New Tank

[cmoney]

Hi Guys,
I am looking to set up an aquarium and am wondering if you have any recomendations for equipment. I was looking at monstertank.com and having them make a custom tank/stand (70 gallons) with the following dimensions:
width 48" Height 24" Front to back 14"
However they are pretty expensive and I dont know anything about there reputation. Has anyone ever used them before? Or can anyone recommend a different company. I live in NYC so i dont really have the tools or time to construct my own tank unless it is easier and faster then i think it will be. Perhaps there is LFS that I can use instead? I am doing this for the first time and want to make sure i dont make mistakes.
Heater?
Filtration?
Lights?
Skimmer?
Etc?
Back up parts?
Test kits?
Thanks for the help!!!

 

[dragonzim]

Are you absolutely set on that size? You could go with a 75, which has a footprint of 48x18 with a 20 inch height and get it for a LOT cheaper than having a custom tank built.

 

[shogun323]

Originally Posted by DragonZim
Are you absolutely set on that size? You could go with a 75, which has a footprint of 48x18 with a 20 inch height and get it for a LOT cheaper than having a custom tank built.
I concur with DragonZim. In addition to price I think you will be happier with the dimensions of the 75. Tall/narrow tanks make rockwork harder to do.
For lighting I would check out some Nova T5's. In my opinion they are the best bang for the buck.
I prefer the stealth heaters. They have a plastic casing and are nearly impossible to break.
For test kits, I would find a master kist with tests for Ammonia, Ph nitrite and nitrate If you are going with a reef, I would pick up Salifert's Calcium and Alk tests.