When I finally decided it was time to upgrade my '70's vintage 20 gallon tank -- the second smallest of my eight display aquariums -- I chose this attractive 28 gallon bowfront. PetSmart's sale price was good enough that I concluded I could afford to discard the unwanted light that came with it.

While this setup is sold under PetSmart's Top Fin name, inspection reveals that all the components are from Marineland/Perfecto, a respected mainstream brand.

The tank is well made, if not as neatly finished as some more expensive brands. (The silicone is often sloppily applied, for example, although many buyers won't be concerned as it isn't conspicuous, and it varies from tank to tank.) The matching glass canopy is much nicer than the plastic hood that comes with a similar euro-style aquarium from another maker. Be careful with it, though, as replacements are not easy to find.

The cabinet is handsome, but MDF, not real wood. However, I have no qualms about its potential durability as it seems better built than the still functional four decade old one mine replaces, which is made of similar material. I do wish it had been designed to accommodate a canister filter. My Eheim must sit next to the cabinet, not in it, but I knew this when I bought it.

The light fixture has only a single, 18" fluorescent bulb, not the 24" one that could be accommodated, much less the dual 24s that most plant growers would consider minimal. I don't use it at all, as I am using the far superior T5 fixtures I transferred from my old 20. (I offered to give it back to the store, but they turned me down.)

Overall, I'd recommend this setup, despite the barely adequate light fixture that is included. But the fixture can always be replaced in the future, while the tank, canopy, and stand are very nice and are a decent value on their own.

+3points

3of 3voted this as helpful.

Review 2 for Top Fin(r) 28 Euro Fluorescent Heartland Ensemble

Overall rating

5 / 5 5 reviews

I like it

August 20, 2012

by happyfishkeeper

fromHastings, NE

What is your gender?F

How many pets do you have?2

How often do you shop at PetSmart?A few times a year

We've been without a fish tank for quite some time, and decided it was time to get another. The sales person was really great and very helpful in getting us a complete and new set up. This tank looks great and doesn't take up a huge amount of space.

0points

3of 6voted this as helpful.

Review 3 for Top Fin(r) 28 Euro Fluorescent Heartland Ensemble

Overall rating

4 / 5 5 reviews

So Far So Good

May 5, 2012

by pogi

fromSurrey, BC

What is your gender?M

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Weekly

I've been running this for two weeks now to settle the water. So far so good. Also I bought this on sale ( in store special ) . Thanks Petsmart !

-1point

4of 9voted this as helpful.

Review 4 for Top Fin(r) 28 Euro Fluorescent Heartland Ensemble

Overall rating

4 / 5 5 reviews

Happy so far

February 5, 2012

by Paintcraze

fromIllinois

I bought this set about 3 weeks ago. The stand seems to be sturdy enough although I wish there were doors for the bottom shelf for more hidden storage. It looks very attractive set up. My only regret is that I wish I had spent a little more money and gotten a bigger tank!

-5points

6of 17voted this as helpful.

Review 5 for Top Fin(r) 28 Euro Fluorescent Heartland Ensemble

Overall rating

1 / 5 5 reviews

VERY disappointing........

January 31, 2012

by jjastro

fromNorthern California

What is your gender?M

How many pets do you have?5 or more

How often do you shop at PetSmart?Monthly

We were very careful in transporting/handling the set first of all. It was a floor model (the stores only carry ONE in stock they said??)We set it all up early last evening: gravel (1 lb/gallon per Petsmart), filter, heater, decoration. Filled with water & treated. About 1 1/2 hour later (as we were headed to bed!) we heard a BANG & looked over to see water gushing out from under the aquarium & flooding our house! After cleaning up & grumbling many bad things we checked the tank- the bottom glass cracked!! We kept the receipts for the tank, stand & all the costy bits to make it habitable- taking it all back to the store tonight. What a nightmare! The only good thing is thankfully it didn't happen when we weren't home! BIG Bummer....Didn't even have time to take a picture- it did LOOK nice...Think long & hard before buying one of this brand!

+2points

13of 24voted this as helpful.