Favourite make of Tank

I have decided that the space in my living room just definately needs to be filled by a bigger tank.

What I want is something like a 3footer, maybe 200litres or so, but I want to make sure I buy a decent one.

I have been looking aboiut on line and there are loads of nice looking tanks available, but I am wondering if they are all much of a muchness or are some better than others? Munchty mentioned in one of her psts that Juwel filters are rubbish, and they are built in to the tank I think so am I best crossing them off my list of potential buys? Are there other makes that have some built in flaw or problems that make them harder to maintain etc.

Any advice welcome

I like the look of the Rena tanks but there expensive,
but then i like plain things.

i would go for a plain tank and cabnet.
that way you can choose what filter/s, heater, lighting.
most stands/cabnets come without stain so you can even choose what colour / stain you want too.

and usualy you can get setups cheeper this way too.

I have heard a few people find the Juwel heater/filter set up a bit of a pain, and some actually replace them with an internal or external set up. I am not sure who (apart from chez) has a Juwel, maybe Munchycarrot (not sure), but it might be worth bearing in mind when you are choosing your new tank.

True Diane
i don't think this filter is much cop ;o( my pf3 would have cleared this tank in a hour
the heater is a very thin one. its set at 73/4 i like the tank at about 76/7
i tried to move it this morning but it hasant budged.
i think i might save up and get a pf 4. i already have a new heater from the other tank.
and take the whole box out, you just slide a knife down apparently as its stuck on with aqua sealent, and take it out.
apart from that you can't see the heater, i dont trust things i can't see,
my heater has a light on you see come on and off.
The Tank and stand is fab.

Forgot to add...........
you also have to have both the strip lights on
the blue and white whch to me is daft
as when there on the tanks very bright,
ok if you are having real plants.

if i had a choice and cash.i would have the big Rena but i think they are 24inch in depth.
so no good for me.

heres 2 pics taken just now
you can see how light it is with the lights on
can you imagine how bright this is when its dark

That does look bright chez - does Elvis have a set of shades?

Thanks everyone - I will have a look online and see what the costs of other makes are. I am hoping I can find a used one - maybe on ebay. I wont go for a Jewel one though so will concentrate on other makes and ask for info on them when I have narrowed it down a bit more

My favourites are the AquaOne tanks - I have three. They're a bit more expensive than other brands but I like the seamless curved glass plus the hood filter is a doddle to access and maintain. It's been well documented that I hate getting my hands wet...

i have 3 juwel tanks. We have stripped the box out of the bigger one & put 2 heaters in, lying sideways behind the rocks & have 2 Tetratec ex1200's on it.

Chez, we bought some seperate blue lights (about £20 off ebay) that just stick on the inside lip of the tank at the back. We turn the main light off at night & put the blue light on for a couple of hours.
Here's a pic of my tank with the moonlights on...



Here's the lights...






Here's a link to the lights on ebay

Thanks M.C i am wanting a strip of white ones
as i think the main ones in the tank are too bright for e.

we have two fluval roma's very impressed with them, our first tank was a jewel but had a lot of trouble with lighting so changed it for the fluval.



dekker

Well - I now dislike my Rena very very much

Lots of mateal worl on the outside - and im covered in scars as evidence

Im always cutting myself on these metal bits

Just my 1p worth

not seen any of them rich, but covered in scars is not good.


dekker