Oceanic vs. AGA

[MyMonkey]

I am venturing out in expansion of my 58 gallon to a 90 gallon reef ready setup. I was wanting opinions on Oceanic Reef Ready tanks vs the All Glass Aquariums Megal Flow tanks. I have not seen an AGA 90 gallon in person. I have the Oceanic now and have seen several. The quality seems excellent. However, AGA seems to be popular these days. There is not much price difference really. Just wondered what you more experienced reefers thought.

 

[TheMcs]

The overflow & kit is identical, AGA now owns Oceanic. AGA cabinetry isn't the greatest/nicest.

 

[MyMonkey]

AGA owns Oceanic? Well, dadgum, if they are the same tank then I might as well go with the cheaper of the two. I had no idea.

 

[rdonchann]

Those and a lot more are owned by Central Pets in Houston and do business under the name Central Aquatics.

http://www.all-glass.com/products/index.html

Go to that page and read at the bottom of the page under the All Glass logo.

 

[Gwalker]

Well, they'll never own me!!! Wait a minute, they do have a lot of money......... Hmmm, never mind I didn't say that!!

Gary

 

[Snprhed]

Monkey, I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that just because they are owned by the same people that they are the same tank. Last I checked the Oceanic was still a much better tank overall.
Remember Jaguar is owned by Ford.

Cory

 

[MyMonkey]

The fish master himself chimes in. Any input into this debate Gary? You likely have more experience than the rest of us with tank quality. PM or email me if you like.

Thanks for the link above rd.

 

[MyMonkey]

Thanks for the honesty Snp. Oceanic has just pulled ahead slightly.

 

[eddybabyhd]

I would have to mention that i had an Oceanic 120 on order and let someone (who will remain nameless) talk me into a custom acrylic tank, and i have to say that i am far more pleased than i ever thought i could be with acrylic

just putting the bug in your ear

 

[MyMonkey]

Originally I thought Acrylic was what I wanted. However, since I have a 2 year old who likes to clean the tank with the magnetic cleaner I think avoiding scratches will be impossible. Although, I like the idea of acrylic, I don't want to keep the little monkey from his favorite cleaning ritual. Not certain though.

 

[scott0615]

Now that Oceanic and AGA are under the Central Pet umbrella Oceanic is going back to its roots and what made them a great company. Prior to the acquisition Oceanic tried to get more "low-end" business. At one time they had an econo line of tanks. Now we will see them focus on more custom / high end tanks. The thought with the management team is to keep Oceanic the premium line and make AGA the "box store" product line. As a matter of fact, Oceanic no longer manufactures pine stands. As an industry we can expect new things from Oceanic like the "Tech Series" and "Pro Series" products. That's what I was told at the last trade show I attended by Oceanic management.

 

[MyMonkey]

Thanks for that. I was wondering.

 

[ReeferRyan]

Since it has already been brought up in this thread, what is the price difference (average) between glass and acrylic? Also, other than looks and weight, are there any other benefits to an acrylic tank?

 

[eddybabyhd]

well i priced the oceanic 120 drilled at 600, without any of the plumbing kits, and my acrylic was not much more...I think the acylic just looks cleaner, no to mention when they are bonded, the seams become one peice of acrylic, muck stronger than glass

its just kinda one of those things you have to see to appreciate...

Gary, if you cant tell, I am really excited about the job you did with my tank, I cant imagine how paul felt when he first saw his...

 

[Snprhed]

I think my 2 biggest problems with acrylic is that it scratches so easily, but more importantly is that it holds heat.

 

[pwhitby]

One of the pros of acrylic is the ease of drilling. When I had mine built I was unsure of where I was drilling for the closed loop etc, now I know where I want the holes its an easy case of drilling it. Just a good hole saw is required.

I hear lots of talk from people saying glass is better than acrylic, primarily because of the scratches. I have seen glass tanks that are hideously scratched ( I have an old one that is that way). I have also seen acrylic tanks that way....but I have yet to see a glass tank returned to a near original finish.

Given the choice....under 300g....I would go glass. Above that, I couldnt envisage going glass. While my 600g acrylic was easy enough to move, my 225g glass is a beast.

 

[mdiddy7s]

I have also seen glass scratched pretty badly. What is the best way to take the scratches out of acrylic? I know that you have to buff it, but what do you use?
Mike D

 

[MyMonkey]

I have heard you can use sandpaper. From rough to fine. You can use a mag float and just buff it down then polish it up. Never done it though. Gary knows how to do this.

 

[pwhitby]

various decreasing grades of fine sandpaper and finally buff it. It can also be done under water. There are kits you can buy.

 

[hiflykitty]

i saw a 90 gallon AGA mega overflow at Exotic Aquatics the other day. It may still be there if you want to go check it out in person.