Nathan Hill acquired this tank as part of an ongoing project, but once it arrived he knew it deserved a mention in its own right...
This tank is weighty and a lump to move. I think that’s a good thing and if I’m going to have a couple of hundred kilos of glass and water in my house I want it to be sat on something that’s going to last.
The cabinet is flat packed, and assembly is simple. Unlike some I’ve constructed, there’s no confusion as to which way is up, and precision crafting means that holes align where they should. It comes with a protective film and if you’ve any sense then you’ll not remove it until you’ve finished building.
Once assembled, peel away the protection and marvel at the nicest gloss black finish around. I’m impressed — it kind of sucks in light.
The tank is a nice size, but shorties may struggle to reach the bottom when maintaining it. I’d rather have a nice tank and a footstool than a small set-up.
Holes are drilled in the base, a la Venezia and Vicenza, and, for me, this was the key selling point of those earlier tanks.
A Fluval 305 canister sits underneath in the cabinet, with tank connectors thrusting tidily upwards and not looking like the usual hospital-ward chaos scenarios with sagging tubes and calcium-crusted suckers hanging all over the back and sides.
Oddly, the unit is advertised as having a smaller 205 filter, and I don’t know whether this is an intentional change, or incorrect printing detail.
Lighting includes a smart overtank canopy that secures in place on a sliding rail system, and you get two quality tubes –Life GLO and Power GLO – in T5 format. This overcomes the problem I’ve found with other tanks where the lights are static. Lighting position can make a big difference, as one of the most successful fish retail chains in the country can testify…
Sliding covers are included. They are sturdy, fit perfectly and don’t feel as if they’re going to drop out or break anytime soon. Movement is good, with no snagging or jarring.
Dimensions of the tank and cabinet combined are 94cm long x 45.5cm wide x 142cm tall (37 x 18 x 56”) Tank height alone, including trim is 55cm, and it has a deep feel, unlike some tanks. Fans of the older Hagen Osaka should like this!
Price: Suggested retail from Hagen is £611.75, and the most expensive I’ve seen is £599. At this price, it’s certainly worth a look.
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