Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: neilsarah on May 05, 2014, 11:25:08 AM

Title: Need advice on large tank purchase.
Post by: neilsarah on May 05, 2014, 11:25:08 AM

Ok so I am done browsing the used market. I can't find anything that has everything I want. So I went to Great Lakes aquariums and had a 195 tank quoted with an overflow system. Obviously I am a little sticker shocked from the price. Does any tanks on the market compare to what Great Lakes has to offer? If so what brand and where can I purchase them. I don't want to go smaller than a 180. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Title: Re: Need advice on large tank purchase.
Post by: cranialdisturbance on May 05, 2014, 11:57:35 AM

A Marineland 180g is $850 with 2 overflows (72x24x24).  The prices at Great Lakes are towards the high end, but the quality is also on par with the price, plus Steve will customize it to your needs.  I have 7 of them and have not had a single problem.  My most recent addition was a 165g and I couldn't be happier.  BTW if you get a tank that is 22" or less in height the price tends to be significantly less as the bottom glass does not need to be as thick.

Title: Re: Need advice on large tank purchase.
Post by: four_by_ken on May 06, 2014, 04:49:15 PM

GreatLakes sells nice tanks.

I dont think you would be disappointed.

Title: Re: Need advice on large tank purchase.
Post by: Ron on May 07, 2014, 09:00:56 AM

I think you'll be sticker shocked on any brand new larger tank.

If you search around online, you might find companies who are cheaper, but you would want to compare the quality of the materials to make sure any comparison was apples-to-apples. Once you also factor in any shipping from out of the area, that might negate any savings you've found.

Title: Re: Need advice on large tank purchase.
Post by: fishman on May 07, 2014, 11:52:44 AM

I would call Oceans and Seas or Stingray Bay.  It will not be cheap, but they carry name brands.  Sometimes they will both have tanks of that size in stock. I have seen tanks of over 220 gallons at Oceans and Seas. Great lakes is always an option, but their prices are not cheap.

Title: Re: Need advice on large tank purchase.
Post by: lohachata on May 07, 2014, 01:40:04 PM

i know a few people that have bigger tanks from www.glasscages.com
they are so far very happy with them..

Title: Re: Need advice on large tank purchase.
Post by: jkeeler on May 07, 2014, 02:19:29 PM

Quote from: lohachata on May 07, 2014, 01:40:04 PM

i know a few people that have bigger tanks from www.glasscages.com
they are so far very happy with them..

Several people have commented that Great Lakes Aquariums is pricey, but after comparing against glasscages.com they are cheap

Glasscages 180g .....$735 + options
GLA             165g......$465 + options
                   195g.......$680 + options

Plus it is local and can be picked up.

Maybe some day 'Over the Edge' will make some big tanks.

Title: Re: Need advice on large tank purchase.
Post by: neilsarah on May 09, 2014, 04:36:45 AM

Thanks everyone. I'm going to go with Great Lakes. Will post pics once it's all complete.

Title: Re: Need advice on large tank purchase.
Post by: four_by_ken on June 04, 2014, 01:12:19 PM

Quote from: neilsarah on May 09, 2014, 04:36:45 AM

Thanks everyone. I'm going to go with Great Lakes. Will post pics once it's all complete.

Did you buy?