I own the 2 gallon model of this aquarium which comes (as of this review) in 2, 4 and 8 gallon models. I can only speak towards the 2 gallon version, though it seems reasonable to expect that all three equally share the same pros and cons.
Overall this is a nice tank. Complete with power filter, LED lighting with daylight and moonlight modes and lids (one for the back filter section and one for the overall front aquarium section).
THE LED LIGHT
Is pretty nice. The daylight mode is very bright, impressively so. It shows every ripple of water producing that often sought after dancing affect. Even the moonlight mode is bright enough to produce this affect, yet not so bright as to be mistaken for anything but moonlighting.
THE FILTER
I personally do not like cartridge filtration that I must replace often. Instead I put a small bag of "bio-max" (the AquaClear 20 version) in the filter section with two sponges (also AquaClear 20 version) for the filtration. It does come with a nano sized version of the standard Aqueon filter cartridge, which works really well, I just prefer the former setup. The filter area also has plenty of room for a nano aquarium heater to be put out of sight! Big plus, IMHO, as heaters tend to be an eye-sore, especially in such a small tank as this one (2 gallons).
The pump on mine was not attached to the output nozzle new from the box. The easiest way to get the pump up and out to attach everything correctly will be by pulling on the power cord. Please note that the bottom of the pump has suction cups, and when you put it back down in, it will stick. Sometimes when pulling it back out the suction cups will come off. A very small fish net will easily fish them out, and they are easy to snap back on the pump itself. The pump has a good bit of power for such a small tank as this (2 gallons), but I discovered that the pump is adjustable! There is a circular slider on the side of the pump which will cut the flow down greatly, perfect for a Betta. I've got mine set to the most minimum output.
THE AQUARIUM
Is nicely done, elegant and light-weight. The aquarium is acrylic so one must use all the same cautions and maintenance as any other acrylic aquarium.
THE LIDS
Now this is where I wonder what they were thinking. The lids just don't seem to fit right. They DO fit, and work, but they just aren't right. They are a little too wide and don't seem to be deep enough. I'll try and upload pictures. Nevertheless, they are not cheap feeling. I don't think I'm being picky here, they just need minor adjustments to be perfect. This is not a deal breaker though, and I think most people won't even use the main front lid, but the back only.
I hope that this review is helpful, and I would highly recommend this tank.
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UPDATE
After having this tank for a while now, I did decide, since my original review above, to perform a modification to the flow as I now believe the flow is a little strong for a betta. I simply drilled holes in the small tube that runs from the pump to the outlet, thereby decreasing the water flow a good bit more, and my betta seem happier. He did alright before, but with the reduced flow he is out and about more. I put a good bit of holes in the tube to really reduce the flow for the better. If your betta seems bothered by the flow, then drill the holes! I didn't even use a drill, just a drill bit in a screwdriver by hand, easy. Be sure to wash the tube to remove small particles before putting it back in the tank.
I bought this tank a little over a month ago from the Petco I actually work at. A co-worker of mine told me she was going to setup a SW pico-tank and I told her she was crazy. Well, she quickly convinced me to do the same. Let me tell you, I have no regrets.
I examined all the different size tanks before my purchase and found that all three sizes had the same size lighting arrangements. Wanting to keep corals, I knew I wanted the most wattage per gallon. The tank's actual volume appears to be only 1.7 gallons and, as mentioned in other reviews, the flow is quite strong even at the pump's lowest setting. Because it's so small, working in it can be difficult. Arranging my live rock was a chore ensuring not to scratch the acrylic. I feel the tank design could easily be achieved with glass as well. Filtration is adequate and flexible. I placed some biological media in the bottom of the reservoir in addition to the cartridge designed for the tank. Back to the LED lighting, it has kept my Duncan, Zoanth, and Ricordea in great shape and the blue moonlights really bring out their fluorescence. The lid could fit a little better but it works; though, water evaporates from this thing like crazy. They sell a heater marketed for this aquarium separately but any small, low wattage heater will suffice.
In summary, this is a great package. Somewhat on the level of a very small bio-cube, it has everything needed to sustain a quaint little ecosystem.
Buy Aqueon Evolve 2 LED Aquarium Kit, 2 gallons Now
I bought the aqueon evolve 2 because the guy at the pet store recommended it and I liked that it had a filter and a cool design. The problem was, I was going to put a twin tail halfmoon betta in there and the filter was waaaay too strong, even after I lowered the power. It pulled the beta straight to the intake and I was worried it was going to shred his poor fins, not to mention the strength of the current totally freaked him out (they like their water fairly still). I later discovered this is a problem most people have had to deal with with this model. My solution was to put a piece of filter insert foam between the intake and the charcoal filter and then disengage the tubing and the spout from the pump. This lowered the pressure of the current by diffusing the water and is keeping my betta from shredded. I was disappointed that a $60 tank (regular price) needed to be modified to keep my fish happy, but fortunately all it took was only about $3.00 in modifications and a little ingenuity. Hope this helps anyone else in this situation.
Read Best Reviews of Aqueon Evolve 2 LED Aquarium Kit, 2 gallons Here
Just got off the phone with Aqueon customer service. They were very helpful. I was told that the first generation of the Evolve 2 tanks were packaged with a pump that indeed is too large for that size tank. (this implies that Aqueon has corrected the mistake for the newer generation of Evolve 2 tanks so hopefully consumers won't be having this problem much longer). In any event, as soon as I mentioned that my fish were getting sucked up into the filter intake, she confirmed that indeed the pump is too strong and immediately offered to send me a replacement pump which will be better suited for the 2 gallon tank.
For anyone who has this tank and is having problems with the pump being too strong, call customer service and give them an opportunity to make it right. Their number is 1-800-255-4527. I did not have to furnish receipts, or read UPC numbers off a box (thank goodness b/c I've already thrown it away) .... just told them I have an Evolve 2 tank and that's all they needed to know. Hopefully when my new pump arrives in a few days my last remaining guppy will be much happier.
Want Aqueon Evolve 2 LED Aquarium Kit, 2 gallons Discount?
Arg so frustrated, this tank is beautiful (light is extremely nice and makes my betta look even more beautiful) and I bought it at petsmart. So upsetting because my betta's fin got ripped up a little because of strong water flow. Would really consider buying another tank if this one broke on me, manufacturer should really consider a better filter for this small tank.
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The more products I try from Lee's the more impressed I am with the quality and value. A long time hobbyist of 35 years it seems the battle against Algae is one that will rage on indefinatley. This scrubber is excellent, good and coarse spun nylon it makes removal as much of a breeze as possible, it's great for the sides and bottom using the edge is perfect for those hard to reach places.
