Please, advice requested (especially from UK aquarium fans)

[Ariel13]

Hello! Im living in the UK, after moving from Italy several years ago. In Italy I owned a freshwater aquarium; now I would like to set up a freshwater tank here too, and I am wondering which of the following 2 options I should choose:

- Hagen Tropiquarium 68 (72 lt)
or
- Juwel Vision 180 (180 lt)

I know that they are very different in terms of water capacity, but they would both suit the kind of tank Id like to set up. Also the cost of the tank is not an issue.

As for the Hagen, the pros are that there is an integrated timer for the lights, and I know already that the filter BioLife is working very well, I had it in my previous aquarium in Italy (the brand was Askoll, but as far as I see, it was the same as Hagen 88).

I have never had Juwel tanks and I have heard that, despite they are quite popular here in the UK, their filters are bigger in size and not the best around. However, the Vision range offers bow fronted tanks that look very nice.

I would like to hear some advice from you, and some feedback from the owners of these tanks.

I thank you in advance!!

Ariel

 

[jamjarjames]

Hi

I can't really tell you which tank is best because i only have experience with juwel. I have owned a Juwel aqaurium for a year now and nothing has ever gone wrong and it works like a dream! Iam considering getting the Rio 180 very soon because iam so impressed, however as i said iam unsure on the hagen. Hope this helps!

 

[Ariel13]

Thanks!

About the Juwel tank, id like to know if lights are easy to put on a timer and if the aquarium pump is very noisy (in my past aquarium it was)

 

[jamjarjames]

the Juwel i have is very quite can't hear it unless you listen hard! A timer can be placed on the plug for the lights so thats easy!

James

 

[vato]

I, personally would go for the Hagen, They are the best tanks on the market. most tanks are made with the same glass on every side. But Hagen tanks are built with a Specialised glass on the bottom and sides that was specifically desinged for fish tanks. They also have a silicon that is superior to most tank manufacturers

 

[jamjarjames]

does the glass really need to be that much better? My Juwel tank has been moved with 10 gals in it (do not recommend this)! and the tank is doing fine no leaks! what i really like about Juwel is the way that everything is supplied and works together really well.

 

[RobUK]

You cant beat the al in one box juwel setups for simplicity I would agree.

Alot is said about different tanks, personelly I dont see the difference, glass is glass, and they all have to hold water, what more is there unless your the fashion conciese.

Go with the bigger tank if moneys not a worry as it will give you more room for expansion and fish.

 

[vato]

I'd say that's a very valid point , and I'd make it a consideration when buying, but the fact is that all tanks have stress on them when they have water in them. Some tanks are built so that they can just barely handle the weight. A hagen tank is made to handle much more than what could be put in it. Also another good idea that can cut down on tank cost if you opt to not buy an expensive tank would be to put a piece of sheet styrofoam under the tank, this absorbs any "weak spots" ans well as levels the tank, it will not allow the tank to twist, and for all these reasons is a good alternative to buying a more expensive tank

 

[Ariel13]

thank you so much for all the input guys!

There is another option that I was considering that is to bring here my old tank from Italy. After running for about 1 year and a half it was emptied when I had to move to London and now it has laid in my cellar in Italy for like 7 years.
One of the main concern was that Askoll brand is not present here in the UK in case I need spare parts, but i am pretty sure that it is nearly the same as Hagen Tropiquarium, I mean same Biolife filter, hood with lights timer, even the blu color of electronic display is the same.
But i was wondering, after all this time there are chances that silicon sealing got dry and ruined? and is it very risky to move a tank trough van (risk in terms of future leaks I mean)?

 

[johnnyxxl]

silicon could dry out but if its a cellar any like here in the states could be damp and not have dried it out. Another plus silicon can easily be replaced. I would have to say what may be meant by glass being especially made for fish keeping is heavier glass so its not as likely to fail in the even that it is stressed or scratch as easily as others may.