65-75 Gal 48x18 bottom decision

[spypet]

after years doing 30gal tanks, I'm itching to go larger.
my fantasy was a 120-180gal, but it occurs to me to stay
with a size one person can lift/move around or <100 lbs,
and won't stress my 50yo wood joist apartment floor
once fully loaded <1200 lbs.

so maybe someone can help me commit to a size and source.
right now I can get a new AGA 75gal 48x18x20" tank from a
LPS that is so close that I can hand truck it all the way home.
they want $130+9%tax and get fresh deliveries every week.

I've spent months watching craigslist for this 48x18 size, but
most sellers want too much, it's too modified, or only bundle
it with other crap, so I'm ready to buy a new one already.

I REALLY want 65 Gal 48x18x16 but generics don't make that.
anyway, if you can help talk this thru with me, I'd be grateful.
this is a big step up for me... if anyone in NYC has seen those
shorter 65gal tanks around town, please chime in as well

my total budget is $200 for any four clear sided tank no sump.
I'm using 2 drawer legal file cabinets as the fish tank stand
and will get dense foam as a softening base under the bottom.

here are my glasscages options - are any of them worth the premium?
glass 48x18x13hi $112+36 p/u truck depot
acrylic 48x18x13hi $177+65 UPS delivery
glass 48x18x17hi $149+36 p/u truck depot
acrylic 48x18x17hi $207+70 UPS delivery
this will be a room divider tank, so I don't want to discuss Starphire Glass.
I actually prefer not to see the waterline, so I don't want rimless either.
I have read that if you bring glasscages home and it leaks, you are stuck,
while I won't have that same problem with a locally purchased AGA tank.

can you suggest other affordable sources I have not considered?

 

[albano]

.
I'm using 2 drawer legal file cabinets as the fish tank stand
and will get dense foam as a softening base under the bottom.

Before you go any further...how sturdy are these cabinets? wood? metal?, some metal cabs. are not as sturdy with the drawers open! The wood should be wood, not pressboard.
If they are strong enough, I would recommend a 1 piece, solid top on the cabinets as the base for the tank...1/2"-3/4" plywood, and you won't need the foam for a glass tank
There are a few 75g tanks for sale in 'marketplace' (cheap)

 

[spypet]

fire safety rated heavy gauge metal old school file drawers.
the bottom ridge is all around for widest weight distribution.
I have a shelving unit at a short 18" side of this new tank
to house all the water quality and conditioning equipment.

 

[albano]

the bottom ridge is all around for widest weight distribution.

not sure what you mean?
if tank will be on multiple cabinets, you should definitely use the 1 piece of plywood on top of them, as a base

 

[afernandez]

for one you should just save up and buy a ligit stand and not have to worry about finding your tank on the floor one day after you spent 3000 on life stock.

second how nice would a room divider look on cabinets? this is just my opinion. i say save some money and save your self a headache.

 

[spypet]

thanks guys, but i'm not looking to land the cover of a reef magazine.
the cabinet I have will be fine, but I will incorporate your wood idea.
ill make a 8" extra wood path around the tank for the cats to climb on
and enjoy my tank, so instead of 48x18" wood, I'll cut (48+8)x(18+8+8).
I'm new to keeping marine inverts, so I'd like to keep my investment
as modest as possible until I'm proven to be a consistent tank keeper.

in the meantime, please focus on affordable tank only sources

 

[albano]

ill make a 8" extra wood path around the tank for the cats to climb on
and enjoy my tank,

In that case, make sure the tank is covered, so the cats can enjoy the tank, and NOT have sushi!

 

[spypet]

thanks, I have a cabinet by my current tanks they climb on.
they just bat the glass with their paws, and are too scared
of water to go though the top - besides, they are well fed.
they used to climb on top of my light fixture for warmth, but
i covered it with plastic carpet liner, spike side out, and now
they don't bother my light fixtures anymore :Yikes:

 

[Jzhou]

lol 125's aren't that hard to move. You just somewhat waddle when you walk. I've had issues trying to get my arms around 120s though. If you need help, forest hills is pretty close to whitestone. I wont mind helping you on my off days.

 

[spypet]

that's a kind and generous offer, as I'm somewhat disabled at the moment.
wow - now i can see the true benefit of joining a region specific forum :hug:
however, I have a 48x18 space all planned out, and since I'm focusing on
inverts for now, I don't need any more height and larger tank expense.

so, is there any feedback as to which of my first post tanks listed is the best value?
or should I just go back to trolling Craigslist & your Marketplace hoping for the best.

 

[Jzhou]

Most people here are willing to help other people. It simply is for the love of the hobby.

 

[pmoneyt]

here you go a 65 gal

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/for/2121094990.html

 

[spypet]

thanx pmon, but that's a 36x18" bottom,
but at least the seller posted dimensions,
most craigslister's don't bother, so you
waste a lot of emails just finding it out :grumpy:

he's bundling a lot of crap I don't need.
Long ago I over spec'd my 30gal gear
in anticipation of going bigger one day

i got craigslist covered,
no need to look for me.

 

[trinifish]

glasscages r pretty good i have a 190 custom tank 60 x 24 x 30 wish i wouldve goine smaller but oh well and barely made it downstairs to the basement
their A LITTLE SLOPPY ON THE silicone but nothing u wont live with

 

[spypet]

trin - just curious... what made you decide against
AGA's standard 210gal 72x24x29 way back then?
is it because you wanted acrylic or that extra foot
would not work out for your space?

I ask because I'm caught between a standard AGA
and going with glasscages - I just can't seem to
find any reason to justify the additional expense,
even though I'd prefer a shorter tank.

 

[Fishluva513]

I'd save the 200 and get like 50 more dollars once u have done this go to home depot and pick up some lumber and make a stand for under a hundred bucks. Then worry about the tank ( word of the wise. Be smart not a wee tart ;p) a sturdy level stand is the base of Ur aquarium. I got a uncle that is very old school he has a 75 freshwater on a file cabinet and every time I go to his house the thing is more bowed and this puts stress on Ur seams stress on Ur seams leads to pool in Ur living room or in Ur case a actual kitty pool

 

[spypet]

I got a uncle that is very old school he has a 75 freshwater on a file cabinet and every time I go to his house the thing is more bowed and this puts stress on Ur seams

I'll keep that in mind for my next purchase, thanks again.
I have a 30gal on a fiberboard wall unit that was never
designed for a tank; I see first hand this bowing potential.
I still need to keep my focus on the tank itself for now.
48x18 is an established standard I can platform at anytime.
I know you don't want to disrupt an established tank by
changing it's stand, but these are still early days for me.

 

[albano]

trin ...
is it because you wanted acrylic

If he's concerned with silicone, it was probably a glass tank

 

[spypet]

now considering this used nearby $165 tank & stand;
http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/for/2132071632.html
but once i add transportation costs, I'm over budget

 

[fishman1069]

Try armani4o3. I know he was selling a 75 and hes coming up here to deliver a 40 in the bronx on thurs. Maybe you can buy from him and he can deliver this week. I dont think he was asking much. Maybe he'll chime in or you can PM him.