I've been in the hobby for several years and have loved it from the get-go. I knew the day had come for me to spend the money on a custom tank when I realized that I look forward to doing my weekly maintenance, something many seem to dislike. But I enjoy everything about the hobby, including taking care of the tank and its equipment. So a custom-made, rimless, low-iron glass aquarium sits in my living room, and for me it's a thing of beauty and joy.
Thrifty years in the hobby should of took the leap and always some for the kids college etc.now I’m almost 70 lol love taking care of my husband dogs fish tanks.Have the money but the dream isn’t that big now so dream Big Ben and Continue to share your knowledge with all of us
Customs are great for large sizes and for being predrilled but no comparison for 75 and lower from box stores. I have a tank from the 70’s and never has been resealed and doing great.
I’m gonna chime in from a very normal persons perspective…and I’m someone who’s been in the sales and service industry for over 20 years…Fitness Industry to be precise…I’m a Fish Keeper who’s cares very much how my tanks look, and also takes extra time to always try my best to keep them looking as perfect as can be while providing my fish with extreme care. Ben take what I’m about to say with a grain of salt as I have been watching your videos for many years and have been around for quite a while🙏🏻 I like the guys at Glass Cages, and I’m sure the guys at Custom Aquariums are also really nice people. However I also know the sales end of things, and with that said….everyone is looking to make Money these days…Everyone😉 I think the prices they are charging are a bit much, again just my opinion. I know the craftsmanship is top notch, and To each their own, but I’d only buy a custom aquarium if it was for a really gigantic tank that’s maybe 300 gallons or bigger. But I wouldn’t if I was looking for a 55, 75, 90, 125…for those tanks these days I’d either look to marine land or Seapora. I have 2 Seapora tanks, with a 3rd on the way in a few weeks. I also have stands by a company called Aquaatlantis which look similar to Red Sea Stands, which I think are beautiful and modern looking👌🏼 Now with that said and to confirm what you said about the warrenty and the customer service…I’m sure it is light years better with a custom built tank, at least I wound hope so when we are talking about the amount of money being spent here! Which brings me to another side of things….In the hobby we need a company to bring some middle ground to the table here. A company that isn’t as expensive as the custom companies, nor as cheaply made as the Pet smart or Petco branded companies…and I’m beginning to see more companies like marine land and Seapora build tanks with black silicone and provide a bit more precision than say a company like Top Fin. Again….To each their own. But I feel we need a manufacturer to come to the table in this day and age and provide tanks that are really nice, but don’t cost as much as say a tank from Glass Cages. I know Fluval has been making tanks a bit bigger lately, but I think we really do need some middle of the ground companies to step up. I’m sure if Glass Cages wanted to they can do a middle ground division of their company and provide what I am talking about for those more common tank sizes….hey maybe Joe will read this and this may set off a light bulb 💡 🤷🏻♂️ Either way…Can’t wait to see the 300 come together, and I’m wondering if my man James was able to convince you to make it an African Set up 🤔
Hi Ben, I have a 140 gallon custom built tank with a 40 gallon sump. The quality of the tank is outstanding and I highly recommend it if your budget allows. I had a unique size that I needed based on where I wanted to put the tank. Unfortunately I scratched the glass when some gravel got under the magnetic scrubber. Now I only use a my hand and a sponge I purchased from the Aquarium Co Op. Recently I added a custom background from Aquadecor. My Discus have never looked better. Thanks for sharing with us,
Ben I can’t speak for American viewers but in the UK and probably most of Europe, shop brought tanks generally max out at 500litres. The main reason for custom made tanks is people want an unusual shape or a monster tank. I personally think it would be stupid to pay a lot of money for a custom tank that you could go to an aquatic store and buy the same size or style at a fraction of the cost straight off the shelf.. In the UK it’s not easy to find a quality trusted builder that has great skills and a great reputation. I had to spend a couple of days looking online and one day driving around to find a place then order what I wanted. Lockdown then arrived and put everything on hold and 8 months latter when to re-order and then change a manufacturer to one of a higher cabinet/stand maker. I have a suggestion for you Ben, take a look at the RedSea Reefwave product it has a fantastic flow design that other wave makers don’t have which can improve on nutrient export.. see what you think. Take care and can’t wait to see your plans for your new display 👍
Custom tanks built by experts are works of art, beauty and safety. Period. And yes, worth an extra cost. One disaster for ANY tank however, that is rarely cautioned against, is being struck accidentally by tools or objects if turning around or getting tripped. I saw it happen. Oh yeah, it was bad. Thank you Ben for a great Friday video. Looking forward to c&c!
