Top Fin Aquarium and Stand Quality

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to buy this tank and stand, from PetSmart, and was wondering if anyone has experiences, or has heard anything of the quality of their brand, "Top Fin?"

For a 125G Tank, and stand, the price is ~$500, which seems like a good deal, so I'm wondering about the quality, and how well the tank will hold up from leaks, and scratches, etc.?

And if anyone can provide some other options, if they aren't good quality that'd be great (e.g. How are Marineland, if a local store can order them, etc.).

I want to avoid CL, because you never know what the prior owner did with the tank.


Thanks all, link to the tank is below:

 

For a tank I would suggest getting just the tank, then getting everything else seperate. The reason I say this is because I did get a topfin kit, only 5.5 gallons, but ended up having to get a new filter topfin filters aren't that great, new lights (topfin wouldn't grow plants), and new top to fit the new lights.

I ended up spending a lot more money then if I had just gotten the tank, and the equipment separate which is what I am doing for my 40 gallon breeder. I actually got my 40 gallon breeder for just $40.00 during the $1.00 per gallon sale from petco. I also look for sales on places like drfoster and smith, and thatpetplace sites for the equipment. Since I have amazon prime I can also score a nice deal there too.

As for topfin stands I have heard mixed reviews on whether they actually can take water that may splash onto it. I am making my own stand.

 

For a tank I would suggest getting just the tank, then getting everything else seperate. The reason I say this is because I did get a topfin kit, only 5.5 gallons, but ended up having to get a new filter topfin filters aren't that great, new lights (topfin wouldn't grow plants), and new top to fit the new lights.

I ended up spending a lot more money then if I had just gotten the tank, and the equipment separate which is what I am doing for my 40 gallon breeder. I actually got my 40 gallon breeder for just $40.00 during the $1.00 per gallon sale from petco. I also look for sales on places like drfoster and smith, and thatpetplace sites for the equipment. Since I have amazon prime I can also score a nice deal there too.

As for topfin stands I have heard mixed reviews on whether they actually can take water that may splash onto it. I am making my own stand.

Thanks...I do plan on buying the filter (a SunSun canister) and heaters (Aqueon) separate - both from Amazon with my Prime account. And would look to upgrade the lights in a few months or so.

As for the stand, if I were handy, and had the tools, I'd consider making one, but I'm not so handy

 

Oh I'm not handy at all lol, and only power tool I have is a power drill for the screws. It's been quite a learning process actually. I wish you luck with your tank, and don't forget to post pictures when you get it setup.

 

I've got that same 125 and it's been great so far. Got it all for $300 during black Friday.

 

I've got that same 125 and it's been great so far. Got it all for $300 during black Friday.

Awesome! Glad to hear it's great, makes me feel better about this potential (probable) purchase.

 

One thing to remember. If you build your own stand and put said tank on it, it will void the warranty on your tank. And topfin tanks are made by Aqueon.

 

One thing to remember. If you build your own stand and put said tank on it, it will void the warranty on your tank. And topfin tanks are made by Aqueon.

I wouldn't have thought of warranty implications...thanks for that.

But I won't be building my own...I wouldn't even know where to begin!

 

It's actually not that hard. I'm building one myself and this is the first wood working project I've done. Really the only tools you need are a drill, tape measure, and a chop saw our skill saw.

 

Maybe I'll be brave and try it someday.

 

I know it puts me in the minority, but I love the instant gratification of a kit. You take it home, set it up, and yes, eventually you upgrade or tinker with the lights and filtration, but the parts replaced are nearly always adequate for smaller tanks, or back ups, or emergency equipment.

The stands that Petsmart sells look nice. They are, unfortunately, made mostly of pressboard and laminate, but as long as they are stationary and not subject to too much abuse, they will do the job.

 

I ended up building my stand because I wanted drawers. You can't find any commercially made stands with drawers