Is it just me? (Aquapods)

[pecan2phat]

Hi everyone,

I've been a JBJ Nano-Cube (12g) owner since it first appeared on the market, so no newer versions or deluxe models here. I remember needing to upgrade the lights, add the fans, covering the grill slot and notching the teeth etc.

So now I've seen all these features added to the newer JBJs and also another company mirroring the Nano-Cubes.

One day, I pass a Aquapod 12 on display and decide to flip open the cover and am quite impressed with all the revisions that were made over my original Nano-Cube.
So I get the itch and decide to upgrade my JBJ and buy an Aquapod but opt for the 24g.

When I got home and unpacked the Aquapod 24, I have to say that I was pretty disappointed.
The 24g seemed like an "after thought" compared to the 12g model on display.

Is it just me? Or is the 12g built better?

Thanks.

 

[DRC69]

I just bought a 24 and I'm very happy with it. Yes it needs a few up-grades. But that's my decision to do. I think for $160.00 it's a great tank. I have a 12 JBJ from the old days. I did ALL the up-grades. Its been up and running for 2 1/2 years now and looks great.
The 12 looked good to, so I really don't know if I think its build better then the 24. I bought the 24 so I can break-down my 2 - 10 gallon setups.
Just my opinion.

 

[schristi69]

I don't think the Aquapod was really intended as a salt tank considering the filtration system that was included. I think the design of both the JBJ and the Aquapod is lacking. I would have bumped the back out at least another 4 inches and possibly having the entire filtration section on the back of the tank. This would allow access to the filtration area for a good skimmer. Or the mfg could even incorporate a skimmer in the filtration area. Something like the Bak-Pak. Now there is a thought. Maybe I can just cut the back out and replace with plexi and do the expansion myself.

 

[DRC69]

I think the filtration system is more then adequate. I have NO skimmer on any of my 10 gallon setups or the 12 jbj. Just water changes, and not many of those either. I think with the right bio-load and LR, LS you can have a great looking little tank setup. I have had great success with ALL my nano tanks. If I hadn't, I would of not bought the 24 AquaPod. I love little tanks, I also have a 90 and 40 RR tanks. I have more fun with the small ones then I do with the other ones. On some setups I think skimmers are over-rated.
Just my opinion.

 

[ENraged]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7640155#post7640155 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by schristi69
I don't think the Aquapod was really intended as a salt tank considering the filtration system that was included. I think the design of both the JBJ and the Aquapod is lacking. I would have bumped the back out at least another 4 inches and possibly having the entire filtration section on the back of the tank. This would allow access to the filtration area for a good skimmer. Or the mfg could even incorporate a skimmer in the filtration area. Something like the Bak-Pak. Now there is a thought. Maybe I can just cut the back out and replace with plexi and do the expansion myself.

if you did all that then the price of the tank would be out of reach for the average consumer.
Both systems are designed yes cheaply but decent enough for you to run saltwater.
the only thing i can not figure out about both systems is why they did not use remote ballast located outside the hood to allow for better cooling and more flexibility for lighting changes.

 

[DRC69]

I believe the new 24 JBJ does have remote ballast, but I still like the aqaupod. The old JBJ had bad ballasts that went out so you had to run remote units like the current units. Which I do, and are VERY good. So I had no problem buying there nano setup, plus I don't want to see anymore then just plugs coming out the back of the tank. With new fans, I don't think HEAT will be an issue anyway.

 

[ENraged]

Yea if i ever go 20+ i think i would go oceanic for an all in one. other wise a bow and put it together myself.

lucky for my a 24 g would be a bit much for my work desk to handle

 

[mister crabs]

oceanics new bio-cube looks sweet and Red Sea is coming out with one as well that actually has a skimmer and T-5 lighting but i cant find a price or release date anywhere for the red sea. Oceanic should be out in next two weeks and will supposedly retail for around $275.

 

[ENraged]

red sea is that the aqua medic?

 

[mister crabs]

No.....as far as i can tell they are two different tanks. there is a thread on here somewhere with pics of the red sea