Differences in different brands/models of tanks

**nohomeleave** · 28th Apr 2010, 00:18

I would like to know the main differences between the more popular brands of aquarium tanks. I have heard of 5 plan, GEX and Ocean Free among others. There is also a price difference, of course, but what makes one brand/model better than another. What are the criteria on which makes a better tank. For example, a thicker glass tank is better than a thinner glass tank due to safety issues or magnification? Please comment, am new to the hobby still and just want to know more.

**dreamseeker** · 28th Apr 2010, 10:03

Not sure about the brand name differences, but the type of glass being used for the tanks such as crystal glass/optiwhite/low iron would be 1 of the main difference.

**nohomeleave** · 28th Apr 2010, 10:19

How so? Is it clearer or more magnified?

**dreamseeker** · 28th Apr 2010, 13:13

The low iron/crystal glass is supposed to be clearer or higher clarity compared to normal glass.

I have seen the setup of ADA tanks & Borneowild tanks and they are very clear. However, having said that, I havent been able to compare the tanks so call crystal clear tanks and normal glass tanks side by side.

I think some brands would have curve corners or curve front glass. The curve front glass would have abit of magnification. Thicker or thinner glass would go hand in hand with the tanks size if not mistaken.

**kelvin** · 29th Apr 2010, 12:07

hi,
I think there is no difference between what makes a brand better than the other. Rather, it's more about which one suits your preference.
As for thickness, you may want to view previous posts on which thickness is recommended (for safety) for each tank dimensions; otherwise, the thickness is not of much relevance. Perhaps, thicker glass do insulate marginally better.
As for opti-white/ crystal/ low-iron glass, they are sort of the same type of glass. They allow enhanced light transmission. Ordinary glass have a slight green tint which, though is not really perceptable to the naked/ noob eye, may be preferred due to it transmitting the natural colours of your aquascape through the glass to your eyes. ie. the picture is more 'real'.
Also, from my experience, some brands may offer low prices for tanks, but the glass may be of an inferior quality. When you try to look at the glass surface from the side, your may observe some wavy runs; the surface is not perfectly flat. As such, the view may be distorted in terms of proportions. For me, it irks me quite a bit because when i try to look very close to the tank, and i run my view along the surface of the tank, i will see a distorted and dizzying picture.
Hope the above helps!

**nohomeleave** · 29th Apr 2010, 12:38

Thanks, it sure does help! It gives me something mroe to read up on!

**nohomeleave** · 29th Apr 2010, 12:40

I meant more to read up on!!!

**kelvin** · 29th Apr 2010, 12:46

You are welcome

Another thing: what i told you above is with no regard to your budget. if you are new to this hobby, perhaps it'll be good to stick with one that's low cost. that way, at least it leaves you with room for 'improvement' further down the road. haha...

**chilla18** · 29th Apr 2010, 13:42

Hi Kelvin so can I check the 4 regular tank maker in this forum how are their glass quality or any brother has comment about their glass use?

Originally Posted by kelvin

hi,
I think there is no difference between what makes a brand better than the other. Rather, it's more about which one suits your preference.
As for thickness, you may want to view previous posts on which thickness is recommended (for safety) for each tank dimensions; otherwise, the thickness is not of much relevance. Perhaps, thicker glass do insulate marginally better.
As for opti-white/ crystal/ low-iron glass, they are sort of the same type of glass. They allow enhanced light transmission. Ordinary glass have a slight green tint which, though is not really perceptable to the naked/ noob eye, may be preferred due to it transmitting the natural colours of your aquascape through the glass to your eyes. ie. the picture is more 'real'.
Also, from my experience, some brands may offer low prices for tanks, but the glass may be of an inferior quality. When you try to look at the glass surface from the side, your may observe some wavy runs; the surface is not perfectly flat. As such, the view may be distorted in terms of proportions. For me, it irks me quite a bit because when i try to look very close to the tank, and i run my view along the surface of the tank, i will see a distorted and dizzying picture.
Hope the above helps!

**kelvin** · 29th Apr 2010, 14:07

Hi Chilla18,
hmmm regarding the 4 tank makers i'm not too sure which ones you are refering to. besides, i'm not in a position to comment on their products as i've yet to become any of their customers. i personally get all my tanks custom-made from a glass supplier directly, because i can be sure my preferences will be adhered to when i speak to the contractors and i guess it's cheaper that way? haha...
However, i can share with you the following when doing any tank:
1) ask the person for the grade of glass and where the raw glass came from.
2) ask for a sample (either pictures or real tank setups) to be sure what you asked for will be what you get.
3) check whether there is any warranty
4) do consider whether the tank is made locally or not. For transportation incurs fees as well as stress for the brittle glass.

if you want the contact number of where i made my tanks, you may pm me.
Nevertheless, i hope all the other seniors in this forums will be able to comment/ correct me if necessary.
Hope my blabbering helps