Hi everyone! I decided to finally order my new tank after months of research. It's a 40"x24"x22" peninsula style tank by Acrylic & Glass Exhibits. This company is well known for building hybrid tanks so I'm really excited about seeing the results. Here are some features of the build:

• 3/8" Starphire glass on 3 sides
• 1" PVC bottom panel
• 3/8" rear tempered glass with black acrylic external overflow box
• 3" x 3/8" thick Starphire eurobrace

And here are the sketches I made:







I can't wait to get it set up and running. I'll post pics when it arrives

I also ordered a 34"x18"x16" sump from John at Advance Acrylics. I was originally planning to buy a separate frag tank, but after hearing about John's excellent acrylic work I decided to design an all-in-one sump and have him build it (can't wait to pick it up).

I spent a little more time with this design since I wanted to squeeze a fuge and frag prop section in there, not to mention having a large enough skimmer & return area. Hopefully it'll work smoothly

Sweet lookin' set-up cant wait to see some pics. Also nice lookin' sump design. I'm going down to Johns today to pick up my new sump and custom internal overflow.

What are you going to be lighting this baby with?

OK. I am kind of confused with the design of the sump. Is the drain split up into the skimmer area and into the refugium which then goes into the frag area and then is dumped into the bubble trap area? Why is the return area so large?

Yeah it looks confusing doesn't it? Hopefully it'll work the way I planned it. The refugium water will be fed (Tee'd off) from one drain pipe (other 1 1/4" drain is backup in case 1st one clogs) going to the skimmer area. The frag section will be fed off the return pump since that area will have sps. And yes the water from both areas will flow down into the bubble trap area then return. I did it this way so that any pods/mysis from the fuge won't be removed by the skimmer.

As for the return area, I wanted a large enough section to fit my eheim 1262 (about 9" L x 5W") and enough water for the pump to run at least a day before running dry (in case ato fails).

Cool let me know if you're happy with the sump. It should turn out great.

I'm planning to use the ATI 36" 6x39w Powermodule. Not sure which bulbs yet. Any suggestions for a 14k look? I'll be keeping mostly SPS.

Here's a list of other equipment I plan to use:

• Return Pump: Eheim 1262 (900gph)
• Protein Skimmer: Reef Octopus XP 2000 Space Saver (8"x10" footprint)
• Calcium Reactor: Geo 612
• Powerheads: 2x Vortech MP10
• Frag Section Lighting: Either Aquamedic Oceanlight 70w or Icecap Spotlight Pendant 70w

Will do...plans got messed up today and Johns off tomorrow so I'm going Monday to pick it up.

Looks like you can maybe go with an 8 bulb fixture....I suggest you look at sunlight supply too. You can find both on reefgeek and they have awesome price that include your fixture of choice with bulbs. A really nice configuration that I'm going to be going with on my 48" is (3) ATI Blue +, (1) Fiji Purple, and a GE 6500k or UVL Aquasun.

Congratulations! Just remember, if your tank gets delayed, and you find it hard to contact anyone there. And the wait time can be very frustrating especially if they push your build to the side to finish a huge project. Just remember, that it will all be worth it, once you start removing the sides of the crate. One suggestion....You may want to go with a acrylic euro brace, It's one piece and will look a lot better than a glass one. I actually wish I could put one on my rimless, because of the splashing I get out of my tank, when I use a algae scraper.

Anyway, you will love the tank, they are well worth the wait.

I cant wait to see some pics of that tank. Nice planning.

Too bad about Fri. I hope you get a chance to pick it up tomorrow. Post a pic if you can.

Yeah I looked at the tek lights and decided on the ati. For the 6 bulb pm, I may go with 3x ATI Blue+, 1 Fiji Purple, 2 Aquablue Special.

Hah It's all good...I'll post some pics up tomorrow ASAP.

That configuration sounds good....I forgot to add in the aquablue special to my config. DUH

I really like your idea of an in sump frag section. JW what are you going to light it with?

Thanks for the info. After seeing pics of your tank I'm definitely sure they're worth the wait and I'm willing to put up with any delays...to a certain extent

I like the rimless but the potential splashing was part of the reason I got the eurobrace. The other reason was added stability since I went with the 3/8" starphire.

Cool, can't wait to see it. For the frag section, I'd like to use a spotlight pendant if possible since it's a small area. Maybe aqua medic oceanlight/spacelight pendant

Can't wait to see the real deal. Sounds like an awesome plan!

