Never had an aquarium, but considering this 5 gal. How easy and reliable is this kit? Is it true about changing 25% of water once/mo?
1492242
No, it is not true about the 25% water change once a month, unless there is something wrong with your fish tank. Just get a few live plants and don't overfeed the fish and all you'll have to do is add water when it gets too low.
1492243
I enjoyed this one. It was beautiful and the filter worked good. Depending on how many fish you have on how often to change water. Beware! I went from this to a 40 gal. In a little over a year:) I still have this aquarium and enjoy it.
1492244
I think it's very easy, and definitely reliable. I bought this kit almost a year ago, and it's still running as well as when I first got it. I'm not an expert, and this is the first tank I've had in over fifteen years. I had no clue what I was doing, but I had it set up, running, and ready to go in no time. The only extra thing I had to buy was a heater and thermometer because I got a Betta fish, and they need warm water. I think the amount of water changes depends on what kind of fish you have, and how many. Right now I have a Betta and two plants, and do a 25-50% water change about every two weeks. It's super easy though because the tank is so small, and there's not a lot of water to change. I bought one of those things that has tubing connected to a cylinder, and siphon the water into a bucket. Then refill with spring water (I used to use tap water and add aquarium water conditioner, but now use spring water because our tap water has ammonia and water conditioner can't get rid of that. I like using spring water because I don't have to try measuring the right amount of water conditioner). If you get an algae eater, like an Otto, you won't have to clean the tank as much. If you do get an Otto, make sure you get at least two because they're happier, and therefore more productive when in groups of two or more. As usual I've gotten a little off subject so here's the bottom line: the tank is very easy to set up, it's very sturdy and reliable, the filter is adjustable, which is a nice feature, you may have to buy a heater and thermometer depending on what fish you get, I don't think it's a good idea to only do a 25% water change per month, but it's ok because water changes are very easy. I was trying to decide between this, and about five others, and I'm very happy and satisfied I chose this one.
47186
I would recommend every 3 months. Make sure you use chem pure elite. The forum seem to say it works better. They also use purigen 100. I have a 34 gallon. Reef sanctuary is a great forum to learn about tanks. I am also running a reef set up.
1692620
No, not at all. I change the water about once every 3-5 days. Super simple.
1951929
If you're concerned about bacteria levels in serious sized tanks, please consult with an aquarium store or service and not a pet store chain. Just asking means you know more than I. Product web site and or Internet may have your answer also. For the device in question, it's often slow to appear effective. I would use a larger unit for 55g tank and expect to wait 24 hours per 10 gallons for results. But the results are awesome. I use one in every tank. Crystal clear effect is no exaggeration.
1100066
I would clean and do a full water change once a week. The filters are easy to find on amazon for cheap too and should be changed out every 6 weeks or so. Other than full water change and just wiping down with a paper towel, it's a pretty low maintenance tank.
249636
Be sure to read up on aquarium keeping and especially the nitrogen cycle if you want to attempt this tank. There is no set rule as to how often to clean or "change" a tank, it depends on many variables and without understanding a cycled vs an uncycled aquarium you will be clueless. Small tanks are not easier, they are actually much less forgiving with the fish suffering greatly for even small mistakes. BTW- the bio-filter on this is actually quite large and enough for a tank 10x this size, but filter size does not really have much to do with how much or how often one does water changes. Be sure to read up on aquarium keeping and especially the nitrogen cycle if you want to attempt this tank. There is no set rule as to how often to clean or "change" a tank, it depends on many variables and without understanding a cycled vs an uncycled aquarium you will be clueless. Small tanks are not easier, they are actually much less forgiving with the fish suffering greatly for even small mistakes. BTW- the bio-filter on this is actually quite large and enough for a tank 10x this size, but filter size does not really have much to do with how much or how often one does water... » Read More Be sure to read up on aquarium keeping and especially the nitrogen cycle if you want to attempt this tank. There is no set rule as to how often to clean or "change" a tank, it depends on many variables and without understanding a cycled vs an uncycled aquarium you will be clueless. Small tanks are not easier, they are actually much less forgiving with the fish suffering greatly for even small mistakes. BTW- the bio-filter on this is actually quite large and enough for a tank 10x this size, but filter size does not really have much to do with how much or how often one does water changes. « Show Less
2204795
I agree with A. riches 100% I too have a 29 gallon tank and use 100ml in an AquaClear 70, my tank is understocked and my organic waste is minimal so I only recharge every 6 months and my water quality remains impecable, the ammonia is 0, the nitrites are 0 and crystal clear, Purigen is truly amazing stuff if used correctly.
