talldutchies 33 gallon semi-biotope

**ameliaaahx** · 02-19-2013, 07:11 AM

Ugh, that France sounds like Auckland (North Is) water. I remember getting a glass of water there once and it was stained brown like light tea, and you smelt like you'd been at a public pool after a shower. Needless to say I drank bottled water after that.

I've seen Tetra food around but I've not seen Aquasafe. Never used the food either, I was always under the impression that it's not very good -- I tend to use JBL Gala premium food. The biggest company here is probaby Nutrafin or Aqua One. Neither are very good, although Aqua One make nice tanks. I think they're marketed as Via Aqua or Jebo in Europe. Like Juwel, they're not available in the states either. We've just started seeing Omega One and Hikari popping up on the market. Very exciting to have high quality food available.

**talldutchie** · 02-19-2013, 07:15 AM

Hikari is awesome food! But, tetra does a nice basic flake and a pretty decent micro pellet. Over here it's by far the most common brand, every petshop sells it.

**KevinVA** · 02-19-2013, 08:59 PM

Great pics dutchie, and interesting, informative conversation. =]

It's a little surprising that Juwel hasn't made it over here, but judging from the current flow of Fluval tanks that have made it into the states, it's possible that they're going to make their way here soon. Of course, Hagen already had a market in the states for other products, such as filtration, heating, etc, so their tanks could have been streamlined into the shops they already have agreements with.

I'm not aware of any other Juwel products in the states. Maybe they feel it's too competitive over here, which would drive their prices lower. JBL hasn't made it over here, either.

I've seen Hikari foods, though, so I may check them out due to your glowing review.

**~firefly~** · 02-19-2013, 10:39 PM

I agree. Interesting discussion

I do find Juwel tanks odd. They come with fitted corner filters that can't be removed without blades...awkward. So that put me off when shopping for tanks as I am a cannister fan.

I second the good reviews on Hikari. Always excellent quality. Excellent. I also feed Sera, Tetra (that classic yellow and brown pot!), and New Life Spectrum (which I think is superb).

**KevinVA** · 02-19-2013, 10:50 PM

Haha, when I got home, I realized that the algae tabs I was using to supplement my algae eaters (snails and otherwise) were Hikari. Getting my Nerites to eat them is a chore, but everybody else loves them. =]

Firefly, I tend to agree. I would personally prefer to use the best product I can get for each item in the tank - not just go for the "one-stop-shop" tank that has it all.

That being said, I have no idea how the Juwel items are rated. They could be quite good.

**talldutchie** · 02-20-2013, 07:44 PM

The corner filter takes a bit of space. On the other hand, it does an excellent job. I've used one for more than a decade. Only drawback is that the powerheads tend to break after 3-4 years.

When I went tank shopping a new juwel just was the most logical choice. I removed it because it was in the right corner and I often look at it from the right as well as the front. My wife removed the filter in a few minutes without a trace.

Lights is pretty good on them from stock. In short, it's not the best in the world but it's a pretty competent and complete package for a good price.

**talldutchie** · 02-21-2013, 06:53 PM

That's what I pulled out of my filter today. And that's with a coarse sponge on the intake.

**KevinVA** · 02-21-2013, 07:07 PM

lol, incredible find. I guess they were doing ok in there, though adding to your bio-load w/out your knowledge. I had pond snails do the same thing, but before I had a coarse sponge on the intake. Survival at any cost, my friend, even in someone's filter, if that'll keep you out of the mouths of fish. ;P