JW Pet Company Cataction Rattle Ball, Cat Toy

Our cats were scared of this, maybe yours won't be. They all seem to have their own personalities. I thought our cats would love it.

I liked this cat toy, but my cat wasn't really interested in it, my dog ended up eating it. I would not buy this

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Marina Stainless Steel Thermometer

Contrary to the reading on this thermometer, my aquarium is not always 90+ degrees. Everything would be dead if that were the case. What a rip off!

i was happy enough when i first got this thermometer. i liked that it hangs over the side. however, after a while the glass tube began to slide down and since the makings are on the metal bracket it's difficult to know what exactly the temperature is suppose to be. why not a huge deal i am wishing i would have shelled out a little more for a different thermometer.

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I have an ibc that I am watching the temperature in. I tied this to some fishing line & drop it down in the tank. I have to pull it out to read the temp, but it works well for me.

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I had one of these when I was in fifth grade in the early eighties and setting up my first aquarium; it looks exactly the same as back then. A break from the glass tube sort of thermometers.

The position of the clip on this thermometer interfered with my aquarium hood so I took the clip up top and bent it around backwards so the thermometer hangs in the background of my aquarium instead of the foreground.

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I use it to measure room temperature rather than the aquarium. I've used a few over my 26 years of fish keeping.

TOM Aquarium Maintenance Gravel Siphon, Nozzle 24-Inch by 1-Inch Hose 5-Feet Length

Having owned several maintenance siphons and/or other cleaning aparatuses this is the one I keep coming back to as it works the best w/minimal fuss and trouble. Just be sure to get a larger size than you think as it will work better.

It failed after a few months. The flexible handle that you start the siphon with loses it's vacuum after several uses. I would recommend something else.

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Received this today and the piece that goes into the gravel is broke....only half of it was even in the box.....had to have been shipped this way. Otherwise, everything else looks good. Contacted TOM aquarium about sending me the replacement part because I really did not want to send the whole thing back to Amazon if they could just send me the part I needed. They are sending one out to me. :) Hopefully it will not be broken. We shall see.

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The bottom piece was broken, just like the others have said. The rest of it seems to be made well, except that once piece is made of that easily crackable plastic. Even if it came in once piece, I don't think it would last long. I don't think you could use this without that piece either as the uptake tube is very skinny, maybe one inch round. On a positive notice, this thing is very large. Would clean a tall tank well with lots of reach.

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Took some time getting the hang of it but you will after one use get use to how it works. I am a rookie all the way with fish tanks so if I can do it anyone can figure it out! It's not complicated just have to get use to how to work it. It's hard because I think the plastic has to be worked a little the first few uses then it seemed to get easier! Cleaned the tank very well and very quickly! I would buy this again if need to!

Fluval Power Filter

I purchased the Fluval C4 about 3 months ago. Thus far it has kept my water absolutely crystal clear.

Overall: I'm very impressed and very pleased with this HOB filter. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a nice all-in-one filter with easy maintenance.

Here's a list of some nice features:

-Better use of the space available in the filter box compared to other HOBs Many other HOBs have dead space where there isn't any type of filtration happening. This filter has been effectively designed to allow maximum filtration in the space provided.

-Very nice all-in-one filter Mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration all efficiently incorporated into the filter box. The trickle chamber with ceramic media makes this one of the best biological HOBs out there.

-Still customizable Many people don't use carbon in their filters. The carbon slot is large and can be replaced with just about anything (e.g. more mechanical filter pads or extra biological media).

-Quality design & Easy maintenance All of the components fit snugly together, and it is very easy to remove and replace different compartments of the filter for cleaning.

-Cleaning indicator The filter has a built in cleaning indicator that pops up when the filter pads have become clogged causing the water level in front of the filter pads to raise.

-Flow regulator The flow regulator actually works! I've had many HOBs where the flow regulator is very crude and imprecise. The flow regulator on the C4 is VERY precise and easy to adjust.

-Extremely quiet

-Intake tube height is very easy to adjust Simply push up or pull down to get the intake exactly where you want it. No more adding or removing intake tube segments.

-The intake tube is black, and the filter is dark grey, which is much more aesthetically pleasing

Leave about 4" between the back of your aquarium and the wall to fit this filter on the back.

Hope this helped!

***UPDATE: 1/2/13***

I've had this filter running for 2 years now 24/7 and my above comments still hold true. I would buy this filter again if I was in the market for one.

It appears that there are several 1 star reviews on this filter now, the majority of which are due to the filter being broken upon arrival. Apparently the poor packaging makes these filters prone to breaking during delivery. It seems that most people get a product they are happy with, and an unfortunate few get a broken/defective product. Amazon has a great return policy and this should hopefully be resolved for any of those who receive a defective product.

the fluval c3 is a nice filter, as mentioned by many others, but i have a few issues with mine that i would like to point out. I had currently been using a whisper 20-40 on a 29 gallon, which was doing the trick, but wanted better filtration. the 5 stage c3 caught my eye, and it definitely is a unique filter all its own. here is a list of pros and cons i have made from my observations. please take note that these are based off of the filter i received:

first the pros.

