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Originally Posted by Jasonanatal  Hello everyone, I have been recently pondering with the idea of setting up a Rimless Reef Ready Aquarium with Starphire Glass. I have been doing some Internet searches and the only company that I can locate that sells Rimless Reef Ready Aquariums with Starphire Glass is Glass Cages ( Glasscages.com - Home). I'm curious to know what are everyone's thoughts on these types of Aquariums and if there are other vendors that manufacture them within the United States. I'm personally interested in a setup that is about 50 gallons of water (not including the sump or refugium) and a square setup as oppossed to the traditional wide and tall Aquariums that are currently dominating the market. |
Jason-
"Rimless" tanks are a bit of a misnomer. I once said to my brother "I'm considering getting a rimless tank." He scratched his head, and after some thought replied - "I'm trying to visualize a tank without a rim..." At that moment, I realized that I meant "frameless" instead of "rimless".
On nano-reef.com,
DIY frameless tanks seem to be the cutting edge, no pun intended. Further research revealed that people interested in the very Zen-like "Planted" tanks[/url] preferred the clean lines of frameless tanks. Most frameless tank owners prefer the clearer "Starphire" (low-iron) glass since the frameless design typically requires thicker glass.
Manufacturers of frameless tanks that are available in the US include (but not limited to) ADA, Lee-Mar, and Elos.
ADA specializes in Planted Tanks, so they have limited models with built-in overflows. Some models are available in "high clarity", and the prices are reasonable for very good construction. One criticism is that their glass is a bit thin.
I have only heard great things about Lee-Mar's premium tanks, but they are only available as custom order from
LFS's. They may have models that are standard, but most
LFS do not know enough to guide you, and
Lee-Mar's website is useless. Many Lee-Mar tanks I have seen have very clean Euro-bracing, but I assume you can get them to do a truly frameless tank. I am not sure if they are widely available outside of California, but they are sweet. Not cheap, however. Lee-Mar also makes nice
stands.
ELOS is an Italian premium maker of frameless tanks. They specialize in turnkey systems including tank, overflow,
sump, stand,
skimmer,
ATO, and plumbing. Very expensive, but very nice. Many of their models have been offered in "Crystal" (low-iron) for little to no extra cost. They also do custom tanks and stands, but at a extra-premium. ELOS has a
presence on RC, and their rep (Jesse) is very diligent and knowledgeable.
Some Nano manufacturers, such as older
glass Finnex models,
Cadlights (bowfront) and now
Current USA have made or are now making frameless models.
Some nano enthusiasts have decided to build their own, and several have purchased glass from
Nano-Paul on NR with great success. I have not seen any enthusiast create silicone seams as well as ELOS or Lee-Mar yet.
Ordering frameless tanks from Glasscages is an option. I have heard
not so great things about their Acrylic work and customer service.
V-series Productions 
icon under their name to add to their reputation. 