New Member From Brighton, England

[L4byr1nth]

Hey everyone!

I was recently given a small tropical setup for free by my girlfriend's dad.

My own dad always kept fish when I was younger, but got rid of the tank years ago now.

Anyway, I liked tropical fishkeeping so much, I've decided to make my own investment and have a brand new tank , thus my reason for joining the forum!

Other interesting facts; I'm 23, have just finished a music degree, play electric guitar, have tattoos and piercings, long hair, and like pistachio ice cream.

Look forward to learning a lot from you all!

Ben.

 

[james_fish]

to the forum Ben.

Here is an excellent place for any new member to go

James.

 

[ian]

hello and welcome Ben, have a good look around.

 

[Carlovel1]

Welcome Ben!

 

[the biffster]

hi and from the biffster

 

[L4byr1nth]

Thanks everyone for the kind replies.

I'm pretty settled on the Juwel Rio 180 tank for my first setup - I'll no doubt be heavily perusing various sections of this wonderful forum for anyone with experience of the brand, and indeed, this tank.

Once again, cheers you lot!

Ben.

 

[gbailey141]

Hi Ben,

Welcome to the forum. I have the very same tank so would be happy to help in any way.

Gav

 

[L4byr1nth]

Hi Gav, thanks so much for the reply.

I'd love your opinion on the stock filter/heater system that comes with the tank - is it sufficient to keep the fish happy and the water crystal clear?

Did you get the matching cabinet? Worth it?

Thanks again,

Ben.

 

[gbailey141]

Hi Ben,

I did get the matching cabinet (Beech) and I think it makes it look a whole load better. Also there is plenty of storage underneath. The standard filter and heater is decent enough for most stocking but you can upgrade the pump head to 1000LPH to help keep the water clean and clear. I added an external to my set up as well as I have 3 plecs which produce excessive waste. I think externals are better as they can hold much more media than the internal. I know some people have ripped out the internal box to make more space and just use an external. I decided to keep mine in to a) help over filter the water b) back up in case the external fails. I have had no trouble with my heater either. Have had the tank for almost 10 months now and haven't had a single problem.

Hope that helps. Feel free to ask anything else.

Gav

PS The only thing I have changed is to swap the Natural tube for a Hi Lite Colour tube to bring out the reds & blues of my Neons.

 

[L4byr1nth]

Thanks for the info Gav!

Are the tubes supplied with the tank a bit soft then?

I didn't know you could upgrade the pump head... If I do that, do I have to change the impeller as well?

Cheers,

Ben.

 

[gbailey141]

The supplied tubes are a Daylight & Natural. There is nothing wrong with them but the colour tube just enhances the reds & blues of the fishes. The daylight is essential if you are going to use live plants in your tank. The pump head includes the impellor anyway as it's all one unit. It just slots on to the exisiting fitting in the filter box.

 

[L4byr1nth]

Thanks Gav, that has been most helpful!

My mind is made up then - the Juwel Rio 180 it is (in black, of course ).

Ben.

 

[gbailey141]

Ha ha..Good luck with it bud and keep us posted on how it's coming along.

Gav