Anybody know where to get low cost tanks

[Richard B]

It looks like my Glass cages 90 Gallon Tank is leaking second one in the last few months.

I need a Replacment any on sale any where?
Which Pet Shop has the lowest prices on tanks?
Richard

[emartin]

Where is the tank leaking and how bad is it?

If it's not a bad leak (not a major seam break) you can always reseal the inside of the tank with GE Silicone I Clear. All you'd have to do is clean out and dry the inside of the tank, strip all the silicone on the inside off and clean around the seams on the inside with after getting all the old silicone on the inside with alcohol and then apply a generous amount of fresh silicone and let it cure.

Otherwise, I know Petco does a yearly sale on tanks but I think for tanks larger than 55g they only do discounts instead of the $1/gal they do on smaller tanks.

The absolutely CHEAPEST brand new tanks you will find not on sale at retail price is from Glasscages.com. I've only heard of a few horror stories out of HUNDREDS of great reviews for them. They seem to be a great alternative to Aqueon and Perfecto, especially since they use Euro Bracing on their larger tanks instead of plastic trims and braces like Aqueon and Perfecto.

I don't know of local shops near you if they have sales or anything, but the only other option I can think of for used tanks is craigslist. There are a couple outrageous prices on there for small tanks but every so often there are sweet deals for used tanks.

Hope that all helps...

~Ed

[joe_jaskot]

I would never buy another tank from glass cages again. Had a leaker and heard of many more. They are made for reptiles, not fish.

[Pete]

There was a 75 listed in the FS section here a few days ago.

Petland Discounts tends to be about the cheapest for just a tank if you're buying new. Dunno if you're near enough to Jersey to be near a Petland.

[professorbadnews]

petland discounts

[the_watcher]

You guys are starting to scare me.... I recently purchased(March/April 2009) a 240 gallon long 8 footer from Glass Cages.... Now you guys have made me start thinking about tank repair on a big tank.... There should be a post of horror stories for this company is their products are so bad.... The only reason for buying this tank was because it was a 8 footer else I would have purchased a tank from Petland Discounts.... Based on what I have now heard about Glass Cages I would have never purchased that tank. But Back to the original question Petland Discounts Aqueon tanks.... Their price was real good until they raised their prices (55 gallon tank and metal stand $89.00... Now ???? 125 gallon tank $225.00 Now $285.00).... but still way cheaper than 99 percent of the pet shops. I guess the nearest Petland would be Rte. 35 & Bethany Rd in NJ but not bad if you are ever in the area..... But try That Pet Place in Lancaster Pa on Centerville Rd... Take 222 South all the way to 30 West.. (50 cents in toll ?) to Centerville exit , make a left, 1/4 mile on the left... Use to be One of my favorite stops.... and yes you have to stop at the Shady Maple Amish buffet ... Or Millers on a Saturday or Sunday morn for breakfast.. That Pet Place is the worlds largest petshop.. The size of a Kmart store.. Parking for 250+ cars... Have fun, bring $$$$
good luck
BTW: Rich /Joe how long did you have your Glass Cages tanks before they started leaking ???

[fischfan13]

\But try That Pet Place in Lancaster Pa on Centerville Rd... Take 222 South all the way to 30 East.. (50 cents in toll ?) .... Use to be One of my favorite stops.... and yes you have to stop at the Shaddy Maple Amish buffet ... Or Millers on a Saturday or Sunday morn for breakfast.... This is the worlds largest petshop...
good luck
BTW: Rich /Joe how long did you have your Glass Cages tanks before they started leaking ???


Frank, right up my alley...
We are planning to go out to Lancaster for the day and Miller's is on the menu( what my wife and son do not know is that TPP will also be a stop on the trip!).
If memory serves me right I believe that Sarah has Glasscages and has not had any problems. They do have unique sizes.

[Richard B]

I own 3 tanks from Tom , Glass cages
It seems the 90s are the problem I also own a 240 from them 5 years with no hassell
I will say side by side the all glass or what ever they are called is made with thicker glass
I don't think I would hesatate to buy another jumbo tank from Tom however imo
mainstreem prices have closed the once large gap in price.