They're too pricy for me personally, but I can definitely see the difference in craftsmanship. I spoke to a Custom Aquarium rep and they told me they really didn't offer a warranty. When I asked "why not", when the cookie cutter aquarium companies can offer up 10 year warranties, why couldn't they. They told me I was comparing apples to oranges. Maybe so, but, if their product is so much better (which I do not doubt) why not offer up a warranty that equals cookie cutter companies (assuming they are still what they were 12 years ago)? If the likelihood that their product will fail is that much less, I don't understand the thinking of not providing the token offer. I can speak on my one experience with All Glass. They were fantastic to deal with prior to the buyout. I purchased my 210 through a local mom & pop pet store and it was about 6 months old when a seal along one of the bottom panels lost integrity and started leaking. While, I did need to bring the old tank back to the pet store, they replaced it with very little red tape to cut through. I think, then, they had a 10 year warranty on them. That said, I will likely still look into having a tank done when we move down to Tennessee because it will have to fit a particular space that may not be an option in the mass produced aquariums.
Hey Ben, have had fish tanks for over 20+ years. 2 years ago I got a 100g custom made acrylic tank. The best tank I have ever had. Well worth the extra money. All male cichlid peacocks. Love the tank will never have another cookie cutter glass tank...
Great things are going on here 😎 Currently I do not have a custom tank. I agree that workmanship in a custom tank along with peace of mind & longevity is worth the extra cost. I've checked out Glasscages website and they are actually very reasonable in price considering quality and warranty. Thanks for the input Ben 😎
The fish hobby can be a expensive one and some of us don't have the financial means or a UA-cam channel to help off set the cost of a custom build aquarium. I got into this hobby by accident after I bought my 14 year old daughter a 55 gal aquarium. She lost interest in the hobby after she had to clean the tank. I have been in the hobby for about a year after taking over the care of her fish. I still have most of her fish and I just shut down her 55 gal aquarium after buying a 125 gallon aquarium at PetSmart for a $150 brand new. I also have two established 75 gallon aquariums to boot. I even build the stand for the 125 gallon aquarium myself. Just order a red spot severum to go with my red shoulder, green and turquoise severums. I may not have the top of the line equipment but I love this hobby and get a great deal of enjoyment from it.
Custom tanks are better, really. I have kept a few goldfish numerous years.When we put down new hardwood floors,My great husband bought me 2 acrylic tanks to replace glass. Over the years I have had 2 tanks with major leaks ,from off the shelf large aquariums. Love the acrylic tanks for 3 yrs now
All glass tanks have the same problem whether $1 or $10 per gallon. Silicone has a "shelf life" when used to seal glass panes together. Glass and silicone begins to separate over time. The most common shelf life quoted for that seal (glass/silicone) that I have found is 11 years.
I buy all my aquariums used on ebay or Facebook marketplace. All my tanks over 100 gallon are acrylic because acrylic tanks are easier to move and far less prone to failures like silicone going away
This video was right on point, but in 2007 i bought a top finn 46 gallon bow front aquarium from petsmart with stand and all but what caught my attention was lifetime warranty and in 2016 the silicone started deteriorating call petsmart then they turned me top finn n to my surprise they honor the warranty and sent me a check for $475 so I went and got me a 55 n 75 gallon of craigslist and aquariums are going stronger than ever 👍👍👍👍👍 on the video one day I will buy me a custom aquarium it's not in the budget at the moment
Hey ben !! Ive been. On the fence. Abt Buying a custom aquarium …… or a tank. From my local fish store……. The price diffrence is huge…….. your video. Couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks! Fish 🐠
Ben for me it was 100% worth it, my custom 180 gallon system built by Custom Aquariums. There is a reason why they call them a life time aquarium because quality is foremost. With that size tank you want to make sure your tank is of top quality. That's my 2 cents. Love the Channel great info and topics keep it up brother!
