They are virtually identical in all respects. Don't mistake anecdotal evidence for facts.

 

I've always put Aqueon tanks (formerly AGA or all glass aquarium) and marineland tanks (formerly perfecto) at about the same level insofar as quality, craftsmanship, etc. But if I recall correct, marineland might use black silicone on some tanks instead of the clear used by aqueon? At least on some tanks anyway.

Now if you were trying to compare a tetra brand tank to one of these brands, then you might be able to see some much bigger differences in glass thickness, quality of the work, silicone lines, etc. The tetra brand tanks seem far less superior and tend to have some issues with leaks.

 

I've always put Aqueon tanks (formerly AGA or all glass aquarium) and marineland tanks (formerly perfecto) at about the same level insofar as quality, craftsmanship, etc. But if I recall correct, marineland might use black silicone on some tanks instead of the clear used by aqueon? At least on some tanks anyway.

I used to have a 56 column tank from Marineland which did have regular clear silicone. No problems with it at all though when I had it. It was a very nice tank. Both the tanks I'm considering from Marineland the 40 long and 40b have black silicone though too.

I have Marineland, Aqueon, and TopFin tanks. My TopFin 75s are however actually Aqueon tanks as the box was just an inverted aqueon box so the plain side was out. lol Really any of these tanks will statistically be fine if you put them on an adequate stand and dont drop them. Leaks from any glass tank is rare and most can be contributed to damage or improper stands. Sometimes a tank will fail due to manufacturing flaws...but again any brand can have mishaps.

I was trying to setup a Top Fin 50 gallon tank awhile back and just couldn't because every tank I purchased, it looked like the silicone was bad. I then went out and purchased an Aqueon 55 gallon afterwards and noticed a huge difference in quality in the glass considering how much heavier the 55 gallon was despite only being 2-5 gallons worth more. That definitely says something in my opinion. I could barely lift it by myself where the Top Fin I could lift easily with no problem.

 

I have Marineland, Aqueon, and TopFin tanks. My TopFin 75s are however actually Aqueon tanks as the box was just an inverted aqueon box so the plain side was out. lol Really any of these tanks will statistically be fine if you put them on an adequate stand and dont drop them. Leaks from any glass tank is rare and most can be contributed to damage or improper stands. Sometimes a tank will fail due to manufacturing flaws...but again any brand can have mishaps. Marineland if memory serves does have a lifetime warranty where Aqueon has a limited warranty. If you are that concerned with it buy a cell cast acrylic tank with an even lower fail rate

 

I have Marineland, Aqueon, and TopFin tanks. My TopFin 75s are however actually Aqueon tanks as the box was just an inverted aqueon box so the plain side was out.

I know this is a super late response but Marineland and Tetra are both owned by United Pet Group. But then again they might have got a discount. Like in 2006 where GM put Honda engines in some of there cars. Yes Marineland still has lifetime warranty, and on kits the stand is a 6 year. I use Marineland heaters because of the lifetime warranty.

 

The 50G is more of an offbrand kind of thing as it is a very weird size being short. So I can agree the construction isnt "as" good. I do however have one and the silicone is fine...it is much lighter and has thinner glass because of the height. Shorter tanks with a brace don't have to have as thick of glass.

Check out the 75 topfins they have I have bought 3 so far and each one is simply a repackaged aqueon for whatever reason. Very good deal as they can usually be had on sale with glass tops and light for under $150.

 

they both are the same. budget tanks. they work and get the job done for as little money as possible. that is their mission and it satisfies those who are looking for the best band for the buck.

 

Lol really they're budget tanks? Yeah don't think so. Maybe compared to more expensive branded tanks like rimless tanks. Other then that, no.

 

So what line of tanks is significantly cheaper?

 

Agreed..."regular" glass tanks do fine for most people. I will never personally buy into the whole starphire glass concept...if you want rimless and totally clear just get acrylic IMO.

 

I really like Marineland tanks with the black silicone. Marineland is into aquatic stuff big time!

 

Me to it's the only brand I used, since i started the hobby. I really love the lifetime warranty on the heaters. I also like that black silicone.

I've always put Aqueon tanks (formerly AGA or all glass aquarium) and marineland tanks (formerly perfecto) at about the same level insofar as quality, craftsmanship, etc. But if I recall correct, marineland might use black silicone on some tanks instead of the clear used by aqueon? At least on some tanks anyway.

Wasn't Marineland formally Marineland of the Pacific?

 

Wasn't Marineland formally Marineland of the Pacific?

About Us | Marineland®

www.marineland.com

Who Makes Marineland Aquariums? A Detailed Brand Information - Pet Fish Tank

When you are on your way to buy a simple aquarium, but get to know one that serves you a greater outlook with LED lighting- seems interesting right? Marineland company, as the name suggests, gives you the touch of elegance and stability at the same time. Who makes Marineland aquariums? The...

www.petfishtank.com

All-Glass Aquarium Co Inc - Company Profile and News

Company profile page for All-Glass Aquarium Co Inc including stock price, company news, executives, board members, and contact information

www.bloomberg.com

Since supposedly both are made or based in Wisconsin they may be identical so to speak.
My speculation is Aqueon manuf. tanks for Marineland.

