Define what the tank must hold
Begin with a stock schedule rather than a photograph. List fish, lobster, king crab, shrimp and shellfish separately, then state whether the equipment is intended for customer-facing display or back-of-house holding. Ask for the planned quantity or load to be reviewed; the name of a tank does not establish a universal stock capacity. Record freshwater and seawater requirements with the relevant species.
- Species and proposed stock by compartment
- Display or holding role and loading method
- Freshwater, seawater or separately zoned requirements
Compare reference formats without merging them
The published range includes multifunction double- and triple-layer tanks, lobster and king-crab references, abalone/oyster configurations and island layouts. They are selection references, not interchangeable specifications. Compare their source-listed circulation, filtration, oxygenation and cooling arrangements. The reference glass or cooling-unit size for one tank must not be copied into another simply because both have multiple layers.
Draw the water-system boundaries
Ask the proposal to identify which compartments share water and where independent circuits are required. In the supplied multifunction references, dual circulation and filtration are stated explicitly. Other models list independent systems. A pair of visual levels is not sufficient evidence of two isolated water zones. Have the arrangement reviewed against the species and project requirements before accepting the proposed layout.
Check footprint and installation access
Provide available length, width and height together with the route from delivery access to the installation position. Mark doors, stairs or fixed obstructions as applicable. Include the operator side, customer side and access to technical equipment on the drawing. Overall exterior dimensions and usable holding space are different measurements; request both where they affect your stock plan.
- Floor plan with dimensioned footprint and fixed services
- Service, stocking and cleaning access
- Module sizes and whole-system dimensions for island combinations
Ask for a configuration schedule
The schedule should identify the selected tank, cooling arrangement, circulation, filtration, oxygenation, glass specification and connection requirements. Source values describe Reference Configuration; the final cooling capacity and water conditions remain Confirm per project. A catalog photograph is not evidence of pump ratings, flow rate, refrigerant or electrical compatibility when those values are not supplied.
Avoid common comparison mistakes
Do not choose solely by the number of layers or the reference horsepower. Do not assume that a larger external footprint creates suitable water conditions for every species. Do not compare a quotation including technical equipment with one that lists only the visible tank. Ask each supplier to state inclusions and the responsibility for site water, drainage and electrical connections.
Prepare an RFQ that can be reviewed
Send the stock schedule, water-zone requirement, floor plan and intended tank format. State the destination country, voltage/frequency, quantity and any installation constraints. Attach a drawing or reference image if it helps explain the layout, and identify which parts are essential requirements. Review the resulting drawing and specification before production rather than treating the initial catalog reference as the final order.
- State the species and stock requirement without requesting an unsupported survival guarantee.
- Mark which dimensions are fixed by the building and which are Customizable.
- Request the proposed system configuration and inclusions in writing.
BUYER QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose by reference horsepower?
Use the reference as a starting point. Final cooling capacity depends on the reviewed tank and project requirement; horsepower alone does not approve the water-system design.
Does a double-layer tank have separate water circuits?
Only a documented configuration establishes this. Ask the drawing and schedule to identify the circulation and filtration boundaries.
Are the catalog dimensions standard for every order?
No. Custom dimensions and final supplied specifications need drawing approval. Identified dimensions are reference configurations.
What if I do not know a model number?
Select Live Seafood Tank in the RFQ and describe species, stock, water zones and available space. A model number is not required to start the review.