Need advice: AGE or DSA?

[airtime23]

Looking to buy a 225 gallon tank, front and sides with optically clear ("starfire") glass, with a center overflow.

My local fish store recommends AGE...that's mostly all he sells for these size tanks. I have heard that DSA is also good.

The AGE costs about $1,000 more, though! Is AGE really that much better quality/worksmanship?

Are there any other manufacturers that I should inquire about?

 

[James77]

What does DSA stand for?

Coast to Coast Aquariums and Miracles in Glass are 2 other companies I have seen many good reviews on. Miracles is out of Canada, so shipping may be a smidge high for you. C2C is out of Jersey.

 

[airtime23]

DSA is Deep Sea Aquatics

 

[James77]

I've not heard of them, but reading their site they seem to be formerly Oceanic people....so I would assume they can make a tank well

Maybe others can chime in for them.

 

[Robb in Austin]

The nice thing about the AGE is the PVC bottom. Aside from that, the quality between the two is the same IMO. (I've seen multiple examples of both in person but have not owned either.)

 

[skiwez]

Can't comment on AGE, but I've owned a DSA 225 for about a year now. NO problems with it. I'm very happy with the build quality.

 

[Tweaked]

DSA is one of the best of the shelf tanks around currently.

 

[KSU_WILDCAT]

Also have a DSA 225 and very happy with mine. Shipping to the LFS was a problem, 2 came in damaged.

 

[zoomonster]

After my recent experience getting my DSA 200 I don't recommend. Just for the record yeah people from Oceanic started DSA but later all the skill left and started http://www.deepblueprofessional.com which is also in Dallas. As for PVC mine has the PVC stand liner and marine black back (and you can get the PVC bottom). If you do ask for any DSA extras plan on months to get it and a hassle. Also make sure to find out who your pet stores distributor is and do not order if its Hagen who apparently does not pay bills in a timely manner. That's another reason my tank was delayed.

To do it again it certainly would not be DSA or AGA and I have not heard of AGE. I rank AGA along with the likes of Perfecto etc. Ok for smaller pet shop tanks but I don't think I would go that route for a larger tank where quality matters. That's not to insult anyone that has one but I have had smaller AGA and Perfecto tanks with issues including the AGA bursting. I'm actually going to buy another smaller tank and its going to be deep blue. There's a variety of custom shops but IMO deep blue is the new standard that Oceanic used to be.

 

[Drae]

Never seen one in person but the A.G.E tanks I've seen online are beautiful. Attention to detail seems on par with most of the upper echelon in the tank business. Jmo

 

[mbauma]

I have a DSA 140 and love it, very well built. I bought the stand and canopy as well.

 

[andrzadr000]

I just bought a tank through arc. He worked for AGE for a long time before starting his own company way cheaper.

 

[chri]

Ive had 2 DSA tanks. Very well built

 

[airtime23]

Just got a quote from Coast to Coast. Holy Moly, they're way high! Much higher than both AGE and DSA.

 

[airtime23]

Also have a DSA 225 and very happy with mine. Shipping to the LFS was a problem, 2 came in damaged.

So those tanks were a total loss to DSA? What a waste!

 

[zoomonster]

That's the one problem I didn't have with DSA... it got here in one piece the first time. The crate was too large to deliver to the LFS and they rerouted it direct to my house where the LFS showed and moved it. Delivered tank crated and sitting on stand. Because of the size it would not fit on the pallet jack and had to be hand moved to the lift (6 people). It took a good 20-30 minutes to uncrate and four people to move it inside. Whatever you get don't underestimate the logistics. I believe the 200 w/stand, glass tops and crate was 850 pounds. Plenty of people were willing to get it for me but would not deliver and once in store your on your own. If you can do yourself a favor and buy from someone willing/able to deliver. I believe mine with the added options and stand was $2400 in the door.

 

[jschultzbass]

I have an AGE 300 gallon and love it. Powder coated stainless bracing, 1" PVC bottom, the thing is a tank. I couldn't be happier with how well they packed and shipped it.

 

[Powdermonkey]

My AGE experience was a complete fiasco! The silicone work left a lot to be desired. Received the broken tank on 6/28/13 and a repaired tank on 4/29/14. I could rant all night about it but I wont. Good Luck!

 

[JoelA7]

I have a coast to coast rimless 4 x 2 x 26.25" deep. 3/4" thick glass. Starfire 3 sides. Very nice build and lovely custom cabinet to match the moldings and paint in my living room. Not inexpensive. Looks great. Weighs a bloody ton.

 

[ReefCurrent2015]

Reef savvy! ;-)