5 stage filtration. 2 mechanical, i chemcial, 2 biological.

impressive design for a hob style filter.

filter rinse indicator on top of filter (mechanical section) which tells you when its time to rinse/change.

pulls apart easily for cleaning.

motor comes off for replacement(if you ever need to.)

in opposition to many other reviews, it is very quiet.

good craftsmanship, constructed nicely.

the concept of not changing all filter media at once is beneficial, and allows a more stable colonization on filter media.

then the cons.

maintenance. i seem to have to rinse the filter pad every 4 days or so. since so much is packed into such a tight space, be prepared to clean this one quite frequently.

the motor sometimes will not start up. i did however find a fix for this. stick a q-tip into the impeller to "jump start" it. not too big of a deal, but i would like it to start when i plug it in.

none of my local fish shops sell replacement filters for this model. i have to purchase them online, which is not a big deal if i order them ahead of time.

i started the whisper back up to over filter my 29, because i keep it busy (well stocked.) using the whisper has reduced time between maintenance on the c3, but it still likes to get dirty fast. the filter is nice, but im not sure i would buy another one due to the issues i have with mine.

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I really love this HOB filter. Some may argue but I think this is the upgraded Aquaclear. They use the same motors as the Aquaclears and have redesigned the internals as well as the external look of the filter. They really thought this HOB filter design thorougly. It is much sleeker and attractive than the older Aquaclears as you can obviously see, but works as well or better in my opinion.

Everything is designed with ease of maintenance and performance in mind. To clean it is incredibly easy. Each compartment of filtration is seperate and can be taken out easily as needed for maintenace. You don't even have to turn off the filter to maintain it. If you want to clean the mechanical sponge (the only thing I clean really) it's as simple as pulling up the back compartment which is seperate from the other compartments. Unlike the Aquaclear which you have to take out everything on top of the sponge first to get to the sponge which needs the most frequent rinsings. This makes for much easier regular maintenance than the Aquaclear.

The mechanical filtration on this filter is also upgraded from the Aquaclears. The sponge has a material similar to the Aquaclear's sponge but now also has a tweak/improvment made to catch the tiny particles that float around in your tank. It is a two part sponge fused together which is a coarse sponge with a material similar to polyfil batting attached into one. The mechanical filtration even has a indicator that pops up when the sponge needs rinsing.

If you choose to use carbon (I don't I filled that compartment with more biomedia) you just lift out the integrated wet dry and pull out the basket that holds the carbon and replace. Drop the basket that holds the carbon back in and put the wet/dry system back on top it's super easy.

Now we get to the integrated wet dry system. The wet dry system needs the least cleaning and no replacement. The only part that could use a rinse once in a while is the pad on top that keeps detrius out. Maybe once every six months to a year you could lighly rinse the biomedia in the integrated wet dry. This is what makes the system AWESOME. It is the first true integrated wet dry system on a HOB filter! It works amazingly for biological filtration and can even be used effectively to reduce nitrates with Seachems denitrate! To me this is the best and most ingenious part of this filter.

The Fluval C series also has an adjustable intake tube that adjusts to any height you want without having to deal with extensions that you may have to cut to the right length or add on in specific increments. I have to add how QUIET it is. It is SILENT. Well... at first it was a little noisy. Nothing unbearable or out of the ordinary with Hagen HOB's. Though after lubing up the shaft of the impeller with a little fish safe silicone lubricant or even vaseline it is incredibly quiet.

I would not consider the dependability a factor/problem as they use the same motors as Aquaclears which have a reputation for reliablility. The only complaint I have is that they don't make it in a larger size that could be comparable to the Aquaclear 110. If they made a Fluval C5 model I would be all over it! I definitely recommend this filter for all of you looking for a great (the best) smaller HOB filter on the market today. For larger tanks though I would still have to go with the Aquaclear 110 for its power. Buy it, set it up, lube the shaft (for quietness), and let it do its job. You won't regret it. There is a great and complete review on Youtube for those who need a little more convincing and are seriously looking to buy one of these awesome filters.

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I've used many power filters and canister filters in the past and was really looking forward to adding the Fluval C2 to my small 10.5 gallon heavily planted aquarium. I've tried many AC (AquaClear) power filters in the past and they were my go-to, but after discovering Fluval had their own offering I had to try it.

Since my tank is heavily planted, I did not use the carbon filter. Why? Because plants need carbon dioxide. With that said, if you don't use the carbon filter you basically have one step before you're ready to put it on your tank. Just rinse the whole thing and put the biological things into its basket. It's really a piece of cake. I added one extra step a few days after installing it and that was since I wasn't using the carbon filter I decide to open that bag up, dump the black stuff in the trash, heavily rinse it, and then put in my own biological substrates into it. I used my Eheim substrate and plopped it into the bag and voila, even more biological filtration!

Pros of the Fluval C2:

1. Awesome design with the water trickle and the whole removable cartridges for quick cleaning. The telescope design for the intake is really neat and something I've never seen before. This way you can get the exact height you want. The plastic parts of the filter also seem durable and strong unlike others I've tried.

2. Very flexible. As I mentioned, there's a whole extra compartment (if you're using the carbon filter which I recommend against... sure it makes things pretty but I recommend growing plants in your tank because they add a whole new element and are great for the fish and water quality) and you can add in your own substrate into that area. You can even opt to use your own substrate in the little biological basket instead of the ones they give you. If you want, you can use your own sponges and stuff for the mechanical filtration but I think the one they give will last a long time if you just rinse it. I also use a pre-filter (Fluval's own pre-filter sponge they sell for their Edge lineup) because I have Red Crystal shrimp and I don't want any babies to get sucked into the filter. The pre-filter I recommend because it'll prevent the gross things to go in the filter, but will also be trapped to the side of the pre-filter (giving fish and shrimp something to nibble at).