Richard

I tried to seal the last leaker with no success to the point that I won't try it anytime soon.

[emartin]

You guys are starting to scare me.... I recently purchased(March/April 2009) a 240 gallon long 8 footer from Glass Cages.... Now you guys have made me start thinking about tank repair on a big tank.... There should be a post of horror stories for this company is their products are so bad.... The only reason for buying this tank was because it was a 8 footer else I would have purchased a tank from Petland Discounts.... Based on what I have now heard about Glass Cages I would have never purchased that tank. But Back to the original question Petland Discounts Aqueon tanks.... Their price was real good until they raised their prices (55 gallon tank and metal stand $89.00... Now ???? 125 gallon tank $225.00 Now $285.00).... but still way cheaper than 99 percent of the pet shops. I guess the nearest Petland would be Rte. 35 & Bethany Rd in NJ but not bad if you are ever in the area..... But try That Pet Place in Lancaster Pa on Centerville Rd... Take 222 South all the way to 30 West.. (50 cents in toll ?) to Centerville exit , make a left, 1/4 mile on the left... Use to be One of my favorite stops.... and yes you have to stop at the Shady Maple Amish buffet ... Or Millers on a Saturday or Sunday morn for breakfast.. That Pet Place is the worlds largest petshop.. The size of a Kmart store.. Parking for 250+ cars... Have fun, bring $$$$
good luck
BTW: Rich /Joe how long did you have your Glass Cages tanks before they started leaking ???
To be honest I never really hear of leakers anymore from glasscages though. I will NOT vouch for the smaller tanks though since I do not know anybody that keeps them but I do know people that have 240s and similar sizes with no problems at all for years. I personally wouldn't hesitate to buy a large tank from them, but for smaller tanks the prices are close enough for the smaller tanks to just buy local instead of having Glasscages ship them.

[the_watcher]

Just a sidetrack question... when there is a leak... why do people suggest taking all of the silicone off , cleaning the area and then resealing the tank again.... Why no cut out a section where you think the tank is leaking from...
Is removing all of the silicone , cleaning and then resealing the tank just saving time in the long run :confused2: :coz:

[joe_jaskot]

The reason you remove all the silicone and clean the glass with a cleaner (acetone, alcohol, etc) before resealing a tank is that silicone does not stick well to silicone. The glass must be clean in order to be sealed properly. I purchased my tank from all glass cages in 2001 at the NJAS show. My tank lasted longer than all the other ones that were purchased at that show. They all ended up leaking. Mine leaked last year.

[emartin]

Just a sidetrack question... when there is a leak... why do people suggest taking all of the silicone off , cleaning the area and then resealing the tank again.... Why no cut out a section where you think the tank is leaking from...
Is removing all of the silicone , cleaning and then resealing the tank just saving time in the long run :confused2: :coz:
New silicone doesn't seal well with old silicone. You can just cover the affected area with a lot of silicone to buy time but you'd have to replace all of the silicone on the inside.

[emartin]

Whoops didn't see you already responded to watcher's question Joe.

Speaking of your tanks from 2001, I have heard that their older tanks were definitely problematic but that their newer tanks are much better. Again, that's just what I heard when I asked a bunch of people last year that have purchased several times from them.

When was the last time you bought from Glasscages Joe?

[joe_jaskot]

2001, everybody's tanks started leaking soon after. Didn't want to take any chances with that manufacturer.

[AlishanAS]

If memory serves me correctly (a big if) Glass cages brought a truck full of tanks to the 2001 NJAS hosted ACA convention inn Parsippany. They sold a lot of tanks that weekend. Quite a few people had leakers, including Joe.

[emartin]

If memory serves me correctly (a big if) Glass cages brought a truck full of tanks to the 2001 NJAS hosted ACA convention inn Parsippany. They sold a lot of tanks that weekend. Quite a few people had leakers, including Joe.
Wow... That is ridiculous...