All glass tanks have the same problem. They are are.heavy and the silicone joints will deteriorate. Silicone holding glass panes together is the major weakness with glass tanks. Problem affects all tank sizes. And manufacturers
Great video Ben. I watched one of your videos about about buying fishes online and it worked out well for me. Do you have names of custom tank builders you would recommend?
Since moving from California to Nashville I’ve developed a relationship with GlassCages. Great group of people and top quality construction. Ask for the owner Joe and let him know that Ben sent ya 😉😀👍🏻
HI BEN; YOUR TANKS ARE GORGEOUS....YOU KNOW THE OLD SAYING...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.....THE CUSTOM TANK WILL LAST YOU THE REST OF YOUR LIFE...BUT A BIG BOX STORE TANK USUALLY WILL NOT....I BOUGHT ALL ACRYLIC TANKS....I COULDN'T FIND 7 GUYS TO HELP ME LIFT A GLASS TANK....HAHA....I'M VERY HAPPY WITH MY ACRYLIC TANKS.....I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM.....
Hey Buddy, how are you? I bet it's warming up where you are, right? Truth is that our humid 80 feels like 100 in L.V. Take care and thanks for stopping by. Always appreciated.
@@BenOchart ITS STARTING TO GET HOT......I KNOW ABOUT THE HUMIDITY....WHEN I LIVED IN NEW YORK....YOU WOULD SWEAT AS SOON AS YOU CAME OUT OF THE SHOWER....LOL....HOPEFULLY ONE DAY YOU WILL COME WITH YOUR WIFE TO VEGAS...YOUR THE BEST....
I ordered a custom made tank, that yes, is very expensive but I wanted acrylic and certain dimensions that I could not find in any ready made tanks. Just wondering if it'll ever come. I was told it took 3 - 4 weeks before shipping and it's been 9 now.
The biggest thing to me is low iron glass clarity. No way to get that without custom orders. The second is seal quality and bracing. The aluminum brace design of Custom Aquariums is drawing me in. The last is the stand, in my case it would be aluminum for strength, extra height and weight savings. Water box aluminum stands are winners to me. Finally is drilled overflow options for sumps.
Why did you not go with a used 300 gallon acrylic tank? Someone actually has a used 300 gallon acrylic tank+stand advertised for $1600 on fb marketplace.
@@craigbroderick8935 You start around $1,500 and start adding options like drilled holes, euro braced glass lid top, black vinyl back, synergy overflow system, hidden water line, corner brace, etc and jumps up between $3,000-$4,000
I’m old school I buy used old aquariums with the frame top and bottom they last for years. I’m not a fan of rimless tanks I have one Ehiem 50 low boy that is well made do I trust it no. Custom aquariums are the best but rimless is not my forte😎
Wish you'd read my messages about paying $20 a month and counted as a $3 patreon member. One of us is getting shafted. Luv ya anyway. Not in a weird way. Lol
Hi Elizabeth! None of the levels of Patreon membership get a special symbol. They are all just listed and given a shout-out during the Sat live streams. You are very appreciated for your support. You’re a Rock Star ⭐️
@@BenOchart I have been copying The King of DIY for several years ! Even back when he was making glass tanks . Now he makes them with plexiglass, Joey has tons of videos on the subject !
![3 Tips for New Tank Water Changes [Don't Make this Common Fatal Mistake - Watch This!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/fCF-Rfb2ofU/mqdefault.jpg)
I've been in the hobby for several years and have loved it from the get-go. I knew the day had come for me to spend the money on a custom tank when I realized that I look forward to doing my weekly maintenance, something many seem to dislike. But I enjoy everything about the hobby, including taking care of the tank and its equipment. So a custom-made, rimless, low-iron glass aquarium sits in my living room, and for me it's a thing of beauty and joy.
That's exactly what I'm talking about! Nice!
Thrifty years in the hobby should of took the leap and always some for the kids college etc.now I’m almost 70 lol love taking care of my husband dogs fish tanks.Have the money but the dream isn’t that big now so dream Big Ben and Continue to share your knowledge with all of us
Customs are great for large sizes and for being predrilled but no comparison for 75 and lower from box stores. I have a tank from the 70’s and never has been resealed and doing great.