3. The water flow is very good and you can control it. I am using the C2 on a small 10.5 gallon tank filled with glowlight tetras and red crystal shrimps and I like to put the water flow to max during the day, then move it over to lowest when their lights go off. The extra flow I noticed make the fish more active (possibly more oxygen going through their gills?)

Cons of the Fluval C2 (the one caveat; read this if you get a noisy one!)

1. When I first got the filter I was pissed because it was indeed noisy. You could hear the movements of the spinning motor and I thought this thing was a piece of garbage. After 2 days of running it and listening to it (I keep my tank on my desk at my work so I sit next to it) I figured it would never be quieter and did some research online. Turns out this has happened to others. The solution? Lube up the motor parts! How? I used regular Vaseline (bought the travel size at my grocery store). Unplug and take apart the filter at a sink and have a bucket/large-cup handy. When you separate the motor from the rest of the filter you can remove the metal spinning thing. I went ahead and put a thin layer of Vaseline on the surface of that, but it was probably not necessary. The main culprit you want to lube up is the thin metal needle it attaches to. You could use a Q-Tip or thinly rolled up paper towel to get Vaseline around it. I also put Vaseline at the hole of the larger metal thing (the one you took off) and so when it was inserted into the needle the extra Vaseline would go over the needle. From there you could try out the filter at your sink (this is where you can put the intake into the large cup or bucket) and see if it's quieter. If it's still noisy, try again and maybe use more Vaseline. You can of course use better lubrication for water/aquariums but I read Vaseline is safe to use.

After doing this the Fluval C2 was really quiet and perfect! Hopefully you won't have to do the above fix, but given the pros of the filter I wouldn't let that you sway from owning this gem. It's a quick fix and afterwards you have a great silent filter!

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I have the c4.

It's great and I have been in the hobby for over 30 years.

I am using it on a 20 gallon tank.

You can never have too much flow rate.

To slow the turbulence I use a Fluval Edge prefilter, the flow adjuster and an aquaclear 50 foam sponge at the water output.

Let me comment on a few negatives people have written about this filter.

1) The water in my tank is crystal clear and as Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise said in "A Few Good Men" ...."It's that simple." "Are we clear?" "Yes, sir." "ARE WE CLEAR!?" "Crystal" ..... LOL,love that movie.

To those who said the water is cloudy, yes, it was at first. I think it was because of the C nodes. You need to either rinse it clear for hours before using it or just let the filter do it in the tank. It took about 2-3 days to clear up but once it did, the water in my tank is crystal clear. I have been running it for 2 weeks and without the charcoal. I replace it with the aquaclear Biomax to increase the biological media. The Biomax and C nodes' fine powder dust clouded the water but like I said, it's clear crystal clear now. Just let the filter do it's job and the water will be crystal clear in a couple of days.

2) My filter is so quiet that you don't know it's on. What I did was apply some vaseline onto the impeller shaft and into the hole of the impeller. I did this without hearing if it needed to or not. I just applied it before I used it. The motor has NO noise at all and the lid does not rattle. The only thing you hear is the water cascading out of the filter.

3) The self priming issue is that you need to have water in the filter box before you start it. Once there is water, it will self primes. It will take about a minute to self prime as it sucks up the water through the tube. To help the self prime and make it more efficient, I clogged the hole on top of the U intake tube. Now when you unplug the filter and replug it it starts right up without it needing to refill (self prime) the intake tube. If you do a water change and the water in the tank falls just above the bottom of the U intake tube inside the filter box you will need to refill the filter box otherwise it won't self prime. So add water into the box when you refill your tank and when you replug your filter, it will self prime.

4) Try to buy the larger filter (C4) if you can. You can always change the impeller to the smaller impeller if you feel the flow it too much or modify it like I did with prefilter sponge and aquaclear 50 foam. With the bigger filter, it'll clean more and hold more beneficial bateria. And if and when you upgrade your tank, you won't need to buy a new filter. The impellers for the fluval C series and aquaclear are the same. Matter of fact, the motors are the same for all fluval C series and aquaclear except for the 110 model. It's the impeller that determines the flow rate and they are interchangeable between models and sizes except the 110.

All the positives you've read about this filter is true.

It's easy to clean, the red tab that notifies you that your filter foam needs cleaning is great; you are not stuck with any proprietary media which usually cost a lot more to replace; the foam pad and bio media DO NOT need to be replaced just rinse the foam pad or bio media in used or dechlorinated water. They should last for several years. If you use activated carbon/charcoal which I don't, you'll need to replace them every so often depending on your tank load. You can buy any brand of activated carbon and put it into a nylon bag and it's save you money.

Try to use a prefilter. It's attached to the bottom of the intake tube. It helps to catch the debris and uneaten food before it goes to the foam pad keeping it cleaner. It'll also increase your beneficial bacteria load and your fish will love to peck on it for the uneaten food. The only thing is that you'll need to rinse it once in a while or it will clog up completely and slow the filter down to a trickle. Just rinse it when you do your water change.