Glad you guys like it. AGE gave me a completion time of 2-3 months on the tank/stand, which isn't bad considering it's custom. I hope I can keep adding a little to this thread during the wait. At least I'll have a new sump to show you guys next week. I actually made last minute changes on the design. I increased the length of teeth in the frag section to 5" across and added another bubble baffle. Here's a revised drawing:

Just got it home along with a new RKL. It's so beautiful I feel bad keeping it hidden in my stand!

Wow that does look sweet. Thanks for posting! I really like the black baffles (which I also got along w/ black bottom panel). What are the dimensions and what size is the filter sock holder?

Yeah it's pretty sad...such a nice piece of work being used to help filter the gunk from our display.

Yeah the black baffles really make it look clean. Dimensions are 30x12x14 and the sock filter holder is a 4".

You going to the coral farmers market in Ontario next month?

Not sure if I'm going yet. I'd hate to go there and then remind myself that I can't buy any corals I'd rather wait until my tank is up & running....probably by the time the next Reef-A-Palooza comes up. You gonna be there? What are you planning to get?

Yeah I also made a drawing of the stand, which will be built by AGE. It's a euro style 40"x24"x36" w/ the following features:

• Solid maple
• Black exterior, white interior
• Inset cabinet doors w/ euro hinges
• Cutout area in rear for plumbing
• Removable center brace

Yeah I'm going....that's a bummer you can't get anything. Reef-a-palooza is always a great show. I'm just looking for a couple frags of SPS like red planet and some good looking monti cap.

I picked up my sump from John and all I can say is WOW...it turned out almost exactly like the drawing. He made some slight changes to the dimensions of the bubble trap area and the position of the top brace w/ holes, which were probably due to time constraints (give him enough time so he doesn't rush). Other than that everything else is perfect. The rounded edges and black acrylic are nice touches, and the silicone/glue is hardly noticeable (very clean). I can't believe this sweet looking tank will end up hidden inside the stand.

Niiccee! That thing looks awesome!

What type of pump are you going to use?

Thanks! I'm planning to use the Eheim 1262 (900 gph) for the return pump, which will also provide flow to the frag section via 3/4" bulkhead.

Well I decided to go with a new sump so I designed one that's shorter and wider. This size should leave room in my stand for the calcium reactor. I'll ask John to build it after I confirm the measurements with the stand. Here's the drawing:

Outstanding design work. You should go into business making designs and plans. You should post the design for the custom media basket that we did.

Thanks Brad. Although the thought of designing for others has crossed my mind, I'm not sure if people would be willing to pay for it. Besides, starting another business would definitely take more time away from family and my reef tank. I'll post the design for the mediabasket that you built for me along w/ some pics of my frag tank, since A.G.E delayed my tank build so they can work on another client's tank.

Well it's been over 3 months since I ordered my A.G.E. tank/stand and it's still not finished (I was told 2 more weeks for delivery so we'll see). The wait was killing me so I decided to setup a frag tank. I just took my old Jali 30 gal AIO and made a slight mod to the return hole. I used a hole saw to make it larger and then installed a 1/2" bulkhead. The new plumbing is a lot better than the cheap stock plastic tubing it came with. After that I added the following equipment:

• Tunze 9002 skimmer
• Rena 100W smartheater
• Maxi-jet 900 return pump (230gph)
• Urbaneks Pure Nano custom media basket
• Maxspect G2-160W LED fixture
• Clear acrylic frag stands
• Tunze Osmolator ATO
• Vortech MP10

The tank finished cycling last week so I added a pair of clownfish (rod's), some macros (chaeto, codium, & flame algae), and a small CUC (ceriths/nerites). I went with BB for the clean look and no sandstorms.

I'm hoping to get good growth and colors with the Maxspect since others have had good experience with this LED. I'll try to post growth pics once I get my first frags.

Here are some pics of the frag tank:

The media basket I originally used for the frag tank was the intank BC29 basket. It's a good design and the quality is excellent. However it was a little too narrow for the rear chamber and it wasn't filtering all the water. So I asked one of our NR members (Brad aka Urbanek), who happens to build baskets for the 12g & 28g nanocube, if he can make a custom media basket for me. Brad graciously offered to build a custom size based on my design. Here's the drawing I sent him:



and the result:



I was really impressed with the quality of the basket. It looks very clean with hardly a trace of glue. And the best part about it is that the filter pad can now catch all the water flowing into the return area.

Hey, thanks for the kind words on the custom basket. I'm very glad that it is working out for you! It was a fun project to work on.

I agree with others that your designs look like they're pro-quality. This tank should be awesome when you finally get it and you will love the Eheim pump. I've been using one to power my 125 and it's great.

