Juwel Tanks

[kitkat]

Hi all,

Saw the range of tanks offered by Juwel aquarium at pet mart and was quite attracted by it.....

Just wondering if any of you guys here have any experience with Juwel tanks.

Are they worth the $$$$, as they are not cheap.....

The tanks all come will heater and Juwel own filter system.

Lastly, how good are Juwel filter as compared to Eheim range of filters?

Please enlighten......

cheers

[lsz]

I had such "package tanks" before

The good thing is that everything looks neat

The bad thing is that there is very little room for improvison...eg when you want to add more lights. You will have a much more difficult time trying to fit add-ons to the existing hood

I dont know if the Jwel set you saw was with a built-in filter... but if you have one you may just be wishing for more tank space after you use it for some time.

Eheim filters are time tested and proven. I dont know how reliable are juwel's filters. But one thing is that for eheim canisters (I presume) , there is a great deal of flexibility on top of its reliability..and power. You will be surprised how differently filters with the same ratings can perform. It is all in the engineering.

My preference is to get all separate. It may cost more at the end of the day if you do so actually... but your may just have more flexibility and less regrets.

What I said was in my perspective or rather my personal interest.
depends on what you want. Packages are fuss free to setup and purchase and definitely satisfy basic needs. Juwel is big in UK, at least it is a popular brand.

[jacian]

I dun know how good is the jewel filters. However, even for the best filter, you cannot guarantee that there will not be any breakdown or wear and tear. With the jewel filter built-in, I would find it difficult to replace if it breakdown.

[kitkat]

Thanks for your opinions.

From what I read from their website.....www.juwel-aquarium.com .....the filter is basically powered by a powerhead and it is also a highly effective 2 stage bio-logical system......there are also some pictures on it. Go see it if you guys are free.

[lsz]

basically filters work more or less the same way

the biggest problem with built-in stuff is that they are not versatile
that is a concern by itself, reliability aside.

i remembered the juwel 300 rectangular selling at abt 900 at the previous aquarama. i dont know abt the price now

[elmike]

Hey guys

I was at Tiong Bahru Plaza this past Mon... and remembering a post by Simon abt Juwel tank exhibition (by SY), I popped in to take a "relook" (lsz; I know we've briefed talked abt this before).

I was particularly interested in the 400 l (150 X 50 X 62 cm) model. They have a Juwel brochure explaining the filter technology and like kitkat had said, it incorporates a 2- stage mechanical-biological filtration system that looks effective. I talked to the guy abt the reliability of the tank and he said it is one of the best filters on the market. Granted, it's German technology and the Germans are as much into aquariums as the Dutch. LSZ said the space taken by the built-in filter could have freed up for the fish, but for a 400l, the space is less of an issue. And in the event of powerhead breakdowns, replacement powerheads can easily be purchased. The filter is essentially a housing for the sponge/ media, onto which the powerhead also sits. It is siliconed to the tank and can be removed if you so wish. I am more concerned though abt lighting...the fact that it comes with only 2 tubes.

What's tempting abt the Juwel system is that it is ready for operation and hassle free and one doesn't need worry abt how to connect this and that (I've no experience with Eihem series or any ext canister-type filters). All I have to do is to get the gravel and I'm set to go!

Technicalities aside, my other main complain was it's colour. My wife always has got this obsession abt black being a haven for mosquitoes, you see. I'm also planning to have a wood-theme deco for my living room where the tank is to be located, so black wouldn't go well with the furniture.

I'm still shopping around for that dream tank and I think it pays to exercise patience, hard as it can be. Pls do sound me out if you guys happen to spot 5 ft tanks w brown wooden cabinets.

Still shopping...

mike

[elmike]

Oh ya, the 400 l Juwel tank is selling for $1595 if I remember correctly.

[kitkat]

my other concern abt Juwel tank is also the lightings, for example, a 190 litre tank only come with 2X15W and a 260 litre tank have only 2x40W. As i am going to start a planted tank, is the lighting enough? although juwel do have a reflector that can double the light output, but how true is that?

However, when i am at pet mart, the planted tanks set up there used Juwel tanks and is bubbling quite well.....what is the secret behind it? as fr my knowledge, the lighting require for a planted tank is approx 2W/G

anyone have experience/answer on these?

[benny]

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On 11/6/2002 10:40:12 AM


I was particularly interested in the 400 l (150 X 50 X 62 cm) model.... I am more concerned though abt lighting...the fact that it comes with only 2 tubes.

Technicalities aside, my other main complain was it's colour.... I'm also planning to have a wood-theme deco for my living room where the tank is to be located, so black wouldn't go well with the furniture.

I'm still shopping around for that dream tank and I think it pays to exercise patience, hard as it can be. Pls do sound me out if you guys happen to spot 5 ft tanks w brown wooden cabinets.

Still shopping...

mike
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Hi Mike,

The Juwel Rio 400 is available in both black and wood color. Specify before you order. There is a wood color Rio 400 on display at the new Juwel showroom in Pet Safari East point.

As for the lights, the Juwel Rio 400 come with 2 X 38 W and can be upgraded to 4 x 38 W by buying the Juwel Mulilux upgrade kit for Rio 400. When fitted, the tank is still totally covered as the upgrade kit comes with modified flaps. If you want to view what the completely modified set up looks like, PM me.

Bubbling with 4 X 38 W? No problems. Depends on your choice of plants and CO2 level in your water.

Cheers!

