What's Better, All In One Brand Name Tanks Or Custom?

[branjie]

I'm dreaming about my next tank. I'd like to get one of those modern tanks that have curved glass at the sides. Aqua One tanks are the ones you see at the shops near me. Only thing is that I have heard that you can't sometimes replace parts (lights, filter) for these tanks. Do they really not provide replacement parts after a few years?

 

[2day]

I am sure that they would have to hold onto most of the parts... god question though, it got me thinking!

 

[andywg]

It is more that the ability to upgrade is restricted, so you will not be able to put a decent amount of light over a tank as the hood will not allow for extra lights and things like that.

I prefer to just buy a tank and then make a stand and hood and filtration myself. But I can see the appeal of an all in one set up.

 

[branjie]

I wish I was as handy as you Andywg. Last night I went to an amazing fish shop that had marine fish and other creatures that blew me away. The owner of the shop told me the Aqua One aquariums are not really suitable for marine, as you can't really get a skimmer in there, and also you can't upgrade the light as you said. Still for tropical, I think I might get one. I don't think I'll be ready for marine for a long time. They sound expensive and a lot of work. I think it will be a long term goal if I do well with the tropicals.

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

I also advise caution when choosing an all in one system. Our tank was bought as a kit , and it was only a few weeks before we decided we needed a second filter, and are now looking at upgrading the hood.

 

[branjie]

That's a worry Aphotic Phoenix. What was lacking with the first hood? Was there a problem with filter or lighting?

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Well mine is a 28 gallon bowfront...
Filter was only rated for a 30 gallon tank (and we all know how they over rate filters).
Current hood only holds one 15 watt fluorescent bulb.

Since ours was a kit nothing was built in, it just meant the cover/hood/filter/etc were a package deal, so I'm lucky there in the respect that I can upgrade. I put a second HoB filter on (rated for a 40 gal), and have moved a floor lamp over for the plants (clear glass top) until the family decides to spring for the hood upgrade.

 

[jasonskillz]

im using full JEBO equipment. they have a full line of replacement parts and the corners are round.

www.jeboaquarium.com

go take a look, the glass is beautiful

 

[branjie]

I like the JEBO ones, they are pretty much the same as the Aqua Ones I think. They have very thick glass which is good, and curved edges mean that there isn't a join there that could leak. I love the curved glass at the edges, I think it gives you better viewing of the fish. My octagon aquarium looks nice, but it's a bit hard to actually see the fish.

I'd be interested to hear what people think is better, JEBO or Aqua One? I know an aquarium store which sells Aqua Ones with the cabinet included in the price of the aquarium which is definitely a selling point.

 

[merry78]

heya, the Aquaone packages are really popular here, i have two AR-380s and have never had a problem with getting parts. I chucked out the carbon pad and replaced it with plain filter wool, and this is the main part that you replace regularly, so it saves a bit of cash.
Having said that, i probably wouldn't go with aquaone for a bigger tank (the 380s are around 34L), my bigger tanks are custom as i want the better filtration/lighting that you can have when you assemble your own setup. (my 380's are fry tanks).
Also, shop around, as the tank/ cabinet all-in-one setups can vary quite a lot in price for the exact same product ( ie the 380 was selling for $170 in one lfs, and on special for $99 in another...)
HTH, merry.

 

[jarcher1390]

I think it better to custom build so u can get the equipment to your needs or prices plus putting it together and getting to know your equipment is fun and very useful, there is also the possibility of upgrading certain bits easier. but if your not that fussed and useless at handy work get a prebuilt tank just saves a lot of time and energy.

 

[branjie]

It sounds like custom tanks are better, I'll have to get a quote for a price. The LSF said they can organise a custom tank with someone really good, but it will be more expensive. You also have a long wait. I just hope he can do something a bit more modern than the colonial style tanks they showed me. If it works out too expensive, I'll get an Aqua One or Jebo.

 

[jasonskillz]

JEBO's biggest tank is a 300 gal. comes with a stand and everything. i tried to lift one, its bloody heavy. JEBO is extremely popular around my area, but i dont think theres a distributor in the UK