Hope this helps.....may your fishes be happy and healthy

Update: Feb 22, 2013. The filter is still going strong. The reading of the water has been 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and 5 nitrate with weekly water changes. It would probably be the same with a water change every other week. And this is in a very overstocked aquarium. The only thing I need to do is rinsed the prefilter with every water change or it will clog up and restrict the water flow to a trickle and the water to the trickle part of the filter will not get any water. That's how good the prefilter is in catching the debris and keeping the foam and biomax clean. The red tab pop up device has never moved and when I check the foam it is very clean but I do rinsed the foam every 3 months and LIGHTLY rinse/shake the biomax every 6 months in used aquarium water. DO NOT buy NEW foam or biomax. Just rinse them. They will last several years if not forever especially if you use a prefilter and the prefilter does not need to be changed just rinsed also. I had to clean the impeller just recently since it wouldn't start back up/spin. It had a lot of slime. I just rinsed off the slime from the impeller and shaft and reapplied some vaseline and it was of and running like new. The water is crystal clear also.

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Marina Betta Pals Kit

I really wish people would really educate themselves about betta splendens and their housing requirements. These so-called 'betta kits' are not acceptable by any serious aquarist. This tank is clearly too small. A betta fish needs a larger tank that is big enough for a heater to fit inside it. Bettas are tropical fish and they do need a heater to regulate their body temperature and keep them healthy (room temperature water will not help keep a fish heal its fins if it has fin rot or shredded its fins for some other reason). Secondly bettas are intelligent, curious creatures who likes to swim around and through things. This tank does not provide the space for that kind of activiity. With this little prison, er, tank, the fish is just going to sit there and eventually bite its tail due to boredom. If you want to get a betta fish, at least get a medium Kritter Keeper, a mini hyor heater, and a few silk plants and nice bridge for the fish. I wouldn't even use this fish prison for water changes or as a hospital.

I have a hard time understanding why Marina would sell & market a fish tank specifically marketed for Bettas when after researching betta fish it's so clear that this tank size is tiny and cruel to keep a fish in?

I bought this at Petsmart one day when I decided to get a betta for my daughter's birthday present, and I just figured since it was specifically a "Betta kit" that it was humane and an appropriate size for a betta. Unfortunately, upon getting home with my betta tank all set up, I Googled a bit to learn more about this fish and read in several different places (from both professionals, veterinarians, and fish enthusiasts) that a 1/2 gallon betta aquarium is WAY too small and cruel to put the fish in. And after letting the fish live in this aquarium for a few weeks, I know they're right. My fish sits in the corner, facing the corner all day, despite regular cleaning his fins are pulled close to the body, he barely moves except to eat. It's very clear this fish is stressed out.

Finally, I picked up a 1.5 gallon tank and hoping it will help, as well as some natural plants for him to hide behind. Just got it tonight, so we'll see.

But my problem is I just think it's incredibly misleading for Marina to market & sell aquariums for Bettas that they MUST KNOW are TOO SMALL for these beautiful fish to thrive in. My fish survived, sure, but as one professional put it in their article on Bettas: "Surviving and thriving are two very different things." And as for my, I want a happy & healthy fish.

So, shame on you Marina for selling aquariums like this! I'm certain there are many more unaware buyers like myself that assume because the pet store sells it, it must be appropriate for their pet. Very misleading. Great design! But just not enough for even one fish.

And to other buyers, please do your research on bettas before buying. They are beautiful, fun fish. Give them a good life!

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Admittedly, I am not a fish purist. I was simply looking for a nice, compact fishtank for my 2.5-year-old to keep a betta in his room. I bought the Marina Betta Pals kit in green from a local box retailer and moved Pickle into his home. He ate, pooped, made bubble nests and was lively. He seemed very happy for the 3 years that he lived there before passing away, in spite of his small domain. My son is now almost 8 and on his second betta who has been with us for 2.5 years now. Again, every indication is that the fish is not unhappy with his surroundings. So yes, this is a small tank, but its small size is a bonus in a kid's room. It is easy to clean, easy to open to feed the fish, and has a lid to protect the fish from our curious cats and random Legos. And the fish just don't appear to be distressed in it.

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I'm a betta hobbist and I know about all the misconceptions that betta can live in just about anything and it is bogus. This "aquarium" is way too small, betta require atleast one gallon of water and that needs to be cleaned 1-2x weekly atleast. This is probably 1/2 gallon or less meaning you either clean it every day, t hus stressing your betta out and killing it or let is die a slow death from ammonia burns and other ills. This also has no lighting leave betta looking dull and boring, no heating or ability to heat so your house must stay warm where your betta is and it just isn't good. You can also buy large Critter Carriers (2-3 gallons) for the same price or less, it wouldn't be great, but it'd be a heck of a lot better.

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I liked this tank because I don't have a lot of space away at school. It fits one betta fish (no more than one).

There is no room for a filter-but a plant helps with maintaining the oxygen levels and keeping wastes down. I clean up the food my picky betta misses with a net. I also change about a quarter of the water in my tank every 2 days. It has held up really nicely so far. My betta is happy. I wish I had room for toys. Poor guys bored and stares at me half the time :-) lol. I think he needs something to do.

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Fluval Flora Stainless Steel Aquatic Plant Scissors - 9.80-inches

If you have planted tanks, you must buy these scissors. Makes it easier to prune dead leaves close to the base of plants, trim wayward roots, separate plants that propagate by chains. Doesn't tug the roots out when pruning. Handy for fishing line holding plants on to rocks and wood. The German Stainless Steel is really stainless! Also bought the slanted-tip tweezers and another set of straight tweezers.

A MUST BUY!

