.5' x 2' monster tank with all of the big active fish! Also a $20K setup budget and double that for stocking, haha!

 

[VintageReefer]

This deal is tempting, but I am one that likes to run a refugium and I'm just not sure how I would pull that off with a skimmer. The stand is beautiful but that center brace just kind of cuts off a lot of options. I wonder if you could remove that shelf the ATO sits on, and drill some holes in the center brace and put a fuge in that section? Just not sure how I would work that.

Well. According to CurrentUSA: other brand stands used on rimless tanks were improperly designed and allowed flex / sagging and that leads to panel failure from unnecessary stress on the silicon seams. Most brand are using 2 to 3 vertical weight bearing supports and we worked with a cabinet maker and overbuilt the stand beyond the weight of the aquarium it supports. There is an industry leading 4 vertical full length supports to prevent any sagging / flexing in the stand


A trade off for security and safety….I’ll work around it and I appreciate the effort and research they did

 

[Fish Fan]

Can you expand on the unnecessary marine grade plywood for the woodworking uninitiated (me)? Is it overkill? Poor substitute?

Yes, I can! As at least an amateur woodworker, marine grade plywood is for boats and marine craft that are going to to be floating in the ocean, and would take on the full and relentless water pressure the ocean and its storms would produce.

Aquaria typically see splashes and drips that may lead to some delaminating over time, but the proof that you don't need to over-build a tank stand is the fact that if you go to your local PetCo or BigBox pet store, they will sell you a stand made of particle board. Further, if you buy a Big Box tank, like Marineland or Aqeuon, then they will not honor their warranty if you don't use one of their stands, which are typically particle board.

Please know, I am NOT advocating for particle board aquarium stands, I'm just saying they hold up a lot longer than most people would think. But, I do think marine grade plywood is entirely overkill for aquarium stands.

One of our R2R members is an expert on budling stands, and a legit engineer. @RocketEngineer what do you think about marine grade plywood?

Thanks everyone, I'm just trying to get the best tank for my situation!

 

[VintageReefer]

Can you expand on the unnecessary marine grade plywood for the woodworking uninitiated (me)? Is it overkill? Poor substitute?

P.s., a 32x32 tank would be awesome. You'd need a crazy set of lights, though!

It’s a higher quality than regular plywood and uses more layers an waterproof glue. If typical plywood gets wet you can get swelling in the layers from expansion. Also plywood can have gaps inside the layer and marine grade doesn’t allow that

Should You Use Marine-Grade Plywood in Your Next Outdoor Project?

Marine-grade plywood is a high-quality plywood made with hardwood plies and waterproof glue. Learn about marine-grade plywood and how you can use it.

www.thespruce.com

 

[Fish Fan]

It’s a higher quality than regular plywood and uses more layers an waterproof glue. If typical plywood gets wet you can get swelling in the layers from expansion. Also plywood can have gaps inside the layer and marine grade doesn’t allow that

Should You Use Marine-Grade Plywood in Your Next Outdoor Project?

Marine-grade plywood is a high-quality plywood made with hardwood plies and waterproof glue. Learn about marine-grade plywood and how you can use it.

www.thespruce.com

My friend, I am a woodworker, and understand plywood and the lamination layers I believe that using marine grade plywood for an aquarium stand is entirely overkill. That's just me, but if you feel more secure, or think it's a better value, than I applaud that!

I'm also not trying to dump on this tank deal - I'm strongly considering it!

I'm just chatting and I'm thinking of all the things that that are important to me. If I'm being a downer, or killing this "deal" thread, I'm sorry. I'm just trying to find them best tank for my needs and budget.

 

[VintageReefer]

Yes, I can! As at least an amateur woodworker, marine grade plywood is for boats and marine craft that are going to to be floating in the ocean, and would take on the full and relentless water pressure the ocean and its storms would produce.

Aquaria typically see splashes and drips that may lead to some delaminating over time, but the proof that you don't need to over-build a tank stand is the fact that if you go to your local PetCo or BigBox pet store, they will sell you a stand made of particle board. Further, if you buy a Big Box tank, like Marineland or Aqeuon, then they will not honor their warranty if you don't use one of their stands, which are typically particle board.

