Where to buy an aquascape tank in the U.S. ?

[bill321]

Hello all,

This is my first post so please go easy on me......

After seeing photos of some of the fantastic planted tanks you all have been creating, I have decided to try my hand at one too. In the past I have had good success with fish-only tanks and even found by trial and error that I could get certain live plants to grow in my well established tanks. But that was before there was such a wealth of information on the internet and before I even knew of such a thing as a forum where I could ask questions

I haven't had any tanks at all for the last few years but now I want to get back into it ......and not only delve into the world of live plants..... but I would like to give a try to creating more of an aquascape.

My question is this.....

Where can I find a tank in the U.S. that is more than 12" deep that is less than 50Gallons ?
It seems that all the standard tank dimensions are 24-36" long, 12"deep" and 12-18" high, and that would be great for a tank with fish swimming the length of the tank. But I am looking for something with some depth when you look into it from the front to help with aquascaping. I have looked into a 40 Breeder but that seems to be just a touch too long for the floor space my better half is going to allow me to have.

I have looked into buying a tank from an ADA importer as they seem to have some nice smaller tanks that are deep but not too long, but to get the tank shipped to me in Colorado would be almost half the cost of the tank itself.

Where do the folks in the U.S. get tanks for aquascaping? Is everybody having custom tanks made or are they buying expensive ADA tanks?

There has got to be a 24x16x16 size tank somewhere in the U.S !
Any help would be greatly appreciated as I start to take the plunge into aquscaping!

Bill321

 

[Philosophos]

40 gallon breeder; 36x18x16. Very nice dimensions for aquascaping, and you can find them in most big box stores or get a LFS to order one in if they don' thave it.

 

[shoggoth43]

Sounds like you're pretty stuck. If you can't negotiate the floor space for the 40 breeder you're probably doing the custom tank routine Alternately, the only other option I can think of is the sterilite containers but then you won't really be able to see into them very well. Rolling your own tank isn't particularly difficult, but doing it in an aesthetically pleasing way is the tricky part that requires technique I know someone had a 5 gallon tank that was essentially a half height 10 gallon tank, but it's a special order job and isn't going to give you the dimensions you want either. You could maybe do a plywood tank. That should cut down on the amount of glass you need to worry about and you could even have a nice picture frame effect. I'm not sure on the paint needed to seal it, but the monster fish keeper site would be a good place to start. Still, you could conceivably be looking at only one sheet of glass to do this. You might even be able to get a 16 inch "tall" U shape of acryllic made and lay that on its side. Then you just make the back and bottom of the tank and you only need to seal 4 seams. Two at the back, and two at the bottom. That'll be a custom job and likely expensive but they might be able to fuse 3 panels together for the same effect for you.

I also know some people get fiberglass tubs and cut windows into the sides, but if you can't get the space for a 40 Breeder you're not likely to pass the Wife Acceptance Factor for a fiberglass tub which will be "aesthetically disadvantaged" at best.

Maybe get the 40 breeder and then have it cut down maybe? I'd see if a local glass shop can do that for you though. You'll have to rebuild it though, or have someone else do it. OTOH, it WILL be rimless at that point which could look nice. Or you could cut the rim down as well to put it back on for some additional corner reinforcement.

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S

 

[Tom Barr]

30 Gal breeders are very nice and available, you might have to ask, but they do make and sell them.

Very nice shape.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[shoggoth43]

Looks like 30x18x12 for the 30 gallon breeder, although I see several references to 36x18x12. I'm not sure which is correct. Based on what he's got available I'm not sure either would work, but IME usually once you've got the item you'll find a way to make it fit. If it's 30 inches you might get away with the extra 6 inches. If it's 36" long then you may as well go with the 40 breeder since you're looking at the same footprint, just shorter.

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S

 

[bill321]

I think I may have found what I was looking for.

I think I may have found what I was looking for.

Brand = Mr. Aqua
Model = MA-821

Dimension: 24.8″ x 17.7″ x 17.7″ - 33.6 Gallons


http://mraqua.net/products/frameless-aquariums/ma-821-glass-aquarium/


Looks like I can get this tank + shipping for right around $200 from a place called MarineDepot.com

Does anybody know anything about this brand of tanks ?
And for that matter does anybody know anything about MarineDepot as a retailer ?

Thanks again for any advice,

Bill321

 

[Left C]

Perfecto has a 56 gal Column that has a 30" x 18" footprint and it is 24" tall. Pet Smart also carries an aquarium and stand combo in this size.

You asked about MarineDepot.com. They are a very good company to order from. They have a huge selection and now they price match. They also have a catalog that they will mail you.

 

[ShadowMac]

i've seen this site and like what they offer. I have thought about purchasing a tank from here, but recently my brother gave me an old 55 gallon, so that is my next project. A lot of options to choose from. http://www.glasscages.com/