I’m gonna chime in from a very normal persons perspective…and I’m someone who’s been in the sales and service industry for over 20 years…Fitness Industry to be precise…I’m a Fish Keeper who’s cares very much how my tanks look, and also takes extra time to always try my best to keep them looking as perfect as can be while providing my fish with extreme care.
Ben take what I’m about to say with a grain of salt as I have been watching your videos for many years and have been around for quite a while🙏🏻
I like the guys at Glass Cages, and I’m sure the guys at Custom Aquariums are also really nice people. However I also know the sales end of things, and with that said….everyone is looking to make
Money these days…Everyone😉
I think the prices they are charging are a bit much, again just my opinion. I know the craftsmanship is top notch, and To each their own, but I’d only buy a custom aquarium if it was for a really gigantic tank that’s maybe 300 gallons or bigger. But I wouldn’t if I was looking for a 55, 75, 90, 125…for those tanks these days I’d either look to marine land or Seapora. I have 2 Seapora tanks, with a 3rd on the way in a few weeks. I also have stands by a company called Aquaatlantis which look similar to Red Sea Stands, which I think are beautiful and modern looking👌🏼
Now with that said and to confirm what you said about the warrenty and the customer service…I’m sure it is light years better with a custom built tank, at least I wound hope so when we are talking about the amount of money being spent here! Which brings me to another side of things….In the hobby we need a company to bring some middle ground to the table here. A company that isn’t as expensive as the custom companies, nor as cheaply made as the Pet smart or Petco branded companies…and I’m beginning to see more companies like marine land and Seapora build tanks with black silicone and provide a bit more precision than say a company like Top Fin. Again….To each their own. But I feel we need a manufacturer to come to the table in this day and age and provide tanks that are really nice, but don’t cost as much as say a tank from Glass Cages. I know Fluval has been making tanks a bit bigger lately, but I think we really do need some middle of the ground companies to step up. I’m sure if Glass Cages wanted to they can do a middle ground division of their company and provide what I am talking about for those more common tank sizes….hey maybe Joe will read this and this may set off a light bulb 💡 🤷🏻♂️
Either way…Can’t wait to see the 300 come together, and I’m wondering if my man James was able to convince you to make it an African Set up 🤔
Hi Ben, I have a 140 gallon custom built tank with a 40 gallon sump. The quality of the tank is outstanding and I highly recommend it if your budget allows. I had a unique size that I needed based on where I wanted to put the tank. Unfortunately I scratched the glass when some gravel got under the magnetic scrubber. Now I only use a my hand and a sponge I purchased from the Aquarium Co Op. Recently I added a custom background from Aquadecor. My Discus have never looked better. Thanks for sharing with us,
Ben I can’t speak for American viewers but in the UK and probably most of Europe, shop brought tanks generally max out at 500litres. The main reason for custom made tanks is people want an unusual shape or a monster tank. I personally think it would be stupid to pay a lot of money for a custom tank that you could go to an aquatic store and buy the same size or style at a fraction of the cost straight off the shelf.. In the UK it’s not easy to find a quality trusted builder that has great skills and a great reputation. I had to spend a couple of days looking online and one day driving around to find a place then order what I wanted. Lockdown then arrived and put everything on hold and 8 months latter when to re-order and then change a manufacturer to one of a higher cabinet/stand maker. I have a suggestion for you Ben, take a look at the RedSea Reefwave product it has a fantastic flow design that other wave makers don’t have which can improve on nutrient export.. see what you think. Take care and can’t wait to see your plans for your new display 👍
Love Ben I could listen to him all day😁. He could charm the skin off a cobra👍😎Always gives you his honest opinion. Aka Freddie Vara🇺🇸❤️
thanks Ben for great information!
You know what Ben I have never seen a tank with the glass off the corner like that absolutely ridiculous
Custom tanks built by experts are works of art, beauty and safety. Period. And yes, worth an extra cost. One disaster for ANY tank however, that is rarely cautioned against, is being struck accidentally by tools or objects if turning around or getting tripped. I saw it happen. Oh yeah, it was bad. Thank you Ben for a great Friday video. Looking forward to c&c!