I do hope what I have been hearing recently is true that they are building their tanks much better recently...

[the_watcher]

Yeah, I remember that show and the large trailer in the back parking lot filled with large tanks. Bob Larson, Frank Zillito,and a few other guppy breeders were there, we were all raising Fancy Show Guppies at the time.... How about the under water epoxy sealer....
I have a tube of that in case of emergencies will this stuff work and can't that work in a cut out section of silicone, then at each end of the new silicone use some of this ????? The reason that I am asking I just picked up another used 150 gallon tank on Friday night . The tank looks to be in fantastic shape, However I noticed a small section where the silicone seem to be split and would like to fix that section...

[deadhead]

He also came to the NJAS 2003 show. I have a 40 Breeder and the glass cracked twice. Once was probably my fault as I had the tank but to but with a 30 but the second time i just added cold water to it and the bottom just cracked. I have spoken with the owner a few times since I see him at the Reptile expos. He is a nice guy and he has sold tanks all over at both fish and reptile functions. Last time I went to an expo he had some nice tanks weird sizes.I think his quality is improved but I can be sure.

[JROGO]

I had to reseal my 125 gallon and my 220 gallon, it's a hassle to take all the silicone out but not as much as hearing my wife yelling that the tank is leaking.

Thanks
Joe

[Longstocking]

Weird.... I have bought a bunch from them for years ( maybe 5-6?? )and had zero issues. I have mostly really shallow tanks though. They are all 18 inches or wider though so they have to use thicker glass with wider tanks.

I have heard their taller tanks have isues but the tallest tank I have by them is 17 inches.

One thing I have noticed is they don't make a good seal on their black framed tanks at the top. So you can't fill too high or the water will leak out the top. make sense? It seems as if it's leaking but if you just take the brace of and reseal it better you should have no issues. Or just lower the water level.

cheap tanks? Craigs list.

[TOMMYN3D]

If memory serves me correctly (a big if) Glass cages brought a truck full of tanks to the 2001 NJAS hosted ACA convention inn Parsippany. They sold a lot of tanks that weekend. Quite a few people had leakers, including Joe.

If memory serves me correctly I over herd the truck driver that brought those tanks in saying (were should i unload the production rejected tanks) and the rep. said were gonna aution them off to these guys.lol just kidding .....sorry JOE

[atorres]

Does anyone have any feedback on Glasscages' large acrylic tanks?
Thanks
Angel

[emartin]

Does anyone have any feedback on Glasscages' large acrylic tanks?
Thanks
Angel

I have never heard anything about those but I don't see why they wouldn't be any good, since they are so easy to make and they already make the giant glass tanks so well... They're the first company I have ever heard of using eurobracing (glass braces instead of plastic like AGA and Perfecto use. It's stronger, and easy to repair if it breaks whereas you're screwed if the plastic brace on aga and perfecto tanks breaks...) on glass tanks outside of Europe...

I know of another mid-west aquarium company that ONLY makes acrylic tanks but their company name escapes me...

Why do you want an acrylic one anyway though? Unless you're going to build a 5million gallon aquarium it doesn't seem worth it to me... they scratch too easily... If you want acrylic for the clarity, Glasscages does allow you to custom order tanks to substitute the viewing glass panes (not the bottom one and not (usually) the rear one) with Starphire glass which is just as clear and optical as acrylic. The only other advantage I can think of is the lightweight of it...

[emartin]

Weird.... I have bought a bunch from them for years ( maybe 5-6?? )and had zero issues. I have mostly really shallow tanks though. They are all 18 inches or wider though so they have to use thicker glass with wider tanks.

I have heard their taller tanks have isues but the tallest tank I have by them is 17 inches.

One thing I have noticed is they don't make a good seal on their black framed tanks at the top. So you can't fill too high or the water will leak out the top. make sense? It seems as if it's leaking but if you just take the brace of and reseal it better you should have no issues. Or just lower the water level.

cheap tanks? Craigs list.

Perfecto is just as bad with sealing the top of their large tanks with the plastic molding.

