Hello everyone, I found a 180 gallon reef tank with stand and canopy. The lfs is asking $2,600 for the stand and canopy. It's nice quality with trim and everything, but what do you think about the price. This is my first time buying this big. Thanks for any feedback.
Stand and canopy pricing question
- Thread starter Reefchef
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I'm hoping some others can chime in but I'm curious, what kind of tank is it? Reef ready? Is the tank, stand and canopy all offered as one from the manufacturer? Or is is a generic aquarium with a stand/canopy that the shop has had built. I'd check to see what kind of material it's made out of if you don't have the specs from the manufacturer.
Is that a fair price, or would I be brget to maybe find a cabinet maker or something?
It is a marineland drilled reef ready tank. The lfs had the stand and canopy built. It's a really nice stand, but I felt it was a but pricey. Im not sure of the exact materials, but it is heavy. It's not particle board!!!
I mean, for that kind of money you could be looking at a Red Sea Reefer series tank since some funds left over. They don't have a canopy but most of the tanks I see don't have those. Is a canopy a must for your situation? I have an old canpopy from back in the freshwater days but since I've been doing reef stuff I haven't even considered using it. It used to be a heat issue but I guess that's no longer a problem with LED lights.
I think that getting any tank and building your own stand and canopy would be extremely less in cost. It's not too difficult. Just my 2 cents.
For me the canopy isn't mandatory, but it is for the wife at this time. She doesn't really care for the rim less tanks, plus she's sensitive to the light. Just a bit crazy, if you ask me!!!
I agree, but I must admit im a bit intimidated by the doors and canopy. I will continue to check out some plans. I found a basic diy stand on r2r. Here is a picture of my formal living room where it will be going. Excuse the mess I have 2 little ones!
If you and your wife like the stand/canopy, get it! The absolute worse outcome is overpaying a bit for the combo and that's not the end of the world. I was a carpenter in a past life and currently own or have easy access to all the tools required to do it well and I wouldn't build my own. It's a tremendous amount of time and the costs savings is negligible assuming you're counting your time and "paying" yourself a decent rate. Another nice thing about buying a well built combo is that you can use them both for a long, long time. I've had the same stand for 3 different tanks and it still looks good enough to sell if I ever want to change the foot print. There will be plenty of opportunity to save money by doing something yourself.
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Just remember, if you don't have a canopy; don't forget about the "jumpers". Some fish may jump out of the tank if spooked, or they just wanna check out what's beyond the tank. I've read some posts here at ARC where tank mates have gotten out of the tank.
Wannabeee
Wannabeee
If you decide not to do a canopy, just get one of the mesh screen kits from BRS. They're pretty cheap.
Thank you everyone for all your feedback, I think we're going to go with the stand and canopy from the lfs. I may try to see if they will take a little less, never hurts to ask! Im hoping to set up my water station and support the floors next month.
Thank you, this was very well put! Thank you so much.
I personally would NEVER ever pay for stand and canopy. I just bought a BRAND NEW Aqueon 210g with two middle overflows and overflow kit for 899$ + tax! This was from Nemo Aquarium, Simon is awesome!
In regards of stand and canopy, if you're handy, watch King of DIY videos and learn how to build them, its pretty easy and should be under $200.00 for your own custom stand and canopy. I have built over 10 different ones and each time it gets better and more efficient because I can address each and every detail the way I want to. I can build it for you if you pay for materials and my labor, would certainly be cheaper tho.
In regards of stand and canopy, if you're handy, watch King of DIY videos and learn how to build them, its pretty easy and should be under $200.00 for your own custom stand and canopy. I have built over 10 different ones and each time it gets better and more efficient because I can address each and every detail the way I want to. I can build it for you if you pay for materials and my labor, would certainly be cheaper tho.
I got my non reef ready 210 from Rit for $750 in 2016. Drilled it myself and build the stand. Mine is in-wall so I don't have a canopy.
I went with a bare tank because I don't like the look of reef ready overflows. I spent $325 on a coast to coast 60" overflow that runs bean style. So my total cost on the tank was a little over a grand. The stand cost me about $250 to build, but it's not furniture grade.
Unless that stand at the LFS is furniture quality is sounds like a lot. Good stands to cost though.
I went with a bare tank because I don't like the look of reef ready overflows. I spent $325 on a coast to coast 60" overflow that runs bean style. So my total cost on the tank was a little over a grand. The stand cost me about $250 to build, but it's not furniture grade.
Unless that stand at the LFS is furniture quality is sounds like a lot. Good stands to cost though.
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This all depends on how "crafty" you are. If you've never built any furniture grade piece then chances are you'll regret not just buying one. I personally dont think that's a bad price for both. I paid more just for my tank... but then again my tank is 600 gallons
