Custom tank options - glass cages

[RastaReefarian]

After years of watching BRS videos on youtube, I finally have a house with a nice finished basement on a concrete slab. So I'm jumping into the deep end.

I always imagined buying a red sea AIO, but with all the noise around that brand I just don't want to deal with it. Structural integrity is my most important concern, and it seems like custom is the way to go, and as far as I can tell Glass Cages is one of the top options in that category.

If I wanted the most structurally sound design, are these the best options to choose in each category for a 60x24x25 glass tank?

Aquarium style - braced with cross-braces
Build construction - trim bottom build with interior bracing
Euro bracing option - Euro braced with low iron and black trim
Vertical seam guards

Also, with a box style overflow (center back), if want to plumb a BeanAnimal drain and two returns, I believe I would need five bulkheads (3 drain holes in the bottom and two return holes on the back?)

Since this tank won't be rimless I'm assuming I'd need light mounts. Would 3 be optimum for a tank this size? I'm entertaining doing different types of lights to create different par zones for mixed reef.

Any guidance from you knowledgeable folks is much appreciated.

 

[redfishbluefish]

I too have a 60" Glass Cages tank, albeit 60 x 18 x 21 and couldn't be happier. As far as I know, it comes with the first three things you've mentioned, and I don't know what "vertical seam guards" are. Here it is when it was first moved inside my front door:

The Euro bracing is open in the center back to accept a Glass Holes Overflow (no longer being made). I had this made with low E glass on the front, and if I had to do it over, I would not get Low E. Maybe it's my old eyes, but I don't see the difference.

If you're interested, HERE's my build thread.

Oh, and WELCOME to R2R!

 

[RastaReefarian]

I too have a 60" Glass Cages tank, albeit 60 x 18 x 21 and couldn't be happier. As far as I know, it comes with the first three things you've mentioned, and I don't know what "vertical seam guards" are. Here it is when it was first moved inside my front door:

The Euro bracing is open in the center back to accept a Glass Holes Overflow (no longer being made). I had this made with low E glass on the front, and if I had to do it over, I would not get Low E. Maybe it's my old eyes, but I don't see the difference.

If you're interested, HERE's my build thread.

Oh, and WELCOME to R2R!

Awesome, thanks brother. Looking forward to reading through your build thread.