My 265g leaks from the top ALL THE TIME whenever fish splash or swim along the top making wakes... It's very annoying and the front glass pane constantly needs to be wiped dry or have hard water crust scraped off with a razor... The stand is actually ruined (well, visually) as the water from the leaks discolored the cherry stain, and warped it a little bit making me consider getting rid of the stand altogether but it's been fine since...


Regarding the batch of tanks from almost ten years ago that were leakers: That's really the ONLY bad thing I have heard about this company... Besides sarah and the guy that just sold one the other day on craigslist to a member here, Erik Dyke, FMueller on cichlid-forum (Ohio Cichlid club guy), and I think tyrone of tnt cichlids as well all owned glasscages tanks with no problems...


And even if they do end up as leakers... The cost savings in my opinion outweigh that risk of inconvenience... Especially since you'd only have to reseal the silicone that holds in the water....

[atorres]

Hi Ed
Yes the weight of a large glass tank and a narrow side entrance with 14 steps into my basement makes it almost impossible to get a glass tank.
Thanks
Angel

[CrabbyMatty]

Just a sidetrack question... when there is a leak... why do people suggest taking all of the silicone off , cleaning the area and then resealing the tank again.... Why no cut out a section where you think the tank is leaking from...
Is removing all of the silicone , cleaning and then resealing the tank just saving time in the long run :confused2: :coz:

The most likely reason is because the leak will amost never be originating from where you think it's coming from. Capillary action plays tricks on us into thinking we can pinpoint the problem. And as mentioned previously, silicone doesn't adhere to itself at all, so sealing over a leak is not going to work in your favor for very long.

[spyder]

I could be wrong but didn't Ira have an issue with a 125g from Glasscages that cracked? Might have the wrong person but I have heard of leakers from them.

[Anubias Design]

Why would you trust a company to make high quality acrylic tanks when there are so many reports of leaking glass tanks? If you ask about experiences with them on any forum, you'll get lots of responses from people who've had tanks leak.

Ed, you must have the exception on the Perfecto. I've sold tons of those and never had issues with them leaking around the top frame.
Mark

[emartin]

Why would you trust a company to make high quality acrylic tanks when there are so many reports of leaking glass tanks? If you ask about experiences with them on any forum, you'll get lots of responses from people who've had tanks leak.

Ed, you must have the exception on the Perfecto. I've sold tons of those and never had issues with them leaking around the top frame.
Mark

Was it large tanks like 265g's? Whenever the fish splash alot, make wakes, etc water comes from underneath the top frame and drips down the front glass pane leaving HUGE hard water crusts on the glass.

Even on either perfectos warranty card or their website I remember it saying to not return tanks/make warranty claims if it leaks around the top frame, that it's normal and can happen and does not indicate a seam breakage so they're definitely aware of some issues with it..

I don't know maybe I am one of the few that have this problem with reef ready 265g's...

[Anubias Design]

Was it large tanks like 265g's? Whenever the fish splash alot, make wakes, etc water comes from underneath the top frame and drips down the front glass pane leaving HUGE hard water crusts on the glass.

Even on either perfectos warranty card or their website I remember it saying to not return tanks/make warranty claims if it leaks around the top frame, that it's normal and can happen and does not indicate a seam breakage so they're definitely aware of some issues with it..

I don't know maybe I am one of the few that have this problem with reef ready 265g's...

Ed,
I've seen this on maybe two of the literally thousand or more Perfecto tanks I've sold over the years, and that includes the 300s that they don't even make any more. All it is is a gap in the silicone around the top. Run a bead of silicone around the frame on the inside and you'll solve it.
Mark

[emartin]

Ed,
I've seen this on maybe two of the literally thousand or more Perfecto tanks I've sold over the years, and that includes the 300s that they don't even make any more. All it is is a gap in the silicone around the top. Run a bead of silicone around the frame on the inside and you'll solve it.
Mark
Next time I empty that (probably when we move maybe this summer) I'll give that a try.. Thanks for the info.

~Ed