Top Manufacturers and Suppliers of Glass Aquariums in the US and Canada

Find a list of the top featured manufacturers and suppliers of glass aquariums on Thomas, as well as the top suppliers in the US and Canada by revenue.

www.thomasnet.com

Though they are each owned by a different conglomerate.
Aqueon:

https://www.central.com/our-brands

Marineland:

Spectrum Brands

Spectrum Brands is a home essentials company trusted by millions of consumers all over the world. Our brands improve the way people live life at home - from making their meals, looking their best and caring for their pets to cleaning their homes and freeing their space from unwanted weeds and...

www.spectrumbrands.com

 

Two completely separate companies. Marineland/Tetra (Perfecto Manufacturing) is owned by United Pet Group (Spectrum Brands).
Aqueon (All Glass Aquarium) is owned by Central Aquatics (Central Garden and Pet).

Them both having ties to Wisconsin may be due to their origins. I believe modern plastic rimmed tank manufacturing primarily stemmed from O'dell industries, many of their tanks are still around today. At some point (I don't know the story) Perfecto (Marineland) and Aqueon (All-Glass) formed, potentially both from O'dell. Some rumors even say Perfecto used O'dell to manufacture their tanks at one point. Either way O'dell went out of business and aqueon and marineland remain. I would guess many of O'dells assets are probably owned by either of the current two manufacturers.

It is also worth noting that a third and fourth manufacturer exist in the USA. North American Pet Products (North American Aquatics) and Aquarium Masters/Aquarium Industry. North American has on/off made various tanks over the years in both glass and acrylic, primarily working directly with Petco and more so PetSmart with store brands tanks. Many PetSmart Topfin tanks have been made by North American. Aquarium Masters primarily works with local stores/distributors, and are some of the most popular tanks sold at local independent retailers, often under the Seapora brand, which is owned/distributed by Big Al's/Royal Aquatic in USA and Canada.

 

Bit late to be conjuring up this old thread. That said, I still would prefer Marineland tanks over Aqueon. Aqueon tanks now, especially the ones bought in big box stores, are very questionable quality. Basically you get what you pay for. I always look at many different tanks before even considering buying an Aqueon from Petco. Silicone jobs on them are often very sloppy.

In terms of regular sized, standard, non rimless tanks, my favorite is Seapora. My 33 long made by them is probably the most superb quality in a tank that I've ever seen.

 

Didn't Deep Blue and Seapora used to be under the same parent company at one point? I don't think they even make Deep Blue tanks anymore. There is also a local company around here called Aquatic America. Many LFS carry their tanks, but I don't know how good their quality would be.

 

Yes, I believe Aquarium Masters/Industry/Industrial made tanks for Deep Blue Professional and Seapora. Seapora seems to be a private label of Royal Aquatic (the remaining American wholesale division of Big Al's). My guess is Deep Blue was a private company that just used Aquarium Industrial to manufacture their tanks, Deep Blue seemed to go under a few years ago.

 

Over the last 5 years this is my comment:
All the aqueon i have are 40B or smaller; they have have clear and very sloppy silicon. I've had a 29 spring a leak after a year at the very bottom behind the plastic frame - it was a slow leak - maybe a gallon an hour. i;ve had a 40B split down the middle of the bottom; as you can imagine it was a very fast leak. They would not refund me my 29 (they said to send receipt and i did) but they never responded. They did replace the 40B but not the 20K damage it caused (cover by insurance).
--
My marine-land is a 120 - it has black silicon and the silicon seems quite well done. I cannot say if this is because it is a marine-land or because it is a 120 but it is what i would expect with regards to silicon job. It is 4 years old and haven't leaked yet - but it is a sample of one. It was many times more expensive than the aqueon on a per gallon basis but it is not a fair comparison.
-
My next set of aquariums will be from custom aquariums.

 

I am always super diligent about checking for issues when buying a new tank, silicone, uneven glass panes, trim, glass chips etc. ESPECIALLY if buying a tank from the DPG sale. I think because of this I haven't had any issues.

When I got my Aqueon 55 gallon in 2015, it was a pristine tank. I purchased it from Pet Supplies Plus and it wasn't on sale or anything. Perhaps there's a connection there. Cost me around 100 bucks. I purchased a 40 breeder in 2013 as well from the DPG sale, and it was also perfect. It seems ever since this time period, for whatever reason, Aqueon tanks have declined in quality. I don't think I would buy another tank again personally from Petco or Petsmart, that is, unless it was a super cheap deal like the DPG sale.