Thanks, my tank was finally shipped 2 days ago from Texas after many phone calls/emails (from Chris @ The Fish Gallery) to the manager and owner of A.G.E. So far my buying experience has been a big disappointment, mainly because of poor (or lack of) communication from A.G.E. They did not inform me of any delays in the build, nor did they conform to reasonable deadlines (ie. tank completion, shipping dates).

I ended up waiting 4 months for the tank/stand to ship, which went beyond their delivery estimate of 8-10 weeks. If it wasn't for Chris and his responses to my emails/calls , I would have asked for a refund a month ago. I realize that A.G.E. is a small company, and small accounts like mine probably make up a tiny percentage of their client base. However, A.G.E. should provide good customer service to everyone no matter how small or large the build.

it took them 4 months just to get a quote back to me, nice tank but rediculous service. i had the same dimensions as yours just 6 " wider
40*30*22 rimless with external overflow also

Sorry to hear about the extremely long wait, hopefully the tank is up to youre standards and you are happy from here on out.

Im sure you will be happy with the new tank, mine is a build by AGE and is absolutely stunning. Tom does incredible work, even tho he can be somewhat lax on deliver dates and returning calls.

The system you are putting together looks great.

Paul@villagefrags.com

might have to order one for my bc 14

Wow when did you request the quote? My build was delayed because they decided to work on another client's tank instead of finishing mine...and it's not the first time this has happened.



Thanks, it was frustrating mainly because the folks at AGE often do not pick up their phones or reply to emails, and when deadlines and shipping dates were being missed I got worried.



Thanks Paul. A lot of people have mentioned that their tanks are worth the wait (and money). I really hope it's as good as everyone says. I'll find out by Friday...

nice planning, i like the sump designs.

Chris Brenes made my experience a good one. I will tell you for certain, the delays, and wait will be all forgotten, when you pull the first panel off the crate. Once you see the perfect silicone seams, the polished and beveled edges, the solid external box and cover, and the bulletproof PVC bottom, you will be nothing but happy that you waited.

What happens with AGE is that it is a small company. I had my tank already cut and ready to be put together, when a large restaurant chain ordered a half dozen tanks. They stopped my build and went to start and finish the restaurant's order. They do a lot of commercial orders and when one comes in, you get put on the back burner. Even with all the delays, I would order another in a heartbeat.

Thanks, seems like you went through the same thing I did. I feel better knowing that there hasn't been any complaints about the quality of AGE tanks and many owners have been more than happy with them. I also realize that most people would be willing to wait many months for a custom tank, while some may not be as patient. What worries me is AGE's lax attitude at communicating to their buyer (and often reseller) about missing deadlines and stopping builds. They didn't tell me that the reason they're delaying my build is because they're working on another client's tank. Instead of letting me or Chris know about the delay, the company chose to have me wait without any notification at all. Does this seem right to you?

What if by chance a buyer gets a tank that's cracked and needs to request warranty repair/replacement? I can already imagine the weeks or months of waiting before AGE responds to the claim. It's a good thing their tanks are built well. So far I haven't come across any thread describing a defective AGE tank. Even so, based on my experience dealing with the company, I would probably look elsewhere if I decide to order another custom build. To me, customer service is just as important as the product.

Agreed....for several weeks Chris couldn't get in touch with Tom to find out about my build, it was pretty weak of him to blow me off as well as his biggest distributor. But like I said, when that panel comes off, you will be happy that you went with them. Ive seen other custom tanks, and they are all nice, but when you consider the possibilities with them using glass and acrylic, just having that clean acrylic euro brace instead of the four panels of glass siliconed on top of a tank, that in itself makes me want another. BTW, I know a guy who just got his Miracles tank, and it was a couple months past the promised delivery. So all of them drop the ball once in awhile, AGE just seems to do it more. lol..Enjoy the tank, it will be awesome.

Thats another great selling point, AGE hasn't had any reported problems with their builds, I found a lot of overdue tanks, but never any word of bad seams, or panels breaking free.

Yeah there was one day when he called 3 times and couldn't get a hold of anyone. He was just as frustrated as I was. Anyway, I'm glad that you're enjoying the tank considering the ordeal you went through. My tank should arrive sometime this week and I'll probably laugh about all the delays when I see it.

Although I don't mind the 4 pieces of starphire on top, I wish I had chosen the acrylic eurobrace. Having that one panel on top would make it look really sweet!

If I go with a bigger tank, I will have the acrylic euro bracing done for sure.

Nice dimensions. Did you end up ordering the tank?




Are you planning to upgrade anytime soon? Some lucky person will get an awesome tank..and no long wait

I have a couple locals waiting like buzzards for me to pull the trigger.

were are some pics wanna see this bad boy....