Which Tank Would You Go For

[Twinklecaz]

My choices are the Fluval Roma 125 or the Juwel Rio 125. I'm looking at these two deals:

http/www.seapets.co.uk/products/aquarium-supplies/aquariums/juwel/juwel-rio-aquariums/juwel-rio-125-aquarium-and-cabinet-black.html

http/www.seapets.co.uk/products/aquarium-supplies/aquariums/fluval/fluval-roma-aquariums/fluval-roma-125-aquarium-and-cabinet-oak-and-wenge.html

Obviously I'm also looking at the free stuff that comes with them and the quality of it. I've got no experience with Juwel filters (but have with Fluval Us so I'm happy with that being the free filter in the Fluval option).

What does everyone think?

 

[StandbySetting]

The Juwel is the most aesthetically pleasing, especially in walnut, but the Roma has more practical lighting and filtration.

 

[dh058977]

Where abouts are you based? Have you considered a second hand tank on eBay? Ive seen some real bargains and even picked up a few myself! Ive only ever brought 1 new tank. If I had to choose between those two new I'd pick the Roma.

 

[lilfishie]

i have a Roma, i find it better looking than the Jewel but thats just me

 

[dh058977]

i have a Roma, i find it better looking than the Jewel but thats just me

+1 on that, I dont like the look of that Juwel at all. I love my trigon though!

 

[Twinklecaz]

The Juwel is the most aesthetically pleasing, especially in walnut, but the Roma has more practical lighting and filtration.

Yeah, that's the way I was leaning. I love the look of the Juwel but I think the "freebies" are better with the Fluval.

dh058977: Lol thanks. I look all the time but I'm right down on the south east coast and all the tanks seem to be "pick up only" 100+ miles aways. BUT the reason I even looked at the Juwels today ( I was decided on the Fluval) was because a friend of a friend has one for sale. I don't even know which one it is yet but I know it's a 125 which the size I want so I thougt I'd look at them and found I really like the Rios. If he comes back and says it's any of the others though then I'm definitely not interested lol.

 

[dh058977]

If you ever find a tank you want on ebay at a good price but its too far away, can I recommend www.shiply.com
You can advertise the courier job on there. I did and had one delivered, the cost of the tank + delivery was still 100's cheaper than buying new!

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

I would choose the Roma, unless you have definite plans for plants that need T5 lighting and all the other essentials that go with it (enriched substrate; carbon dioxide source, regular micro and macro nutrients). In addition, as I found out with my Rio240, quite a few tropical fish do not appreciate the intense lighting of those T5s. The U3 filter of the Roma will also cause no agro in removing and/or replacing, whereas the integrated Juwel will.

But as said above, there are often some great deals to be had on Ebay and alike, if you have patience.

 

[soybean]

Facing the exact same dilemma earlier this year, I went for the dark wood juwel. This was purely because it was going in my bedroom and I wanted it to blend in as part of the furniture.

If you're planning on light stocking and not having fish that produce a lot of waste like cichlids or a plec, there is nothing wrong with the juwel internal filter, it functions very well. I've recently added an external in addition to this purely because I have some right poopers and wanted to whisk it off the sand a bit better.

But, the lighting is overkill for the average collection of plants. This is my only gripe with the Rio.

I loathe U series filters, there is far less space for media in one of those compared to the juwel internal.

There isn't much in it. Both have good and bad points. Go for whichever you prefer looking at.

PS. take a printout to your lfs and see if they will price match or give you freebies as well. Mine did. Support local business when you can.

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

PS. take a printout to your lfs and see if they will price match or give you freebies as well. Mine did. Support local business when you can.

Good call on that point, my local Maidenhead Aquatics price/deal matched the Seapets Rio240 deal back in Easter 2010, with a printout of the Seapets offer.

 

[TropicalLad21]

The Roma looks much better... id personally go for that

 

[Twinklecaz]

PS. take a printout to your lfs and see if they will price match or give you freebies as well. Mine did. Support local business when you can.

Ooo what a good idea, I may just do that!

Thanks for advice/opions everyone!