[benny]

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On 11/6/2002 11:37:24 AM

my other concern abt Juwel tank is also the lightings, for example, a 190 litre tank only come with 2X15W and a 260 litre tank have only 2x40W. As i am going to start a planted tank, is the lighting enough? although juwel do have a reflector that can double the light output, but how true is that?

However, when i am at pet mart, the planted tanks set up there used Juwel tanks and is bubbling quite well.....what is the secret behind it? as fr my knowledge, the lighting require for a planted tank is approx 2W/G

anyone have experience/answer on these?

----------------

Hi Kitkat,

The 190 L tank should be the Trigon curved corner tank. That particular model of corner tank has no light upgrade kit. Only Trigon 350 has an upgrade option. As for the 260 L tank, you should be refering to the Vision 260. Multilux light upgrade kit is available, but I think that is to be ordered because of the front flap. My suggesion is to take the flat surface tanks (e.g. Rio 240 or 300) for easier maintainence (scraping spot algae off a flat surface is easier) and asthetics (less distortion when view at an angle).

Just my two cents.

Cheers,

[elmike]

Thanks for the feedback, benny.

FISH! I asked that guy and he told me Juwel Rio 400 is only available in black! There is one in wood colour but that's a 4 footer, 240l if I remember correctly.

Would you be able to attach a picture file of the upgraded 4-tube lighting fixture?? Does upgrading mean changing the whole top cover or the front half/ flap. How much more will the tank cost with the upgrade?

mike

[benny]

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On 11/6/2002 1:42:18 PM

Does upgrading mean changing the whole top cover or the front half/ flap. How much more will the tank cost with the upgrade?

mike

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Hi Mike,

The Multilux upgrade kit (part no. 46159) cost S$350. It comes with one set of lights (similar to the original one) and 1 set of modified flaps. You just sit the new lights on the tank and replace the old flaps with the new. It's that easy. All you have left now is an extra set of the original flaps. Reflectors are either S$18.50 or S$22.00 each and you need 4 sets.

So, your light upgrade set should cost you an extra of S$438 or S$424, including reflectors. The Rio 400 itself cost S$1595. One word of caution, make sure you get the right part number fof the multilux upgrade set. There are quite a few.

By the way, should you be considering structured background, the Juwel ones are no good. They don't lie flat and can't be attached easily.

Lastly, the original tubes that Juwel supply are not that good. You may wish to change them to wide spectrum FL lights for planted aquaria.

For more information on Juwel tanks and specific upgrade options on individual models, visit the Juwel Aquarium Official Website.

Cheers,

[elmike]

That works outs to be $2,000! Juwel should have built in a 4-tube system to make it more sellable. People would stop short of buying because of the inadequate lighting that would incur added upgrade cost.

Anyway I'll be hunting around as my home won't be ready till Jan/ Feb 03. I expect Juwel to hold an exhibition in Aquarama 03 and even if I should decide to go for a Juwel tank, it may be worth my while to wait till then as offers may be in store...

cheers!
mike

[benny]

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On 11/6/2002 4:37:46 PM


That works outs to be $2,000! Juwel should have built in a 4-tube system to make it more sellable. People would stop short of buying because of the inadequate lighting that would incur added upgrade cost.

Anyway I'll be hunting around as my home won't be ready till Jan/ Feb 03. I expect Juwel to hold an exhibition in Aquarama 03 and even if I should decide to go for a Juwel tank, it may be worth my while to wait till then as offers may be in store...

cheers!
mike


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In my opinion, Juwel tanks are not very good. Just average. The five foot tank uses only 10 mm glass, ideally, it should be 12mm. Also, the glass has a high refractive index, meaning that there is distortion when viewed close at an angle.

Also, the "complete set" option is no good. Basically, you don't have an option because the retailer will not sell you tank only minus the heater and filter. No flexibility if you want to change filters.

Lastly, most retailers have insufficient product knowledge about upgrades and spare parts.

Since you have time, shop around. Have you looked at Juggler's five feet tank? No centre brace!! Great for planted aquaria!

[jacian]

Just some pointers.

1. The filter is build-in, be sure that the tank is located in a way that you can reach the filter for maintainence.

2. It come with the light hood. It hinder your planting and maintainence. Remove the light hood and it might be not bright enough to do your planting.

3. Tank that are fully covered tends to get heat up, easily reach 30-31C. For planted tank, we are trying to lower the temp. Also, with the tank covered, you dun have an option to add a fan to cool it down.

[elmike]

Hey guys

It just occurred to me that if the front half of the hood/ cover can be disconnected or detached from the back half, why can't we remove this part and replace it with the standard sit-atop lighting that can be purchased fr Qian Hu FF? That way, we allow some opening for ventilation and take care of the overheating problem?

What say you, huh?

cheers!
mike

[benny]

Hi Mike,

For your information, the whole hood can be removed in 3 parts (1 set of lights and 2 flaps) and you can place the other type of lights if you wish.

Cheers.

[elmike]

Hi Benny
Thks! There should be no problems w insufficient light and overheating. I'll check out if the price of sit-atop 3 lighting is cheaper than the upgrade. I'm saying I've decided on anything yet...but just so in case I can't find a better tank.

cheers!
mike

[bclee]

I was looking at the Rio 400 at Sam Yick at Pet Safari. Looks good! Looks like an ideal tank for me.

Originally, I planned to go for the Oceanfree tank. After listening to the horror story of Oceanfree tank springing leaks, I changed my mind to go for tank with reputable brand. Because a tank leak will mean re-laying my laminate wood flooring $$$$!!!.

The price look alright considering I have an option not to buy additional filter. However, the filter will have to take up one corner of the tank.

I will probably have to remove the top and add my custom lightings.

BC