These scissors are just what I wanted to trim up my aquatic plants. They are nice being SS that I don't have to worry about rust. They are very sharp and make a nice clean cut on the plants.

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I was immediately impressed with the heft of these, I guess I expected them to feel thin and light. The work well for trimming plants that grow too tall, and are quite comfortable to use. I just wipe them off with a dry cloth after using and hang them from a hook in the cabinet under my aquarium. I've noticed no signs of spotting or corrosion on them so far, in the few months I've had them. Glad I bought these instead of a cheap pair that might not last.

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I like the length of these, good for using with big , sticky plants. I was disappointed that the cutting part wasn't more delicate.

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good price compared to most and build is decent. I wish it was curved though. Otherwise a great pair of scissors and waterproof

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Lazer Brite Reflective Dog Leash, 6-Foot, Skull and Cross Bones

this leash is designed for a cat...it is 1/2" wide and thin would be best suited for a cats or micro dogs...dont think it should pop up as match to collar that is sold with it that is 1" wide and for large dog...a weiner dog could blow through this one....

I may have misread the description. This leash is only about 1/2 or 3/4" wide. The reflective surface is only on one side of the leash. I have a 65lb lab. Don't really trust it. I think it would be just fine for a small dog.

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Aqueon Quietflow Submersible Aquarium Utility Pump 8000

I have a 180 gallon freshwater african cichlid tank. I have a wet dry filtration system with 35 gallon sump tank.

My old pump was (Mag 3 pump) was only pumping about 200gph and was very noisy.

As soon as I installed the Aqueon QuietFlow Submersible Utility Pump 8000 (Model AQ8000) I noticed the difference in water circulation instantly. WOW!!!! This pump is AWSOME!!! This pump in rated about 1800gph with my setup. My fish love the new currents and fresh clean circulation throughout the (180 gallon) tank with no dead spots.

I only had the pump for about 2 weeks but so far so good. I recommend this pump for 180 gallon tanks or above.

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JBJ 28 Gallon Nano Cube Aquarium - Cabinet Stand MTS-60 (Tank Not Included)

Parts were mis-marked as to where they went together per the instructions. Also, hardware provided (4ea. Countersink Screws)that are used to hold on the top Plate were too short for installation. I had to go to my local Home Depot store to buy longer screws.

The instructions stated there were pre-drilled holes in the shelves to assist with assembly. There were no pre-drilled holes and we have to drill our own. There was damage around all the screw holes. This is a very nice looking stand, however, the difficulties to the assembly of the middle and top shelves squashes the enthusiasm a little.

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Marineland C-220 Multi-Stage 55 Gal Canister Filter

I know its a bit premature to write a complete review, but I'd like to set the record straight with regards to set up, and address the concerns of the one-star reviewer (David).

I found the filter a breeze to set up. My only concern is the instructions, but I'll address that below.

A few notes about my situation:

-relatively new to aquarium keeping set up first pond (small 75 gallons) this spring.

-purchased new 33 gallon aquarium to house pond fish for winter

-2x3" goldfish, 1 dojo loach

-had previously constructed a home-made filter for the pond, which was the bees knees!

When I purchased the aquarium, I bought a 30 gallon Aqua-Clear (Hang-on type) filter to go with it. I didn't even open the box before deciding it might not be the best filter for my set-up. So, I took it back.

After a bit of research, I decided on another hang-on power filter the Marineland Penguin BIO-Wheel 200. I was thinking that more filtration is better, and thus selected the 200 model.

I actually opened the box on this one, and discovered that my tank would have to be approx. 3.5" away from the wall in order for it to sit level. I didn't want the ugly thing on the front of my tank, nor could I put it on the side as my light bar did not allow enough space. I wasn't comfortable having my tank that far from the wall, so I packed it back up and returned it to the store.

After doing even more research (clearly I hadn't done enough of it by this point), I decided that a canister would meet my needs to a T. Generally speaking, they clean more and clean better, and would allow my tank to fit closer to the wall. With chemical, biological and mechanical filtering a canister seemed the way to go.

So, which one to choose?

We researched many, many, many canisters. We spent hours discussing the pros and cons of each brand, each review, each reviewer's setup (compared to ours), costs, tube size, filter media in short, we dissected each contender until we'd narrowed it down to two. The Marineland C-Series 220 and the Eheim Ecco.

In the end, cost and availability of replacement media were the deciding factors. We went with the Marineland.

I purchased Marineland C-Series 220 from my LFS for $135 CAD, and set it up in a brand-new 33 gallon tank. Although the filter is rated for a 50 gallon, I'd like to over-do it with the filtration.

The instructions were simple enough to follow, although I would recommend doing your online research on the set up of this unit, just to familiarize yourself with the process (esp. if you are brand-new, like me). I was initially a little leary with the Marineland, as I had read somewhere that contrary to its box-label, it didn't actually self-fill. But, I bought it anyways. See below for additional info on this!

This canister comes with everything you need to get going all the tubes, fittings and filter media. Please ensure that your LFS sells the replacement media you need, BEFORE you buy the canister. As Dave pointed out, what good is an excellent canister, if you can't buy more stuff when its time to replace the media?

The tubes fit snuggly with no leakage, using the compression fittings already attached to the valve block. Familiarize yourself with the way the valve block works this will assure you that it will NOT leak when you have to remove it for maintenance.

