Tank Brand Recommendation

[peewee1]

I am going to purchase either a 40g or 55g and move current Discus now living in a 30g which leaves the 30g for breeder tank. Is there a brand that I should consider and one that I should stay away from?

[RogueDiscus]

Unless you're wanting something special, I'd wait for a Petco $1 per gallon sale. I think they're usually Aqueons. If your local carries 55's, they'll be 1/2 off instead of $55, still a good deal, but 40's should be $40. You have to buy your own glass top.
My store looks like it might be happening now. It comes out of their corporate office, so I'd call your local store to see what sizes they have available.

[sipaboy]

PetSmart got the Topfin Essential for $129. Original price was $199. 55 gallon with hood and led lights that in my opinion is pretty bright. Great heater which is light grey in color. Not too many heaters are non black in color.. HOB filter that I thought was quiet and pretty decent. Glass was pretty thick and was heavy. Just the hood and lights for me was at least worth $70-$80 at least if I bought it separate. I bought the set last Sunday. I picked it up in our local PetSmart. When it was Black Friday they were $99[1/2 off]. At $129 it still is a great deal. I got 4 tanks and all are Topfin essentials

[sipaboy]

Unless you're wanting something special, I'd wait for a Petco $1 per gallon sale. I think they're usually Aqueons. If your local carries 55's, they'll be 1/2 off instead of $55, still a good deal, but 40's should be $40. You have to buy your own glass top.
My store looks like it might be happening now. It comes out of their corporate office, so I'd call your local store to see what sizes they have available.

On the $1 per gallon. It applies to 29G and below. But the 40G is discounted at $49 and 55G at $69. Still not bad.

[peewee1]

Thanks, Sipaboy and Rouge. I think the 40g is the way to go. I watched something on You Tube comparison between the 40 and 55. The 40 has a bigger surface area by dimension. That appeals to me.

[tonytheboss1]

:bandana: Some feel they're pricey but they make a quality product. https://glasscages.com/?sAction=ViewCat&lCatID=2 "T"

[RogueDiscus]

My nicest 75 is one I got from my dad. Pretty sure it's one of theirs. Thicker glass, center glass brace. I need to reseal it, so it's sitting empty. :(

[peewee1]

:bandana: Some feel they're pricey but they make a quality product. https://glasscages.com/?sAction=ViewCat&lCatID=2 "T"

Thanks New York TONY! There is a nice range of sizes there. The pricing is competitive as well.

[igotgats]

Aqueon and Marineland were available when I bought my 90g on Thursday. I went with Marineland. They use black silicone. It'll cover up algae better. I hate when algae gets on the silicone; such a pain to get off.

Never knew of this black silicone thing until Thursday.

Nonetheless, a vote for Marineland if it's available where you're at. Aqueon and Marineland both offer lifetime warranties. Not sure about other brands.

[peewee1]

I like your idea regarding the black silicone. It seems to me the more I scrape on the silicone in order to remove the algae the sooner the tank is going to spring a leak because I not only scrapped off the algae but a little silicone each time as well.

[FischAutoTechGarten]

The Aqueon's are thin. I've drilled 5 of the 20L, putting 4 holes in each aquarium, (and also 3 of the Tetra 20Ls too) and it's not for the feint of heart. They use very thin glass and I had to employ custom jigs to prevent breakage.

[igotgats]

The Aqueon's are thin. I've drilled 5 of the 20L, putting 4 holes in each aquarium, (and also 3 of the Tetra 20Ls too) and it's not for the feint of heart. They use very thin glass and I had to employ custom jigs to prevent breakage.

Man....so glad I didn't go with Aqueon. Another thing I forgot to mention about Aqueon: they use two braces on bigger tanks.....vs the one on my Marineland. I didn't like that either.