They're too pricy for me personally, but I can definitely see the difference in craftsmanship. I spoke to a Custom Aquarium rep and they told me they really didn't offer a warranty. When I asked "why not", when the cookie cutter aquarium companies can offer up 10 year warranties, why couldn't they. They told me I was comparing apples to oranges. Maybe so, but, if their product is so much better (which I do not doubt) why not offer up a warranty that equals cookie cutter companies (assuming they are still what they were 12 years ago)? If the likelihood that their product will fail is that much less, I don't understand the thinking of not providing the token offer.
I can speak on my one experience with All Glass. They were fantastic to deal with prior to the buyout. I purchased my 210 through a local mom & pop pet store and it was about 6 months old when a seal along one of the bottom panels lost integrity and started leaking. While, I did need to bring the old tank back to the pet store, they replaced it with very little red tape to cut through. I think, then, they had a 10 year warranty on them.
That said, I will likely still look into having a tank done when we move down to Tennessee because it will have to fit a particular space that may not be an option in the mass produced aquariums.
Great insight by the way. I like that you can see both sides of it.
Hey Ben, have had fish tanks for over 20+ years. 2 years ago I got a 100g custom made acrylic tank. The best tank I have ever had. Well worth the extra money. All male cichlid peacocks. Love the tank will never have another cookie cutter glass tank...
Great things are going on here 😎 Currently I do not have a custom tank. I agree that workmanship in a custom tank along with peace of mind & longevity is worth the extra cost. I've checked out Glasscages website and they are actually very reasonable in price considering quality and warranty. Thanks for the input Ben 😎
I am a dollar a gallon Petco man!
The fish hobby can be a expensive one and some of us don't have the financial means or a UA-cam channel to help off set the cost of a custom build aquarium. I got into this hobby by accident after I bought my 14 year old daughter a 55 gal aquarium. She lost interest in the hobby after she had to clean the tank. I have been in the hobby for about a year after taking over the care of her fish. I still have most of her fish and I just shut down her 55 gal aquarium after buying a 125 gallon aquarium at PetSmart for a $150 brand new. I also have two established 75 gallon aquariums to boot. I even build the stand for the 125 gallon aquarium myself. Just order a red spot severum to go with my red shoulder, green and turquoise severums. I may not have the top of the line equipment but I love this hobby and get a great deal of enjoyment from it.
Custom tanks are better, really. I have kept a few goldfish numerous years.When we put down new hardwood floors,My great husband bought me 2 acrylic tanks to replace glass. Over the years I have had 2 tanks with major leaks ,from off the shelf large aquariums. Love the acrylic tanks for 3 yrs now
All glass tanks have the same problem whether $1 or $10 per gallon. Silicone has a "shelf life" when used to seal glass panes together. Glass and silicone begins to separate over time. The most common shelf life quoted for that seal (glass/silicone) that I have found is 11 years.
I buy all my aquariums used on ebay or Facebook marketplace. All my tanks over 100 gallon are acrylic because acrylic tanks are easier to move and far less prone to failures like silicone going away
This video was right on point, but in 2007 i bought a top finn 46 gallon bow front aquarium from petsmart with stand and all but what caught my attention was lifetime warranty and in 2016 the silicone started deteriorating call petsmart then they turned me top finn n to my surprise they honor the warranty and sent me a check for $475 so I went and got me a 55 n 75 gallon of craigslist and aquariums are going stronger than ever
👍👍👍👍👍 on the video one day I will buy me a custom aquarium it's not in the budget at the moment
Great outcome
Hey ben !! Ive been. On the fence. Abt Buying a custom aquarium …… or a tank. From my local fish store……. The price diffrence is huge…….. your video. Couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks! Fish 🐠
Let me know which direction you go in and how it goes for you.
Only way I'd want a custom tank is if I could go over 300gals.
Just enjoy the hobby and don’t get touched!
“touched”???
Ben for me it was 100% worth it, my custom 180 gallon system built by Custom Aquariums. There is a reason why they call them a life time aquarium because quality is foremost. With that size tank you want to make sure your tank is of top quality. That's my 2 cents. Love the Channel great info and topics keep it up brother!
