SCA vs. AGE Aquarium

[trojan_48]

I need some solid advice on my next build. Looking to set up a new 150g. I know both these companies are different in quality standards and product but I wanted to hear pro's and con's of each from experienced reefers please.

This is just about the tanks themselves as I am using AA for the sump and other companies for various other parts of the build.

My main question is if the high price tag of A.G.E. is worth it for a standard 150 or is SC Aquariums a good buy and reliable? Price difference is more than double for an AGE. But for the Special RAP build promotion AGE is doing it drops the cost to a little less than double the price of SCA. haha

And.. GO!

 

[xmas_one]

SCA has very good quality for a Chinese built tank, and they are very affordable. SCA also has a really good customer service reputation. I haven't worked with AGE, so I can't speak to that.

Edit: SCA also kicks down on their pricing big time if you can go pick up the tank from their warehouse in Montclair. Seriously, 50% off is not uncommon.

 

[tofucube]

If you look at them like tanks on the fresh water side then it's like comparing Mr Aqua to ADA. SCA tanks are nice and it holds water but not fair to be compared to AGE as a couple AGE tanks I've seen in person are like that of Leemar and Miracles. Very nicely built. There is a scmas organized group buy that is think it's definitely worth taking a look if you're in the market for a good quality tank.

 

[trojan_48]

Thanks guys. And yes Vu I agree. And with that buy it helps but still double the cost. Just wonder if it's worth the extra cost?

 

[trojan_48]

I can get 2 vortechs and the new M1 for the price difference. Haha

 

[WayneL333]

I've never owned an SCA tank so I can't speak about them, but my current tank is built by AGE. Although some of their features are nice, like the pvc bottom and metal bracing, I would not order from them again.

It took FOREVER for them to deliver because of poor craftsmanship issues. They initially used a dull blade to cut the acrylic overflows and it literally looked like they cut it with a hacksaw. It was a technical build and they didn't build it to spec. Lastly, even when they were ready to deliver it, the glass back panel back had a huge 12" scratch on it. I decided to take delivery at a discount because I was sick of waiting for it.

I'd recommend talking to Aaron at the SPS coral store. He was the company that I order it through. He knows all the issues all too well.

I'd highly recommend using a local builder just for the ease of resolving issues locally. We are fortunate in that we have multiple manufacturers to choose from. I wouldn't order out of state anymore.

And by they way, if you would like the extra security of a metal bracing, Aaron can easily do that for you.

 

[trojan_48]

This is very good to know. I currently have a cadlight artisan 100 and I love it with minor finishing details that Eddie resolved. Now my tank is 3yrs old when he built them locally here. I hear he has them shipped from China now and the stories and that video of it blowing out scares me of their quality.

I also hear sca and cadlights use to be the same. Added safety on sca is its eurobraced. Def helps, but all these tank stories lately has me sketchy of both brands. Any suggestions on other local builders?

 

[trojan_48]

Thank you Wayne. Always loved your tanks and posts. Never knew about all this. Real good to know

I've never owned an SCA tank so I can't speak about them, but my current tank is built by AGE. Although some of their features are nice, like the pvc bottom and metal bracing, I would not order from them again.

It took FOREVER for them to deliver because of poor craftsmanship issues. They initially used a dull blade to cut the acrylic overflows and it literally looked like they cut it with a hacksaw. It was a technical build and they didn't build it to spec. Lastly, even when they were ready to deliver it, the glass back panel back had a huge 12" scratch on it. I decided to take delivery at a discount because I was sick of waiting for it.

I'd recommend talking to Aaron at the SPS coral store. He was the company that I order it through. He knows all the issues all too well.

I'd highly recommend using a local builder just for the ease of resolving issues locally. We are fortunate in that we have multiple manufacturers to choose from. I wouldn't order out of state anymore.

And by they way, if you would like the extra security of a metal bracing, Aaron can easily do that for you.

 

[BeanMachine]

Precision Aquariums are super sexy. I would get a quote from them. The silicone and 45 edges looked awesome.

 

[WayneL333]

Thank you Wayne. Always loved your tanks and posts. Never knew about all this. Real good to know

You're welcome and thank you.

 

[Smite]

I cant speak on AGE but I love my 66 SCA. So much so, I'll be picking up a 100g in the next week or so.

As mentioned above, you usually get another price cut for pickups and that's off the sale price. I was talking with Steve and they have Black Friday sales as well. Maybe shoot him an email, it seems like a good time to grab an SCA for a discounted price, that's for sure.

 

[805reef]

Precision Aquariums are super sexy. I would get a quote from them. The silicone and 45 edges looked awesome.

My precision aquariums tank should be delivered within a couple weeks. I think it will be their first "big" tank. I will post a lot of pictures so you can get an idea of their high quality. I got the mitered corners on it.

 

[trojan_48]

I cant speak on AGE but I love my 66 SCA. So much so, I'll be picking up a 100g in the next week or so.

As mentioned above, you usually get another price cut for pickups and that's off the sale price. I was talking with Steve and they have Black Friday sales as well. Maybe shoot him an email, it seems like a good time to grab an SCA for a discounted price, that's for sure.

Thanks! Yeah I've been emailing him. How's the stand quality?

 

[trojan_48]

My precision aquariums tank should be delivered within a couple weeks. I think it will be their first "big" tank. I will post a lot of pictures so you can get an idea of their high quality. I got the mitered corners on it.

Can't seem to find pics of their tank or a website... Is Joseph still the owner?

 

[F-Dawg]

Apples and Oranges.

 

[WayneL333]

Although someone didn't appreciate my post because they gave me a negative rep with an interesting comment. To the person who posted it, why not post it here and give me an opportunity to respond? If you want me to, I can go into detail on each of the issues I had to deal with getting my AGE tank including pictures.

 

[WayneL333]

Thanks! Yeah I've been emailing him. How's the stand quality?

This also brings up another great point. Be careful and fully read each of the tank manufacturer's warranty. A lot of them void their tank warranty if they aren't the ones who built the stand too.

 

[trojan_48]

This also brings up another great point. Be careful and fully read each of the tank manufacturer's warranty. A lot of them void their tank warranty if they aren't the ones who built the stand too.

Yes thank you. Been reading that. And sorry about the neg remark and Mark. I hope they do speak up. I also got a few of those for the dumbest things and really dislike the rating and neg marks. I believe it's misused

 

[Smite]

Thanks! Yeah I've been emailing him. How's the stand quality?

Mine is a few years old so it was the mdf stand. I haven't seen the PNP style stands in person yet.

I plan to have a custom stand made this time around.

 

[WayneL333]

Yes thank you. Been reading that. And sorry about the neg remark and Mark. I hope they do speak up. I also got a few of those for the dumbest things and really dislike the rating and neg marks. I believe it's misused

lol...no worries. I never understood the purpose of the rep thing either. If anything, it only promotes cowardly trolling.