The valve block has two tabs used to disengage it from the motor head. The first tab is actually a ball-valve, which lifts and cuts the water to/from the tubes. The second tab rotates, and is the mechanism which locks the valve block to the rest of the canister. The first tab will fold over the second to ensure that it is not accidentally unlocked.

This model has five filtering layers. They are as follows, from bottom to top (the direction the water is forced through): filter foam, carbon bags, BIO-filter balls, ceramic rings, filter floss.

Rinse your media filter, as per the directions. This model has 5 layers of media to keep your tank sparkling clean, and all the trays lift out easily for maintenance. The trays inside simply stack in order.

The one thing I'd like to point out to Marineland, is that their instructions do not indicate which port is the intake, and which is the outlet.

After getting everything situated and hooked up I thought, well... how much difference is it really going to make if I mix them up?

It makes a lot of difference, actually!

I'm not an engineer, but you need to make sure that the intake tube and strainer is on the intake tube, and the outlet tube and diffuser is on the outlet tube. Otherwise, you could press the primer button till your fingers fell off, and your canister won't fill.

It may tease you by partially filling. It may tease you by completely filling. It may tease you by dribbling a bit of water down into the canister body. Don't be fooled. It doesn't work.

The outlet is on the left, and the intake is on the right, when the canister is facing you.

Switching the strainer and diffuser, I depressed the quick-prime button two more times, and VOILA! The machine gurgled to life, started sucking back the water, and chugged happily away!

It's that easy.

I'm serious.

The motor is super quiet I have my aquarium in the living room on a buffet-style side table. The canister is simply sitting underneath, in the cabinet. I'm currently sitting approx. 15 feet away, and I can't hear it.

Below are the intstructions, in case you want to see what I'm talking about.

Looks complicated but don't be fooled. If you've got an iota of brains, you'll be on your way in no time.Stay tuned for an actual performance review.

I have been running the Marineland C-220 for about 16 months on a 30 gallon saltwater aquarium.

In general, this filter has had good flow, and been quiet and good filtration capability. With a monthly cleaning and replacement of media, water has been consistently clear and tested within acceptable parameters. Replacement media is a bit expensive in local stores, but can be had for much less online. Some items, such as foam pads and polishing pads, are easily cleaned for reuse.

However, after one year of use, this filter began developing problems. First, the leaks developed. Leaks where the hoses attach to the valve block assembly, where the block assembly connects to the motor head, in the valve block shut off valve and even the main seal where the motor head clamps onto the canister. All the o-rings and seals appear to be fine and clean, but they will still sporadically develop leaks.

The impeller has also had sporadic problems with chattering and changes in flow, even when the unit is properly primed and all air is evacuated.

Last night, during a routine water change, all the problems converged in a single grand failure. The impeller failed and is now chattering loudly and no longer pumping. The primer seems to have lost its ability to pump. And, the canister is leaking from all four areas mentioned above at the same time.

My question today is do I spend the $50-$60 dollars for a new impeller, o-rings and valve block, or simply start over.

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I purchased this filter around 6 years ago (I can't remember exactly when). The main reason was, the filter I had before that was the Magnum H.O.T. back-of-the-tank power filter. That one was good, but with the limited space behind the tank (just try and move the tank with gravel, water, etc), it scratched the wall. The first one died a little over a year later, when the impeller broke. Like others have said, since replacement parts have to be sent, I just bought a new one. That one is still in use today (around 5 years). Over the last 5 years, I found one issue everyone should be prepared for: the hoses at the pump have a tendency to separate from the nozzles. The best way to prevent it is to inspect the hoses. When it starts to pull away from the nozzle, chop about 0.5" off and reinstall. Cleaning is usual dirty work, each filter media has suggested replacement timeframes. A newest issue I am dealing with is the gasket/o-rings.

So, because most stores don't stock replacement parts, you might want to buy (1) replacement impeller and (2) replacement O-Rings/Gaskets. Another idea is to buy replacement filter media. Those may add $30 to your bill, but you're prepared!

So, I HIGHLY recommend it, as long as you buy replacement parts ahead of time. It has kept my tank clean and healthy for the last 6 years!

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Pro's:

-Quiet

-Self priming (after the hose is initially filled)

-Good flow rate

-No leaks, no mess when removing hose block

Con's:

-Flimsy (I'm returning it before it breaks)

-Prime pump is very stiff doesn't work well (didn't need to use it though)

-To complicated/to many seals--every basket has a seal that needs to be in place

I've had the fluval 304 and the Eheim Ecco. After fixing the Eheim for the 3rd time I decided to give up on that piece of junk and get something more durable. I looked at the new fluval and didn't like the design so I bought this filter and used it for a week but will be returning it due to the cons discussed above. I looked at the Rena and this seems like the best design (more durable, simpler design, fewer parts) so I'll try that one next. It also has better reviews though I am concerned with the leakage comments.

From what I know I would rank filters in the following order

1. Rena

2. Marineland

3. Fluval

4. Eheim

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ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!!!

This is hands down the best filter I have ever used. Easy to get started, quiet as a mouse, and easy to perform maintance.

