Custom tank construction source?

[MacFanMr]

Tom mentioned a while back that he had a guy who would build custom tanks for great prices in California. I'm not close enough to California and want a rather large tank, so I'm wondering what one looks for to find someone to build a tank? I'm sure some higher end glass shops have a pretty good concept of how to stick glass together, use the proper thickness of glass and aquarium grade silicone and it should be fine I would think. I don't need the trim in this case. What do I look for and what do I request of them? It would be great if they could drill it, but I could live without that.

(I just had a 215g tank fail two months after setup. I'm still exploring why it might have occurred, but if I have to spend the money again anyway, I may as well go custom and get it the way I want. It would simplify my stand concept and potentially avoid any similar problems.)

Michael

 

[Tom Barr]

There is a guy in TN I think?
Glasscages.com - Home

At least within driving range.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[MacFanMr]

But it's not something a commercial glass company could do for me?

 

[Tom Barr]

I doubt it, they do glazing for windows, showers etc, not structural glass with good seams and lots of w to do glazing, windows, showers doors etc, not structural tanks holding a lot of water.

They might take the job.
Who knows, few here will though that I've asked.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[MacFanMr]

Hmm... ok. It occurred to me that there is a custom aquarium place that sells out of the local fish store I frequent so I can ask them what they would charge. They have glass samples on display of varying thicknesses. They probably aren't cheap, but this one wasn't either. Too bad Oceanic isn't still based on Dallas... not that they would sell to me directly.

Michael

 

[Tom Barr]

For a rimless open top tank this size, 1500$ is min price.
I think GC might be able to do that for you.

So if the LFS etc charges more, say 500-or more$, it might be worth it to take a road trip

Regards,
Tom Barr