I bought this as an upgrade for my betta fish. I've had a 1.5 gallon for a while, but wanted something a bit bigger.
Pro:
-This unit has a nice foot print. It doesn't take up a ridiculous amount of counterspace.
-The filter is very impressive compared to other tanks I've seen. The flow is adjustable, from very gentle to rather aggressive.
-The filter is also rather quiet. Unlike my other tank, this one doesn't need an overly aggressive airrated to vibrate and make all kinds of noise.
-The lid and glass both seem to be of high quality. The opening section of the lid is sturdy and there are no scratches or bubbles in the glass.
Con:
-I'm not a huge fan of the light. This one comes with incandescent lighting, but I prefer my last tank's LED.
-The filter is a universal model. It has the ability to attach to far larger tanks, so it sits on there kind of awkwardly. I used a small piece of cardboard folded over (the box the bulb came in) on the outside of the tank to make it a little bit more stable. I don't see it at all and it works better than the space included.
Overall this is a great tank for a small room, like a dorm or kids room. If you have the space I would recommend something bigger, but for the right task this is a perfect kit.
My girlfriend and I are both new to taking car of fish (we have a single small gold fish). This tank was a decent price and seems to be working just fine. It has no leaks, and is perfect for us since it comes with instructions on how to take care of the fish. The filters are really easy to change and the fish has a lot of space to swim around in. The primary thing I was worried about was the filter's suction, but it seems to be very gentle so the fish does not get caught in it.
Update: It has been a over a year and still no issues with leaks, or the pump. The only very minor annoyance is that sometimes the lid to the filter changer vibrates. But it is easy to solve. Other than that no complaints about this tank. It is also very nice that the replacement filters are relatively cheap on amazon.
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Mine has now been set up for about three months. It's been a great way to get into the hobbyeverything that it comes with is good quality and works great. My fish like the food, the LCD thermometer is great, and the tank looks pretty decent. I have one betta, four cardinal tetra, two nerite snails, and about 10 live plants in mine and the filter keeps up just fine (I just do water changes once a month). Depending on the fish you choose, you may need a thermometer, but they are available cheap. Ask your fish store when you buy your fish.
The only weak point is the light. Incandescent bulbs are obsolete, produce a bad color light, and run hot and waste electricity.
**Here's my tip: buy a low wattage compact fluorescent bulb--available from Amazon, big box stores, home improvement stores, even grocery stores--and pop it in. Look for 10 or 13 watts, and make sure the color temperature is "daylight" (6700K)and not "soft white" (2700K or similar). It makes a world of difference. Here's a great option, just add it to your cart: GE Lighting 89082 Energy Smart 10-Watt Daylight Spiral Compact Fluorescent Bulb
A $5 CFL bulb will bring this kit into the 21st century and you'll be amazed how good the tank and its inhabitants will look! Plus, plants love the extra light.
Summary: buy this kit and then replace the bulb immediately. Then just enjoy.
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I got this tank to replace a 5 gallon tank. (Never buy a "plastic" tank) The glass aquarium came with everything I needed. Add gravel, decorations, water and fish and your done. Couldn't be easier. Great for kids and adults whom don't what a spend a lot of money and time just to have some fish to watch.
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this is great starter kit with almost everything i was looking for with a killer price. I still needed to buy a heater and extra filters and i got another temp gauge.
i recently bought this sand for my 30g. tank and after it settled, (which may take a day or 2 depending on your filter) it looks very beautiful. i bought it for my violet goby(marketed under dragonfish) because of it's deleicate underside and i never before seen my violet goby so happy. after rinsing the sand in a bucket untill the water ran clear about 15 minutes in a bucket its like peanut butter getting it out of the bucket lol. i have a bubble wall and all going my tank is not cloudy at all it looks great!