Python No Spill Clean and Fill Aquarium Maintenance System, 75-Feet

This is an excellent product. If you are tired of lugging buckets of water back and forth while cleaning your aquarium, and making huge messes, walking in puddles, etc..and taking hours to clean even relatively small tanks, this product is for you. Don't waste your money on cheap suction devices, and buy the python today! (sorry if I sound like an infomercial, I'm just an enthusiastic user). The python attaches to your faucet, you turn the water on full blast, stick the suction tube end into your tank, and you can drain your tank in minutes, or just vacuum your gravel and do partial water changes. Then, you flick a switch and you can fill your tank back up (again, in minutes). I have 2 29 nine gallons and a 10 gallon, as well as a 15 gallon turtle tank, and what used to take me a whole day, now takes about an hour (to do all tanks). I like that I can vacuum the gravel, boy does this thing suck the waste up. This will also prolong the use of your filters and make your tank look great! I was skeptical that this product would work, but am so glad that I bought it. Now I actually enjoy maintaing my tanks instead of dreading it.

The directions are easy to follow~ even for people like me, who are "direction impaired."

I have a python for at least 25 years and would never part with it. I bought this one for my priest who is setting up a 55 gallon in his office. He has two smaller tanks and using buckets doesn't bother him. I suggested he try this because using buckets for water changes in anything bigger that a 20 gallon was no fun and would get to be a chore, putting off doing much needed gravel cleaning and water changing.

This thing is so easy to use and makes cleaning your grave and changing water a breeze. I enjoy my fish so much more because I don't have the water mess and sore back from carrying buckets. Water changes are so easy and quick that you will be apt to do them on a regular schedule.

Your fish will thank you. Clean water and gravel means less disease. This is a must have tool for anyone serious about keeping your fish healthy.

Kathy

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This is an excellent product. If you are tired of lugging buckets of water back and forth while cleaning your aquarium, and making huge messes, walking in puddles, etc..and taking hours to clean even relatively small tanks, this product is for you. Don't waste your money on cheap suction devices, and buy the python today! (sorry if I sound like an infomercial, I'm just an enthusiastic user). The python attaches to your faucet, you turn the water on full blast, stick the suction tube end into your tank, and you can drain your tank in minutes, or just vacuum your gravel and do partial water changes. Then, you flick a switch and you can fill your tank back up (again, in minutes). I have 2 29 nine gallons and a 10 gallon, as well as a 15 gallon turtle tank, and what used to take me a whole day, now takes about an hour (to do all tanks). I like that I can vacuum the gravel, boy does this thing suck the waste up. This will also prolong the use of your filters and make your tank look great! I was skeptical that this product would work, but am so glad that I bought it. Now I actually enjoy maintaing my tanks instead of dreading it.

The directions are easy to follow~ even for people like me, who are "direction impaired."

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I have two 30gal. tanks. I was doing water changes with buckets. I purchased this and so glad I did!!! Very easy to use. Only takes a fraction of the time. I did have to order a 10ft. extension. I would recommend this to everyone!!

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Great sellers, got freebies. The item was a described. The Python worked beautifully no leaks fast and easy. however I could not figure out how to hook it up to my inside sink and to run it to outdoors water hose bib and worked like a charm. So that is the reason for only 4 stars

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Jardin Aquarium Fish Tank Ornament Water Plant, Hot Pink/Green

This is a rather large ornament in height and width. It is well made and very pretty in color. It is very dense, not like some ornaments that have a few strands of vine. Tried it in my 5 gallon but it overwhelmed it. Even in my 10 gallon, it really overwhelmed. So, I could see it working nicely and looking good in a larger aquarium where it has space to blend in. Although I am not currently using it, I would recommend it for a larger aquarium.

Hydor AQUA COLORMIX Aquarium LED Light, MultiColor, Blue, Red, Green

I have purchased 7 of these. I have 2 tanks. A 30 gallon and a 75 gallon.

Have three of these lights in the 30 gallon, and they work, incredibly. The changing colors really make for a fabulous effect, especially upon red and blue gravel. I have three synthetic plants, a log, a house w/ waterwheel that bubbles and a upward-stretching driftwood. Each light, shines down upon each of those, then I have Gem Decor stones, scattered about the tank, which catch the light and make for an impressive effect as well.

Then, I have four of these lights in the 75 gallon. They're.. not quite as impressive in the larger tank. Have 2 of the lights, shining down upon decorative structures, and the other two, hidden inside small bubbling volcanoes, to light up the bubbles coming out of them. They fit perfectly inside the little volcanoes and are a much cheaper alternative to buying the more expensive volcano bubblers.

Now for the bad news. I've had to return, 2 of them so far. One, failed to work, right out of the package. The other stopped working, a day after putting it in one of the tanks. Both of those, the supplier, replaced at no cost to me. A service that was quite quick.

Unfortunately, yet two others have issues after 4 months. One, only alternates 2 of the 3 colors, and the other simply doesn't work at all anymore. I do not use these, on a constant basis. They are turned off, during the day, and only used during the night, so they run for maybe 8-12 hours out of a day.

So, save for those issues, I think they're a splendid product. But, I think the product needs a bit more refinement, so that they last longer and don't fault out.

I got this for my little beta fish because I have another huge fish tank that has a light and every night when it would get dark he would sit on the bottom of his bowl and stare over at the other tank that was all lit up and during the day he would lye on the bottom of bowl staring out the window. He came from Wal-mart so he was always in the light 24-7 and then I got him and he had to spend a few nights in the dark but now that I have this wonderful light he is having a blast cursing around his bowl in the light. It's so nice to see him swimming around and not just lying on the bottom of the bowl. He's so much happier now and the light is very nice it gently changes colors between red, blue, and green and looks very nice shining into the bowl. I would definitely recommend this light to anyone with a fish tank and not just for a beta but all types of fish it is a very nice light shining into the tank.

