Buying First Piece Of Equipment !!!! :)

I'm so excited. I'm about to buy my 120 gallon aquarium. Quick question. I'm going to get it ready for a sump. I don't particularly trust my LFS but they're all I have and the price is definately right for the 120 gallon glass aquarium ($699 sump ready (will have to be "ordered" )). Is there anything I should ask besides the warranty? How good of a leak warranty should I get? Also, BIGGEST concern here is - DOES IT MATTER WHERE THE HOLES ARE DRILLED FOR THE SUMP? I need a very good detailed answer here because like I said I DON'T trust my lfs. I'm not going to do business with them unless it is necessary. I will be moving in 6 months so I'm only interested in equipment at the moment. Thanks !!!

P.s. Is there anything I need to know or to ask for that I may need to say myself and not expect them to accomedate me? I don’t want to buy something wrong / get ripped off just because I didn’t know a small piece of information. Thanks.

 

im only newish to ths my self i am having a sump made for my new tank

and 1 issue u may run into with the tank in reguards to the sump is at what height the exit hole is with yer over flow box if it is to low yer tank then in the case of power failure yer sump could over flow im sure theres plenty of other people on here who could explain it better, but thats the only issue i had with the hole in the tank

 

Glasscages.com - Acrylic Aquariums

their 120 gallon aquariums are from $ 300 and $ 420. they take good care of their customers and you can have them drill holes and make your sump any way you want.

 

as far as the holes in the bottom for the over flow to drain you are most likly going to have just one over flow since it is a 48" tank unless you hane tow cornner ones put in. but as far as water line in to the tank are you going to have them drill holes in the back or plumb it over the top of the tank.

 

I agree with Reef_guru on that sounds like a lot of money for just a 120g aquarium. I bought a hole used 265g for $1000.00 so if I was you I would shop around. Especially since it sounds like you don't trust them very much.

 

Also if it was drilled by the store and not a reef ready then there is no warranty period. Also Oceanic has in the past few months had issues with their new black silicone breaking a loose at the center brace and some seams So if its oceanic buyer beware

 

With the help of Otty, I just purchased a used tank (210G) and all the equipment for a VERY good price. I suggest purchasing a good, used system. That way, you're getting a "tried and true" set-up. Of course take someone with you that's experienced with running a salt-water system so they can ask all the right questions. Check the fish forums, newspapers, etc....usually a nice tank is available for a great price. Save $$$ wherever you can...this is a very expensive hobby. Just my 2 cents. Kas

 

I agree with Reef_guru, they will do what ever you want and depending on what city you live in they then deliver tanks to a local pickup point which is a considerable savings over having them ship it CC.

I will however say that I have a friend that ordered a tank from them with regular glass and I swear the glass they used was tinted green. But it was also their regular glass, so I recommend that you go with their Starphire glass which is super clear.

 

To 3Reef!!! ​

Salutations! Glad to see you found way here!

If you don't trust LFS now...You must have a reason...don't buy anything from them...If they are "untrustworthy", the sooner they are out of business the better.

As others have pointed out above, you are far better buying everything you need from proven reputable dealers. You should even save a ton of $$$ despite the shipping.

Keep us posted, we definitely are interested in what you come up with.

Good luck.


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The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

© 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00


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hello i just bought my first tank also its a 120 all glass reef ready bought at lfs i payed 400. for it . just take your time look around and you will find what you want for a good price trust me i almost bought the first one i saw glade i shopped around