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Custom tank costs?

M

Mbodell

In talking with one of my customers who builds tanks for a living, he has a 120ish gallon tank that a customer bailed out on. He said it is at least 48"Wx20"Dx20"T made of 1/2 or 3/4 glass. The tank is encased in plywood and I didn't want to bother him to dig up his paperwork for it. It was not made with low iron glass. He said is is braced with glass around the tops and bottom and has three holes down the bottom center for the feed and two 1 1/4 return holes.
I am thinking of buying it off him, but I am not sure what a typical price for a tank like this cost. What should I expect to pay for something like this?
 
R

REEFLECTIONS

well, since it wasn't made custom for you, and you're helping him out by taking it off his hands, i wouldn't pay custome price.... to be honest if his customer backed out, he's screwed, so making back the cost would be a godsend for him. also since the size is not standard, you'll have to build stand/canopy yourself... i would say offer $250. but 3/4" glass is super expensive... so maybe offer him $300 he might jump at it just to cut his losses.
 
M

Mbodell

I don't think he needs to cut his losses. He has the tank just sitting in his warehouse. $250-300 seems really low compared to what I thought. What would a typical price for something like that run?
 
R

REEFLECTIONS

well a stock 125g 72x18x24ish is about 600ish and that is only 3/8" glass. so if you were a real nice guy that is probably what you would offer..
 
M

Mbodell

Ok, well he has helped me out a lot with free fish treatment products and I have gotten at least a few hours of free advice from him so I was thinking $600 would be fair. I am going to offer lower since it can't hurt to ask.
 
JRWOHLER

JRWOHLER

I think you can offer him less and then barter. My tank is 1/2 and that tank is just a little smaller dimension wise then his I wouldn't think that he would use 3/4 glass and not low iron. Start at 300 and work your way up if you think it is worth it. You might need to build a stand that has supports around the edge I remember someone else bought a custom tank and the seams split without the brace of the stand around the bottom.
 
M

Mbodell

I think it is probably 1/2 as well. I know he lays a strip of glass around the inside base which double seals the tank, so I don't think I will have to worry about it splitting apart. I will probably start at $400 and see what he says. Thanks guys.
 
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