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I have several of these lights which change colors and you can put them anywhere you want. I have put them in some of my decorations and or on the tanks walls. These are great because you can use them in or out of the water.

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I would recommend this light for any tank and the colors are amazing for such a small fixture, looks great for a volcano

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Tetra Pond Variety Blend

Always pleased with the quality of Tetra brand. Glad you had this in the 2.25 pound bag for the same price the discount pet store charges for 1.38 pound bag! My fish just love this and the Koi sticks. I've been giving it to them for over 5 years!

Tetra Pond's products have never failed us. This is the first time I've used this particular variety of koi food. The fish love it! I'm sold. As a note, I'm in S. Florida so it rarely gets cold enough to not feed the gang. Last winter was the first time I've had to withhold food, but this winter has been mild. I decided to try the Variety Blend and it's been a huge hit.

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I've been using these sticks for a while and boy do my fish love them. The Variety Blend is my preferred one because of the mix it offers Pond Sticks, Koi Vibrance, and Wheat Germ Sticks. My fish are all healthy and go nuts when its feeding time. I'll admit I used to purchase this same bag at certain brick and mortar pet stores but once I saw the difference in price on Amazon, it was a no-brainer.

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I have used this product for several years now, the fish in my pond just love it. It softens quickly but stays afloat. The smaller fish also nibble on it. It does not cloud the water at all. I recommend this product enthusiastically.

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Our koi and our goldfish really jump up for this food.

They have all been really healthy this year.

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Petego- Auto Pet Carrier - Orange Wheels

PROS: (1) Gorgeous (2) Convenient size for my Italian Greyhound (3) Easy to handle (4) Clever locking mechanism (5) Sturdy metal door (6) Soft rubber carrying handle (7) Custom-sized, color-coordinated cushion included in purchase

CONS: (1) The orange knob used to open/close the door is small and smooth/slick, which makes it comparatively difficult to use with my large hands (I am 6'4"), especially as the locking mechanism requires a push-and-rotate action. (2) Though I love the beautiful/minimalist aesthetic of the A.U.T.O (Animal Urban Transport Object), I believe the carrier could be made sturdier and the door fit a little better by building a second hinge mechanism. The current design causes the door to tilt a little when open, and leaves little room for error in creating parts, such that, for example, there is a very small, 1cm gap on on my carrier (located in the few inches between the front orange "wheel" and the carrier door) because the the plastic molding is a too thick at the hinge. (3) Though I love the soft rubber on the carrying handle, I wish the handle itself was more cylindrically/rope-shaped so that I could grip it in my hand like a suitcase, rather than balancing the weight of my dog on my fingertips, which is what the present, flattened/strap-shape of the handle requires me to do.

This was pretty cute but just okay in terms of function. I really like the one I ended up getting made by Pet Gear. It has a base that you put in your car, which makes the carrier lay straight and not crooked on the seat. It's very secure. If you are thinking about safety first for your pet, go with that one. It's kind of hard to find on Amazon, it's called the "Pet Gear Auto Carrier & Kennel for cats and dogs up to 15 lbs".

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Aqueon 06187 Cichlid Color Enhancing Pellets, 4-1/2-Ounce

My fish dont seam to like it much. maybe my fish are just to small Ill give it a couple days

Not much else to say. My Cichlids and tiger barbs prefer it, and my crayfish eat it too. Part of a balanced diet right here.

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My peacock cichilds love this, and the water is so clean. I bought an expensive omega one once, and it coluded water like anything. The LFS person said, I am feeding too much. I fed this one more that I did omega one, and no clouded water at all. I highly recommend it. The only downside is, opening and closing the pouch each time needs some practice.

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good product, decent price, and my fish love it. wish it was a bit cheaper considering what is in it but i guess they have to make their money too. otherwise i give it 4/5 stars

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I haven't really tried other pellet food, my friend recommend I get pellets cause the flakes I was feeding my fish made the water nasty. I was worried they wouldn't like them for some reason but they go nuts when it's feeding time. I can put the bag up to the glass of the tank and they swim to the glass up to the top, then back to the glass in anticipation. I do believe I will stick with this brand.

Lambert Kay Fresh 'N Clean Pet Odor Absorber, Green Tea and Sage Scent, 16-Ounce

I have this Pet Odor Absorber in my spare room where I am fostering a mom cat and her 3 kittens. There is only the slightest hint of "air freshener" scent. Nothing else. This is as it should be. Thanks, Lambert Kay, for a product that does what it says.

Hydor 7.5w Slim Heater for Mini-Aquariums and Bowls up to 5 gal

I have had no problems so farthe temp seems pretty steady. Came with a little clip for the cord; it stays under the gravel and hasn't cooked anyone/anything yet!

I bought this because the 15 watt version heated my 6.5 gallon tank an average of 12 degrees warmer, rather than the "5 to 10 degrees" promised if you have a tank that's the recommended 5 to 10 gallons for that size. However, the 7.5 watt version makes barely any discernible difference in temperature 1 to 2 degrees at most! I really don't see how there's this much difference between the two, but clearly, their recommendations are off for both of these. I'd use the 15 watt one for no less than 7 or 8 gallons, and the 7.5 for no more than 3 or 4 (I tested this 7.5 watt one in a 4 gallon bucket and it raised the temp by about 5 degrees there.) Overall, a good product, with really exaggerated size ranges.

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