130g. Hagen Vrs Marineland

[Scherb]

Hello. So as title says, i am going to get a 130g, but the marineland is $150.00 cheaper. But has a center divider. i know Hagen is better but is it worth it ? Cheers

[Victor]

hmm, hard to say. I never ever had a marineland tank. All my tanks are perfecto, seastar, hagen, and allglass. My gut tells me Hagen, but honestly, I don't think it matters too much. Is the glass thickness the same? Maybe the marineland one has a centerbrace because it has thinner glass

[gklaw]

Worth it or not is a personal opinion It also depends where and how it sits. The way my two SW tanks sit. The edges stare at me every time I walk by - it worth it. If it is going to sit against a wall where the polished/rough edges are not that obvious, then who really cares.

Centre brace has the advantage of easier to put in glass lids. You will hate the brace when you have to case and catch a fish

[Luke78]

I think that decision comes down to you in the end.Do you want to save a bit of money? or spend a bit more? Are you buying new?or used? Things you have to consider are with a larger unit the lighting-filtration-and cosmetic cost(rock/driftwood/ornaments/plants etc) rise up compared to a smaller setup.Stocking levels can be increased,but maintaince may take a bit more time to complete.As for the makes,I have always used Hagen personally and have never had a failure.Quality and craftsmanship have been tops and reliable.Several tanks had 10+yrs usage in them.If you take care of your stuff,iam sure it will last a while.

[Luke78]

Forgot to add in the previous post, run through the warranty of each manufacturer and see whats covered,isnt covered,and how long it lasts.Last thing you want to do is spend all this money,and have a failure of somekind.I guess this applies to newer setups,bonus if it comes with a used one.

[veng68]

I had a 66 gallon Hagen for 16 years before it sprung a leak near the top of the tank. Gave it to a friend who re-siliconed it.

I've never experienced a Marineland tank.

Cheers,
Vic

[monkE]

if you're buying new, then I think the age old saying applies: You get what you pay for

Usually if one is more expensive, it's for a reason. Like Victor said, the glass thickness might be the reason, or something else done differently during the production process.

I love not having any center brace in my 77, even just gravel vaccing it makes it so much easier

[Scherb]

Ok Some good points there. it will be new and yes the marineland does have a center brace. witch is good for making a lid but not for maintenance. I am defiantly leaning towards the Hagen. Thanks all for your comments. Cheers

[Shell Dweller]

I bought a used 160 gal Hagen ( no center brace ) which I love as it is easier to clean. It did how ever sprung a leak, not sure of the age of the tank, and it probably should have been re-sealed before I set it up. I am going to re-seal it soon and get it back up and running. I do think the Hagen is worth the extra money as I think it is better quality.

[cowis]

i just got a 125 gallon hagen. the glass is thicker cose there is no center brace. to me it come down to what type of glass tops u want and how ur lights will sit.