Aqueon AQE17102 Evolve Desk Top Aquariums Tank, 8-Gallon

Hello Everyone,

I purchased the Evolve 8 a few weeks ago because the design is much more aesthetically pleasing compared to most of the nano-tanks out there. I really like how the sump and filter pad is hidden behind the tank. However, I did notice that the sump is INCREDIBLY LOUD!!! However, I found a very easy fix for this that I wanted to share with everyone. If you are incredibly OCD like me and don't like the loud buzzing this tank makes, follow the instructions below to eliminate the pump sound.

Step 1

Go to Lowes and buy the pond pump filter below (I picked it up for under $12.00):

Smart Pond Water Garden Replacement FilterStep 2

Pull the sump out of your tank and remove the suction cups on the bottom

Step 3

Take the black foam piece out of the Garden Replacement filter and wrap it all around the sump. (You can use the blue piece instead, but the black one will let more water into the sump)

Step 4

Place the now foam covered sump back into its compartment in the Evolve tank. The sump may start making some noises at first, when it starts to prime itself, but after a few seconds the buzzing should go away and you'll be left with a dramatically more tolerable low level humming noise (about the same as you'd experience on a normal canister or cascade filter).

Step 5

Enjoy your beautiful AND QUIET Aqueon Evolve nano tank!!!!

I'm sure this technique will work on all of the Aqueon models. You can always trim off some of the black foam to get it to fit into the smaller compartments in the Aqueon Evolve 4 and 2. The Garden Replacement Filter is HUGE compared to the sump so don't worry if you make a mistake. You'll have a lot of material to work with. Hope this helps!

I've just set up my Aqueon Evolve 8 on my desk in my office, and I am thrilled with it so far. It is somewhat less than 8 gallons, but there is ample room for 6-7 small fish. I have read several complaints about the pump being noisy, but mine makes almost no sound at all just a low hum that is easily ignored in an office environment. I love that all the "ugly" parts, like the filter and pump, are hidden in the black compartment so it looks really nice on my desk. There was also ample room to add a heater so I can keep tropical fish. My only complaint is that the lid doesn't sit very securely on the top of the tank; it is easy to knock in if you are messing with it much, but that is only a minor problem. I definitely recommend the Aqueon Evolve 8 to anyone looking for a small and attractive aquarium.

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1. as many have stated, 8 gallons it is not, calculations put it at 5 usable. Inside tank dimensions are: W 11 3/8, D 8 3/4, H 11 5/8

2. as many have stated, but to the contrary, mine (the stock pump) is NOT loud, it is quite quiet. The bubbler is 10 times louder. The only thing I can think of is if people are positioning the pump touching a wall, then the vibrations may get amplified. Mine is in the center on the bottom.

3. * does not include heater or bubbler. BTW, the pump, heater, and bubbler fit in that sump area quite nicely (ie snug, but doable)

4. It's a good looking little unit. Once I'm moved into my new place I will be purchasing another for a small saltwater tank :)

**Edit: so after 6 months or so the pump did end up getting LOUD, real loud, tiny machine gun loud. Replaced it with Ehiem 300. The output diameter is bigger, but it was an easy fix, the stock hose size fits snug into the hose that comes off the new pump (hose bought at hardware store). I was worried about to much flow (currently housing a beta) so I drilled a small hole in the side of the hose to relieve some pressure, which just feeds back into the sump area. Still a great tank, working on creating space for another one.

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I just put it together and it seems like a nice aquarium kit. It includes the light, air pump, and filter. No heater is included, but the instructions advise buying the Aqueon miniheater which has suction cups and can be put in the back box, along with the submersible pump, which also has suction cups.

I'm unsure if the filter will be adequate, since it's just powered by the air pump flowing water through the filter cartridge. I'll add to this review if there's a problem.

The instructions for assembling the filter apparatus were inadequate, but it wasn't difficult to figure out.

The kit also included a small fish food sample and some water conditioner.

***

August 14, 2012. The light seems to have dimmed somewhat over time.

Also, I bought the recommended Aqueon miniheater, but I think it's better for a 10 gallon tank. It kept raising the temperature to 84 degrees F, which is a bit higher than the recommended temperature range for tropical freshwater fish.

Another problem is that the tank warped a bit after water was in it for a while. The lid no longer snap fits on it.

***

October 26. Part of the LED light went dark and part started flickering. Had to switch the light.

***

November 12. The company replaced the lamp for me at no cost, including shipping.

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I chose this tank since I prefer acrylic tanks over glass. Easier to maintain!

The good:

The size

The design is nice

Despite terrible instructions, the tank was relatively easy to set up

Lots of room to put a heater (in the back slot by the pump)

Everything is going well so far

The bad:

The pump is crazy noisy. Lucky to those who didn't get one that is...

The force of the pump is WAY to much. I watched a video that suggested drilling holes in the line to the pump to slow down the blast that was bullying my poor betta around. It worked very well!

The instruction didn't tell you were to put stuff, what comes in the box... nothing. It gave me more tips on a successful tank then the one I was trying to set up.

Last, but surely not lest, the lid... it slides off and goes in the water way to often.

I still give this tank four stars. It is nice and works well, there is just a few bothersome points for me personally. I felt annoyed that every time I tried to adjust the pump I lost another suction cup, which could be the leading reason why it is so noisy. I can't get my hand down the back all the way to the bottom to get them out.

I would recommend this tank to someone who is not going to get as frustrated by the "small stuff" as I did :)

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