Haha...it sounds like your tank ideas are coming together. I agree with everyone on the idea that you should go with something a little smaller. Although I really like the idea of external overflows, one other possibility is to look at the "pre-done" tanks at Aquarium obsessed called "BLUE SERIES". At first they seem expensive but when you look at the fact that they come with everything...Sfiligoi (some of the best lights in the business) a full controller system (aquatronica), an H&S skimmer, heater, etc. They also come with a stand but have them quote you without the stand and see what the price is.
Custom may be the only way to go, but if you want a little convenience and the right equipment to start off with on a big tank, some packages are worth looking at.
Has Miracles ever responded to you yet. I asked for a quote as well but have heard nothing.
I have emailed miracles twice and no response. I guess they dont need the business. After a conversation I had last night I cant help but think of my original plan, slightly modified....two tanks, side by side(small seperator in between) - one LR fish and macro, the other LR and corals(soft,lps,sps) with sump, etc. in back room. This way no need for fuge - it would actually be a display tank.
I looked at the blue series you mention, but I would feel more comfortable deciding my own equipment, after all this is Do-It-Yourself not Buy-It-Yourself.
Anyway, the main question still remains...What tank or tanks should I go with?
Ya'll suggest going a bit smaller. Ok - probably a good idea. I can alweays do another in couple of years. I'm gonna check into some 200+ stockbuilt tanks instead of custom giants and see what I can find. BTW I could get two standard tanks cheaper than one big custom...
Maybe you could ask here and see if anyone has anthing positive or negative to say about Glasscages. I have read opinions slanted both ways on this company, but I myself have zero experience with them or their work. Just recommending that you check out their record with respects to customer service and quality of work before you jump in and order a tank.
I have no doubt that these guys make good tanks. I encourage you to think about a couple of things before you get a tank. Do you want Eurobracing? I don't see that as an option on the form they offered. Do you want external overflows...what a difference it apparently makes for aquascaping and for flow in the tank. Do you want closed loop or powerheads?
This looks like a really nice tank. Check out the company on RC as I've heard of them before but I can't remember what the concensus was.
Ive found some good opinions and some bad ones, but nothing really raises a red flag to me.
I will still need to figure that holes and layout for CL and number of nozzles and placement. Where I'm running in to problems is the amount of flow...I've read btween 10x and 35x the system volume. Big difference. What's right?
Sump - 75 gal long tank with DIY, maybe this time I'll pay more attention to my measurements(go ahead and laugh chuck, I deserve it)
Skimming - As much as I want to keep this low maintenance I believe it will be prudent to use a skimmer at least from the start. I've decided to use the Aqua C EV500 with an Iwaki pump.
Water changes - definitely going with aquamedic dosing pumps for continuous WC's. It just seems to be more like the natural enviroment of the ocean(you just dont get 10 - 25 % wc's in nature in a relatively short period of time)
Anything I'm missing so far?
And again, I greatly appreciate everyones input, advice, and help. Could not do this without it.
Good morning Tim
96" x 36" wide x 30" high, starphire front and ends $ 3400.00 + holes, overflows, acrylic work, shipping, etc..
Once you have a design, we can accurately quote your project.
Thank you,
Derek