Opinions on Tank Manufacturers

petem

Member
My lfs person told me that AGA makes the best aquariums out there because it's all glass. That Oceanic is acrylic and that it can scratch. I thought that she may have said that because her price was high, in the $600 range, than the other lfs where the same set up, was $449. To me, that's a big difference.
Anyway, I was just wondering on who prefers Acrylic to glass or vice versa.
 

slick

Active Member
There are pros and cons of each. I have a 90g aga right now but I just ordered a 240 acrylic. I will have to get back to you in a few months.
 
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randy 12

Guest
Not sure about AGA (unless that is All-Glass brand) but Oceanic is glass. It is better than Perfecto and All-Glass brands (IMO). Perfecto (and I think All-Glass) have the center brace made out of the same plastic trim that goes all around the top and then tend to break over time, which in turn makes it difficult to keep the lights (which are resting on the brace) out of the water. Oceanic has a glass center brace. Oceanic is also just a better looking tank. Most of the time Perfecto and All-Glass do not use tempered glass but Oceanic does. Plus if you go with small aquariums you can thump the glass with your finger and hear the difference in a cheap aquarium and one by Oceanic. I have heard of Perfecto and All-GLass glass breaking on the smaller aquariums just by small decorations shifting/falling in the tank. If it were up to me I would definately go Oceanic if I was going with glass. Glass scratches less but weighs more. You can see the sealant in glass tanks and the sealant can discolor if using some medications. Glass is cheaper than acrylic.
As far as acrylic, there's Clarity Plus, Tenecor, SeaClear, and many, many more. Acrylic scratches easily but weighs more and is a little clearer than glass. Plus you don't have aquarium sealant showing in the seams. Acrylic costs more than glass. If you go with an acrylic stand, it has a totally different look than wood.
 

robn70

Member
From what I understand AGA and oceanic are made by the same company and Oceanic is their higher quality line.
 

blueface

Member
Acrylic is all I own. My 55 will be 14 years old this August. I know that because it was a wedding gift from my wife. It has a few light scrathes but I keep the surface polished so their hard to see. I just prefer the look of no silicone. Too each his own I guess. My 12 gallon is also acrylic. It's a flat back hex w/ an IFS Wet Dry and pc's w/ canopy & stand. Just trying to learn the reef setup now. Not as easy as FO. It doesn't help that it's a nano though.
 
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sebae0

Guest
imo acrylic will last you forever and glass will eventually lose the seal on the silicone. glass cheaper/acrylic more expensive, glass/heavier,acrylic/lighter you decide.
i have not had a acrylic tank but i still have the same 135gal glass tank that i bought when i was 15, dont tell anyone but im 33 now, dont know how much longer i can get but i go by the addage if it aint broke don't fix it.
 

dreeves

Active Member
Wow...
Someone mentioned lights resting on a center brace? That is not a good thing. The center brace is intended to prevent the front and back from bowing...not resting your lights on.
As for brand name...it is a personal choice. As for glass vs. acrylic...both have their merits...both have the downfalls. One needs to research both types prior to making a decision.
AGA is all glass, and acrylic can scratch....glass can scratch as well. Both can break or crack...acrylic is lighter then glass...AGA and Perfecto both use tempered glass on their bottoms (depending on tank size) I have one of each and both have tempered bottoms. Both types of tanks can be repaired if leaking.
Personal preference is all it amounts to.
 
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randy 12

Guest
I knew a guy that had an acrylic tank by a well known mfg. It was a 250 or 300 gal. One day the back gave way and came completely off. BIG BIG mess. So acrylic can lose the seal but it doesn't happen near as often as glass.
Dreeves, as far as lights resting on the center brace...if you look at some setups that LFS sell, they have a fluorescent light/lid/hood type combo. If the aquarium is large enough then there are two short lights and each rests on the center brace. I can send you a picture if you want.
 
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simm

Guest
Oceanic is not just acrylic. Iv got an oceanic 100 gallon that is glass. IMO I like oceanic. Nice thick glass.
 

stacyt

Active Member
My input on AGA. My 1st tank 37 gallon from AGA leaked after about 6 months. 2nd tank from AGA 240 gallon leaked right from the start. Talked to the wholesaler just yesterday, and he's had lots of problems with them lately.
 

ophiura

Active Member
As mentioned, Oceanic and AGA are basically the same company, but AGA is their economy economy line. Oceanic has another economy line, previously called Nature's View or something, but now (I think) called "E" series tanks. It is a good tank. They only make two trims (black and wood, I think), and they come only in certain sizes. The top line are Oceanic tanks, and the quality is top notch. They are especially nice in their furniture quality stands and trim. For a large tank, personally, I would not use an AGA, though overall they are not bad. But I don't think I would use one for larger than a 55g. Overall, the Oceanic tanks are going to be the best in the glass tanks. They are very good, and, with their stand, have a long warranty.
I like acrylic tanks as well. It basically comes down to liking one look over the other. Tanks like Tenecor with the rounded corners may appear more modern to some (also the stands and top), and that is not liked by some, or doesn't match the decor.
As noted, both glass and acrylic can scratch. Go look at the tanks in your LFS, which are probably glass, and probably scratched. The drawback is that you can not buff the scratches out of glass. Light scratches can be buffed out of acrylic. I also think the other criticism of acrylic, that it yellows over time, is no longer accurate.
**BUT, I would be real wary of any LFS that says Oceanic only sells acrylic. Either they don't know better, which is a warning flag, or they are trying to dupe you, which is a warning flag. Either way, I would look for a different LFS.** Also get a detailed quote, and any LFS should do it, on what is included in a package price. She may include things that others don't, like a light strip, etc. I have seen these things sold in all manner of tricky terms.
 

dreeves

Active Member
Randy12...no need for a picture I know what you are talking about.
All my tanks have always had a light which goes from end to end. Both my light cases I made went from end to end as well. I wouldn't think any prolonged or heavy weight on the straps would be a good idea, in my opinion.
 

broncofish

Active Member
Have 2 AGA tanks, one 90g with built in overflow, and one 29g. I am eventually going to get rid of the 90, and replace it with my own 200-300g tank, built by moi. In my opinion if you take a couple pracautions when it comes to cleaning, acrylic is the best.
 

diceman

Member
Jcigars Nice tank. My plan is to go with a Tenecor for my next tank. Where about in Chicago are you? How do you like the Simplicity plus versus say just a tank and do your own sump?
 

petem

Member
Excellent, You guys are awesome! Thanks, you've made my decision easier.....I'm going to get a Parrot....LOL, Just kidding. Trying to ruffle some feathers (oops, there I go again.)
Okay, I'll go with either of those. BTW, my lfs called tonight, and left a message, she has the AGA but in black, If I wanted Oak, the stand was backordered. Anyway. Stay real people!
 
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