New Juwel Rio 125

[dissimulo]

Hi all,

I recently bought a Juwel Rio 125 tank, in black , including the built in filter compartment with heater and pump. I've had tanks before, 2 to be precise, but this third will be my 'proper' attempt. I've yet to collect the tank so there's time to set the gears in motion regarding the following topics:

• Filtration - Internal/external.
• substrate - Sand/gravel.
• Initial layout - Ideas. Where to find low cost drift wood, slate, etc.
• Planted V. non-planted.
• Stocking - Ideas and suggestions.
• General advice and critique.

As before mentioned, I want to have a good go at this tank; so take me for a noob and offer any necessary advice/suggestions/feedback!

Luke.

 

[justjon]

Hi, this is the tank I have and it's brilliant in terms of space saving but going for the "next step up"

It'll fit a decent stock of small fish in there, I have gravel in mine (pic below) with LED "moonlight" lamps and the normal filter, aswell as some live plants and bogwood.

It looks fantastic and imo is a great tank.

 

[dissimulo]

Just what I wanted to hear, thanks! Your tank looks great by the way. I aim to use sand (£2.99 - Argos) as I think it helps boost the 'natural' appearance. I'm hoping to use some straggly pieces of bog wood to help fill space and either a selection of large pebbles or slate. Do you know where to get them at low cost? I think I'll definitely use live plants as they are in keeping with the theme.

Also, how do you find the filter? Would I benefit much from using an external?

Thanks,

Luke.

 

[justjon]

Hey, thanks!

The filter to me seems fine, i've had no problems personally but I have been thinking about getting an additional external anyway just to help with flow, more filtration helps I guess!

The gravel in the pic looks bigger than it is, it's quite a fine gravel, i've been told that plants can have trouble growing with sand etc.. not sure there is any truth behind that.

Slate etc, i've found the best bet is a local garden center, obviously just make sure you wash it thoroughly before adding to the tank, I have two pieces of bogwood in mine, each piece has a natural cave in it which my bulldog pleco's love

 

[dissimulo]

How didn't I think of garden centres? I think I might end up getting an external though, not only because everybody seems to be operating one but also, as you say, extra filtration can't hurt. Obviously I want the biological balance to be correct but I also want ovely clean, crisp looking water for a really modern-natural feel. I'm sure the Juwel lighting system will help achieve that.

Speaking of fish, assuming I use only the internal filter, what is the approx. stock limit?

Thanks,

Luke.

 

[justjon]

Definately just getting some bigger pics which i'll upload for you in a tic,

As for stocking, here is my max stocking with ONLY the juwel internal filter.

2x Apistogramma Cacatuoides
4x Male Platy
8x Glowlight Tetra
8x Silver Hatchet
2x Bulldog Plec
6x Amano Shrimp

As you can see by my signature, i'm getting there!

 

[justjon]

Here are pics of it currently, sorry about the dark one.. but it's lighter when you see it! (just the cam).. it's basically a "moonlight" set I got for it 2 days ago Only £12 too

 

[dissimulo]

Very nice mate, it's looking nice and tidy! But a little bit squished - aren't the Rio's 81cm wide? Where did you find those moon lights? I hear they really emphasize a fishes colour.

Out of interest, what combination of filter media are you using?

Thanks,

Luke.

 

[ChilliPepper]

In a tank that size I'd definitely go for a hang on back filter or external filter, as the internal in justjon's tank takes up so much space

 

[arobinson1984]

Hi,

I have a 4 year old rio 125 and run an eheim 2217+ external filter on it.

I'd certainly recommend getting an external and removing the internal filter completely, it's not a bad filter, it just takes up so much space and is an eyesore.

I paid £80 for eheim brand new and filters at about 7x turnover so is great for the tank, my tanks planted and plants are doing great, I gave gravel though as sand can sometimes get blown about by filters spray bar


Andy

 

[ian]

isn't that a Juwel Lido 120, justjon?

 

[justjon]

isn't that a Juwel Lido 120, justjon?

Oh dear.. see, this is what late nights on the PC do to you...

Apologies to the OP - yes, it is infact a Lido 120.

I'll go and hide under a rock now.

 

[dissimulo]

I knew it didn't look quite right!

I'm collecting my tank tomorrow so hopefully I can upload a few pictures of the finished piece, if ever I find time to buy the correct ornaments. Going down the external route is one I wish to take, eventually. For now though I'm going to stick with the internal and see how things pan out. Also, keeping the filter in makes the display look more technical which I think is cool.

Any thoughts on substrate? I prefer sand for its clean and tidy/natural appearance but have been advised to steer clear and opt for gravel.

Thanks,

Luke.