1029898
The water will need to be changed once a month about 25% of the water. The filters last quite a while because the filter system is actually designed for a 5 gallon aquarium. Once you notice the filter over filling that's when you change it
771881
I'm sorry, I don't have the original box or directions and can't give you specifics, but I can tell you that I have a 20-gallon tank and this filter system has kept the tank-water crystal clear, continously for the past couple of years. I change the filter about once a month. I keep the old filters, wash them thoroughly, brush them off under running water, being careful to hold the top of the layer of material firmly so that it won't fall off. Then I dry & keep them, in order to put back in the rotation. I use each one three times.
2262485
Make sure to check the dimensions of your existing aquarium to ensure this will fit in it, but otherwise it "should work. I'm always a fan of having a little extra filtration capacity, since if the filter is rated for 15 gallons (as this one is) that's assuming its clean and operating normally. Getting the PF25 would give you a little extra filtration and flow in your tank. Those are just my thoughts. I really liked the idea and concept of this filter and it seemed to work fine for me, I just couldn't get it to fit under my aquarium shroud, so I ended up returning and got a secondary fiter to support the primary one. UV is definitely a good thing for your aquarium though! Make sure to check the dimensions of your existing aquarium to ensure this will fit in it, but otherwise it "should work. I'm always a fan of having a little extra filtration capacity, since if the filter is rated for 15 gallons (as this one is) that's assuming its clean and operating normally. Getting the PF25 would give you a little extra filtration and flow in your tank. Those are just my thoughts. I really liked the idea and concept of this filter and it seemed to work fine for me, I just couldn't get it to fit under my aquarium shroud, so I ended up returning and got a secondary... » Read More Make sure to check the dimensions of your existing aquarium to ensure this will fit in it, but otherwise it "should work. I'm always a fan of having a little extra filtration capacity, since if the filter is rated for 15 gallons (as this one is) that's assuming its clean and operating normally. Getting the PF25 would give you a little extra filtration and flow in your tank. Those are just my thoughts. I really liked the idea and concept of this filter and it seemed to work fine for me, I just couldn't get it to fit under my aquarium shroud, so I ended up returning and got a secondary fiter to support the primary one. UV is definitely a good thing for your aquarium though! « Show Less
2170089
I have about a gallon and a 1/2 bowl and I added 1/4 teaspoon each time. I changed water every week because it made water really 'greasy'. My fish is still alive and well:)
1466118
I'd be hesitant. 25w is way oversized for a one gallon. marineland makes a good 10w preset that I've used in 2.5's but even then the water was warmer than I expected.
1709779
Mine went out in 2 months. Not good quality in the slightest. Replaced it and never looked back. Also a 20 gallon filter on a 25 gallon tank is probably too small if you fill it up all the way. You should always go bigger. But that's off topic. If it came with the setup then use it until it poops out and replace it. If you bought, return it. I can't speak for fluval but I know I hated the aqueon.
2190871
I use it on a 65 Gal. With 100 although it's supposed to handle it I would go with a bigger pump because overtime you lose pressure as the filters get dirty. It's also a pain to restart when you clean it up. I've had tons of issue with this pump including flushing organic debris back into the tank when restarting it after cleaning and leaks. I actually ended up removing the fine filters and added an Aquaripure nitrate filter, I don't even clean it anymore, just clean the foam filter that's at the intake in the aquarium. If I had to do it again I would go with a Fluval FX5 instead.
1289334
Yes Barry, water changes should still be routine. The UV sterilizer does not eliminate the fish waste or uneaten food. It does make the aquarium much easier to maintain and keep looking like a new tank. This is worth every penny if you want beautiful, clear water. Good luck!
2106618
Yes, very well! I have a 55 gal and its the best thing ive ever done for my tank. Plenty, but not too much for a 40 gal
96352
Personally, I try to do 10% water change once a week, but if your chemistries look good (no nitrate or nitrite) you can adjust your water changes accordingly. This filter is still just a filter and is only as good as the media you use. The dipsticks are your best friend so long as you use them as directed. Keep a close eye on nitrates and nitrites and keep the biological portion of your filter in top shape.