Scott S...that's what the tank and hood look like. My stand is plainer looking.
We can debate the whole issue time and time again, but I don't think there is any difference in the quality between mass retailers and
lfs. Maybe the ones that came back cracked were because of neglect. and the ones cracked in the store are because the workers just really dont care. I worked at wal-mart for three years, and never once did I notice any difference between what we sold and what the
lfs sold. There are standards that EVERYONE has to abide by, if they don't then their stuff doesn't get sold! All of my tanks that I have ever had have been from wal-mart, personally because I can not see spending $350 for the exact same thing at the
lfs. I have upgraded the filter and that at times, but I really don't see a problem with it. I just think that people are trying to discourage other people from getting what they want. In my hometown, wal-mart is the only thing I have for this hobby. There isn't a "mom & pop" store for me to go to, the closest one is an hour away.
The glass on my tank is AS thick as the glass of any other tank.
That's just my opinion, take it for what's it worth!