Posted this dilemma on another forum and got a few answers, but would love some more thoughts if anyone here cares to chime in.
I've been planning to upgrade my planted tank from a 65 gallon AGA/pine stand to a 120/high end cabinet dream tank for a long time. Turns out I'm going to be moving in three weeks, so this is the perfect time. I'd always expected to go with Oceanic, but they are virtually impossible to find without special ordering, and there's not enough time, so I'm going to have to make another selection. I've narrowed down the field to two possibilities for both the tank and stand but have a dilemma, as outlined below. I'd welcome your experience and or opinions!
Most desired aesthetics: high end cabinet and black silicone
Stand: The nicest stand I could find is the Perfecto Monterey in black. Second nicest is the AGA Modern Series in black. I like the Perfecto quite a bit better look-wise.
Tank: Only Perfecto comes with default black silicone on the 120 gallon tank. AGA will make it, but it will not arrive in time, so I would have to go with clear silicone.
Seems clear to get the Perfecto stand with the black silicone tank, but frankly, I'm a little scared of Perfecto. I have the impression AGA is better quality, although don't know why I have that impression. I've had several AGA tanks and never had a problem, so that's my only experience. AGA is 1/2" thick glass, Perfecto 3/8" glass. AGA bottom is tempered; Perfecto is not. I've also heard/read leaking/breaking stories of Perfecto online, although I do not know all the cirumstances involved and can't verify the truth involved. I'm terrified of having a problem down the line with a tank as it is so much water and I am a in a high rise apartment building.
If the AGA tank will fits the Perfecto stand (some say it will, some say it won't and I am still investigating) I could do that and get the better stand and forego the black silicone and think of something else to cover what will become the algae seams. But if I do that I sacrifice my AGA warranty. Never had a problem with AGA, but nice to know I have a warranty anyway.
So:
1) Go totally with Perfecto (nicer cabinet, black silicone, but do I have to worry about breakage or leaking 5 years on?)
2) Go totally with AGA (not bad cabinet, clear silicone, totally trust the tank)
3) Go AGA tank and Perfecto stand (but lose tank warranty).
What do you think? What's your experience with either? What would you do?
I've been planning to upgrade my planted tank from a 65 gallon AGA/pine stand to a 120/high end cabinet dream tank for a long time. Turns out I'm going to be moving in three weeks, so this is the perfect time. I'd always expected to go with Oceanic, but they are virtually impossible to find without special ordering, and there's not enough time, so I'm going to have to make another selection. I've narrowed down the field to two possibilities for both the tank and stand but have a dilemma, as outlined below. I'd welcome your experience and or opinions!
Most desired aesthetics: high end cabinet and black silicone
Stand: The nicest stand I could find is the Perfecto Monterey in black. Second nicest is the AGA Modern Series in black. I like the Perfecto quite a bit better look-wise.
Tank: Only Perfecto comes with default black silicone on the 120 gallon tank. AGA will make it, but it will not arrive in time, so I would have to go with clear silicone.
Seems clear to get the Perfecto stand with the black silicone tank, but frankly, I'm a little scared of Perfecto. I have the impression AGA is better quality, although don't know why I have that impression. I've had several AGA tanks and never had a problem, so that's my only experience. AGA is 1/2" thick glass, Perfecto 3/8" glass. AGA bottom is tempered; Perfecto is not. I've also heard/read leaking/breaking stories of Perfecto online, although I do not know all the cirumstances involved and can't verify the truth involved. I'm terrified of having a problem down the line with a tank as it is so much water and I am a in a high rise apartment building.
If the AGA tank will fits the Perfecto stand (some say it will, some say it won't and I am still investigating) I could do that and get the better stand and forego the black silicone and think of something else to cover what will become the algae seams. But if I do that I sacrifice my AGA warranty. Never had a problem with AGA, but nice to know I have a warranty anyway.
So:
1) Go totally with Perfecto (nicer cabinet, black silicone, but do I have to worry about breakage or leaking 5 years on?)
2) Go totally with AGA (not bad cabinet, clear silicone, totally trust the tank)
3) Go AGA tank and Perfecto stand (but lose tank warranty).
What do you think? What's your experience with either? What would you do?