Please know, I am NOT advocating for particle board aquarium stands, I'm just saying they hold up a lot longer than most people would think. But, I do think marine grade plywood is entirely overkill for aquarium stands.

One of our R2R members is an expert on budling stands, and a legit engineer. @RocketEngineer what do you think about marine grade plywood?

Thanks everyone, I'm just trying to get the best tank for my situation!

I have my aqueon on a aqueon particle board stand for 10+ years and it’s held together with staples and two vertical braces. It scares the heck out of me to be honest. I look at it and don’t even understand how it’s held up this long.

Current chose to overbuild with marine grade wood due to damp and humid environments, one of those little touches I appreciate and welcome. Why question it. The should be applauded for it.

Then on top of that, they went an extra mile and skinned every surface. Inside outside, back, doors etc. no cheeping out

They told me they wanted to enter the tank market with a top of the line tank to stand up to the other major brands, and they wanted it to be the best. Plans changed when after 2+ years of design and testing they got bought out and the new company didn’t want them competing with existing brands

 

[VintageReefer]

My friend, I am a woodworker, and understand plywood and the lamination layers I believe that using marine grade plywood for an aquarium stand is entirely overkill. That's just me, but if you feel more secure, or think it's a better value, than applaud that!

I'm also not trying to dump on this tank deal - I'm strongly considering it!

I'm just chatting and I'm thinking of all the things that that are important to me. If I'm being a downer, or killing this "deal" thread, I'm sorry. I'm just trying to find them best tank for my needs and budget.

I was informing JoJo who asked

Not trying to teach you what I assume you already know

 

[Fish Fan]

I was informing JoJo who asked

Not trying to teach you what I assume you already know

I apologize, I'm not trying to sound like a jerk or someone who knows more than reefers such as yourself or JoJo. I look up to both of you and I appreciate your help.

And again, I think this is a SCREAMING DEAL on a great tank that would look beautiful in my home if I can figure out the best place for it in our house.

But, in my very humble opinion, marine grade plywood is overkill for aquarium stands. It's just adding to the cost of the stand, in my opinion.

Again, I am so, so not trying to kill this deal for anyone who wants it, I'm just thinking out loud ;-)

Thanks guys!

 

[VintageReefer]

I was informing JoJo who asked

I apologize, I'm not trying to sound like a jerk or someone who knows more than reefers such as yourself or JoJo. I look up to both of you and I appreciate your help.

And again, I think this is a SCREAMING DEAL on a great tank that would look beautiful in my home if I can figure out the best place for it in our house.

But, in my very humble opinion, marine grade plywood is overkill for aquarium stands. It's just adding to the cost of the stand, in my opinion.

Again, I am so, so not trying to kill this deal for anyone who wants it, I'm just thinking out loud ;-)

Thanks guys!

I agree with you but if there’s something I want to be overkill its my reefs stand

Maybe one of the reasons they chose it was just “to be able to say they use it”. A marketing tactical advantage over other brands…bragging rights

Maybe they viewed it also as an investment to reduce long term warranty claims / complaints

Maybe they just got a good deal on a few truckloads of marine grade plywood and bought it up at a good price

Who knows lol

 

[JoJosReef]

I was informing JoJo who asked

I apologize, I'm not trying to sound like a jerk or someone who knows more than reefers such as yourself or JoJo. I look up to both of you and I appreciate your help.

And again, I think this is a SCREAMING DEAL on a great tank that would look beautiful in my home if I can figure out the best place for it in our house.

But, in my very humble opinion, marine grade plywood is overkill for aquarium stands. It's just adding to the cost of the stand, in my opinion.

Again, I am so, so not trying to kill this deal for anyone who wants it, I'm just thinking out loud ;-)

Thanks guys!

As someone who can't afford a seam rupture--not financially, but it would spell the end of having an office tank--I'm a bit paranoid about the stand. Was considering scrapping the stand for an aluminum one, but a) waste of $$, b) seems like this one is made pretty well. Still thinking of bracing it in the middle with a T slot or two. Was also looking into eurobracing the tank, at least eurobracing the bottom, but I'd probably just make it worse.