Difference between All-Glass and Oceanic

[drosynek]

Hi,
I am thinking of getting a new 180G glass tank and was wondering what is the difference between Oceanic and All-Glass. The local shoppes where I live all carry All-Glass and I never seriously considered anything else. I started doing a bit of research and I can't seem to see what advantages one has over the other.

Hoping for enlightenment =]

 

[pez]

Oceanic is considered a premium version of the AGA tank. They are made by the same people (now). You really can't go wrong with either.

-Tom

 

[monkeyboy]

Oceanic tanks are made stronger. When you put an AGA 180 next to an Oceanic 180, the big difference you see is the center brace. AGA uses 2 small plastic braces while the Oceanic uses a heavy glass center brace. There will be less of a bow, but if you're using halides, one lamp will hang over the centerbrace, cutting down on the light, especially if you don't clean it often. Never had a problem w/ AGA, Oceanic's are nice but often much more expensive than AGA. I bought an AGA 120 for my new tank, didn't go w/ oceanic because of the cost factor so I could pour some more money into lighting/skimming, etc. HTH

 

[mariner]

All Glass overflows pull water from the top and bottom where Oceanic overflows just pull water in from the top. Like previously said, you can't go wrong either way.

 

[ezduzt_nyc]

monkeyboy

What stand did you get for your AGA 120? I'm about to buy AGA 120 with their Modern Series stand and canopy. What do you think?

 

[drosynek]

Thank you for the information!

 

[D-Nak]

It is true that Oceanic and All-Glass are owned by the same company, but from what I hear they still have separate manufacturing plants. I've seen both side by side and the Oceanic tanks look a lot nicer physically -- the seams are nicer, glass is thicker, and the trim around the top and bottom have a niver bevel.

Something to keep in mind... I was at my LFS the other day and they had an Oceanic stand-- didn't look like it could hold up the tank since it was made with sheets of plywood with some trim pieces. BUT, the guy at the LFS (who knows his stuff) said that Oceanic will only honor the full warranty on their tanks if you use their stands to hold up their tanks.

I myself chose an All-Glass 120. It's not that bad. As for the overflows mariner is right that the All Glass overflows pull water from the bottom and top. BUT, if you plan you have a thick sand bed you're most likely going to clog the bottom inlets of the overflow. Just something to keep in mind (it's not a big deal though).

Oh, and don't waste your money buying the All Glass overflow kits, just make your own (look for the Durso design, pretty cool). You can buy all the parts for a lot less than the 50 bucks they are charging for the overflow kit.

D-Nak

 

[Anonymous]

Correct Oceanic is basically a totally different company than AGA, AGA just owns them however Central Garden and Pet owns AGA. None of that really matters unless you call AGA asking about a custom tank in which they will just point you to Oceanic.

Oceanic tanks are built stonger and the seams and work is neater. Thier cabinets are excellent and plenty strong. AGA Cabinets work just fine but are of a lower quality overall. Oceanic's Caps OTOH are not built that well. The Modern AGA caps are not the best design but are relatively easy to install a MH retrofit.

AGA's customer service/warranty department has always offered excellent service. Oceanic is responsive to design ideas however they seem to a bit slower to respond to warranty issues.

 

[Scottis24]

My freind recently gave me his Oceanic, and I think it is the nicest tank I have seen in a while. It's nice enough looking that I had no issues with placing it in our lobby here at the office. I have an all glass for my oscar at home, and I will say the Oceanic is a lot prettier and sturdier looking but at a much larger price premium. The stand has held up well at my freinds house and survived the move to the office without any issues at all.

Scott Jones

 

[acrophoria]

just set up my 175 oceanic and it is great
the stand for this tank was made out of particle board so I made my own stand plus I made my stand 40 inches tall so you dont have to duck down to look in the tank great quality

 

[Reefscap]

 

[esmithiii]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote

Oceanic tanks are made stronger. When you put an AGA 180 next to an Oceanic 180, the big difference you see is the center brace. AGA uses 2 small plastic braces while the Oceanic uses a heavy glass center brace. There will be less of a bow, but if you're using halides, one lamp will hang over the centerbrace, cutting down on the light, especially if you don't clean it often.

I have an AGA 180, and I have zero bow. Another problem with the center brace on the oceanic is that if you have MH lights they can crack the brace which can cause a catastrophic failure.

The overflows on the oceanic are larger, and seem nicer.

I did a lot of research and went with the AGA mostly because of the huge price differential. I LOVE the tank.

Ernie