👍😎 Would you get on a plane after you see a plack in the doorway that said … Made by Huffy ? Get what you pay for.
All glass tanks have the same problem. They are are.heavy and the silicone joints will deteriorate. Silicone holding glass panes together is the major weakness with glass tanks. Problem affects all tank sizes. And manufacturers
First!
Great video Ben. I watched one of your videos about about buying fishes online and it worked out well for me.
Do you have names of custom tank builders you would recommend?
Since moving from California to Nashville I’ve developed a relationship with GlassCages. Great group of people and top quality construction. Ask for the owner Joe and let him know that Ben sent ya 😉😀👍🏻
@@BenOchart thank you Ben.
Ben I am Wendy. I sent you the email about the BB in the substrate! 👍🏻
Hi Wendy. I'm using your quote in tomorrow's live stream 😀
HI BEN; YOUR TANKS ARE GORGEOUS....YOU KNOW THE OLD SAYING...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.....THE CUSTOM TANK WILL LAST YOU THE REST OF YOUR LIFE...BUT A BIG BOX STORE TANK USUALLY WILL NOT....I BOUGHT ALL ACRYLIC TANKS....I COULDN'T FIND 7 GUYS TO HELP ME LIFT A GLASS TANK....HAHA....I'M VERY HAPPY WITH MY ACRYLIC TANKS.....I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM.....
Hey Buddy, how are you? I bet it's warming up where you are, right? Truth is that our humid 80 feels like 100 in L.V. Take care and thanks for stopping by. Always appreciated.
@@BenOchart ITS STARTING TO GET HOT......I KNOW ABOUT THE HUMIDITY....WHEN I LIVED IN NEW YORK....YOU WOULD SWEAT AS SOON AS YOU CAME OUT OF THE SHOWER....LOL....HOPEFULLY ONE DAY YOU WILL COME WITH YOUR WIFE TO VEGAS...YOUR THE BEST....
I ordered a custom made tank, that yes, is very expensive but I wanted acrylic and certain dimensions that I could not find in any ready made tanks. Just wondering if it'll ever come. I was told it took 3 - 4 weeks before shipping and it's been 9 now.
Why the delay?
The biggest thing to me is low iron glass clarity. No way to get that without custom orders. The second is seal quality and bracing. The aluminum brace design of Custom Aquariums is drawing me in. The last is the stand, in my case it would be aluminum for strength, extra height and weight savings. Water box aluminum stands are winners to me. Finally is drilled overflow options for sumps.
Why did you not go with a used 300 gallon acrylic tank? Someone actually has a used 300 gallon acrylic tank+stand advertised for $1600 on fb marketplace.
Hey Ben, do you know any good custom tank suppliers in the Los Angeles area?
There used to be one near downtown but I forget the name. Most, like GlassCages, will ship, but that does add a chunk of cost.
@@BenOchart thanks, Ben.
How much was the 800gal tank?
What 800 gallon?
@@BenOchart sorry a typo... 300gal
@@craigbroderick8935 You start around $1,500 and start adding options like drilled holes, euro braced glass lid top, black vinyl back, synergy overflow system, hidden water line, corner brace, etc and jumps up between $3,000-$4,000
I’m old school I buy used old aquariums with the frame top and bottom they last for years. I’m not a fan of rimless tanks I have one Ehiem 50 low boy that is well made do I trust it no. Custom aquariums are the best but rimless is not my forte😎
Wish you'd read my messages about paying $20 a month and counted as a $3 patreon member. One of us is getting shafted. Luv ya anyway. Not in a weird way. Lol
Hi Elizabeth! None of the levels of Patreon membership get a special symbol. They are all just listed and given a shout-out during the Sat live streams. You are very appreciated for your support. You’re a Rock Star ⭐️
@@BenOchart of course I'm a rock star. But why during live chats do people have the blue wrench symbol by their name?
@@BenOchart P.S. I don't need a shout out only answers occasionally.
NO THEY ARE NOT YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN CUSTOM TANK ! Less
Than half the price
I'd love to see some DIY tanks. Do you show them at your UA-cam page?
@@BenOchart I have been copying The King of DIY for several years !
Even back when he was making glass tanks . Now he makes them with plexiglass,
Joey has tons of videos on the subject !