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I've got a 25gal hagen tanks, I'm fairly pleased with it, but it was not cheap. I'm planing to upgrade to a much larger a aquarium maybe a 50 or 75 gal. I want to have something impressive and structurally sound, something that looks good and works even better. I want the rolls roice of tanks haha.

But my question is...

When it comes to buying tanks, filters, and accessories, what sort of names should I be looking for or staying away from?

I really don't think we are allowed to say which products are bad or cheap here. That been said, there are a lot of products out there, some are better made than others, some are more expensive because for the name. As far as glass tanks I think they are all just about the same, but there are some things you can look at. The silicone beads than hold the tanks together, I have noticed that some seem to have less, than others.... not sure if that matters comsidering they are all designed the same. However, you do want to make sure first the tank is an aquarium tank and not a reptile tank. As reptile tanks are really only designed to be filled half way, any more than that and the glass can and will break or at the very least leak. Also in larger tanks you will want to see center braces in the top and bottom of the tank. In custom or home designs you will see an extra strips of glass at the top and bottom and corners. these braces are there to support the water pressure in tanks and like I said in larger tanks of any quailty they must be there. You can save a few bucks by buying used, but inspect it first. If it been sitting empty use a caution, not that its a bad tank or any thing it may leak and then you may be into replacing the silicone in the tank and that maybe more work than you want to do. If it is a working tank than just look for leaks, but generally these are people moving or just can't take care of the tank any more. The only tank I have ever bought new was my first a 40 US gal standard, back in 1985 the rest have been given to me or bought at yard sales or thur the local fliers.
As far as equipment, that is a personal choice, depending on the amount of money you want to spend. You should do the research on the products compare the specs and see if you really getting the most bang for our bucks. Personally I just learned the hard way would be the availabily of replacement parts and I been do this for years.

I hope that I given you at least so usefull info

Djrichie
"So Long, and Thanks For All The Fish" Douglas Adams

It really comes down to personal preference. Because what you may have had bad luck with, someone else may have had nothing but great luck with.

And as far as cheap, how do you mean? Prices or quality? Because I have purchased some high quality filters online at cheap prices and they are working great.

But with anything, it really just comes down to research and knowing what your looking for. and as far as brand loyalty, for me it comes down to what I need and how much I have to spend at the time I need it.

Fish tanks are an expensive addiction

There are only several high quality brands for fish tanks and this is usually indicated by price and its performance. Eg just because a filter has a greater output flow rate does not make it a better filter what makes an excellent filter is its construction, quality of materials used, and how the filter works.
Air pumps big is certainly not better again it is quality made and how quiet it is when working. At the moment I am running 3 large Rena pumps all over 20yld and still working as good as new, certainly they have been repaired a few times but this happens as some parts do wear out and must be replaced.
Even air stones from the real cheapest to the plastic and ceramic stones which never wear out.
Also heaters here stick to the high quality priced heaters.
When it comes to lighting again quality will give you a better performance and last longer as even the high quality plant lights should be replaced every 2 years to get the full benefit from them.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
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Hi,
When I was working in the field, O'Dell tanks were
considered to be the very best. They used quality
US made glass and were carefully constructed with
quality silicone.

Some manufacturers use thinner glass or glass from
a middle eastern country that can have some flaws
in it.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--