Barracuda Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 Hi, I am looking at two aqua one aquariums, and am unsure as to which one to get! I am looking at the 320 and the 126 - same size, same price. Anyone one got either? I think the biggest difference between the two is the filter - the 320 has an UG filter while the 126 has the standard intake/bio noodles type filter. I plan to keep guppies in it, with plants - which is more suited, or does it really not matter? In your opinion, which provides better filtration, or will it be fairly similar, with pros and cons of both (I plan that it will be lightly stocked)? Which is the newer model? Which retails more expensive? Thanks - help me decide please! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barracuda Posted May 12, 2009 Author Share Posted May 12, 2009 So which one is the easiest to maintain/requires less cleaning? I dont seem to understand how the UG filter works...from the looks of it, the UG stuff is pushed back into the tank via a powerhead and output tube (there doesnt seem to be anywhere to store the waste) - wouldnt this mean the waste is pumped back into the tank? Where exactly does the waste end up? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubbles Posted May 12, 2009 Share Posted May 12, 2009 You should look around at the Jebo Range of tanks which are very similar to the Aqua One. From experience I would prefer Jebo's because they use standard size light tubes compared to the Aqua One's which use power compacts which are sometimes difficult to get when they need replacing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Priscacara Posted May 13, 2009 Share Posted May 13, 2009 Anyone correct me if I'm wrong please. Th UG type filter does draw the water and the detritus down through your gravel via the pumphead and squirts the water out the end of the powerhead into the tank. The muck is trapped in the gravel and you need to use a gravel cleaner at water changes to get rid of it. Using a gravel cleaner (basically a plastic tube on the end of the rubber hose you use to syphon the water out) is done all all tanks so nothing different there. UG is also old technology which probably isnt as efficient as modern biomedia type. The bionoodle types have an intake that sucks up the water from the tank and passes it through a mix of wool or similar to trap the muck, then goes through carbon in some cases and then over your bionoodles or other biomedia, allowing water and air circulating over the noodles to build up your good bacteria. In the case of your UG the good bacteria is under the gravel. In terms of ease of maintenance you have to clean your gravel in both cases so the noodle type is a bit more work but really not that hard to clean, just rinse your filter/cabon pad that comes with the tank in the bucket of water you syphoned from the tank , never use chlorinated tap water on it though as you kill any good bacteria thats on it. I have 2 aquaone systems and had my smaller one crash last week, nothing to do with the sytem itself, just my stupidity. In both I replaced the wool/carbon tray with thicker wool I got from the lfs, lot cheaper. As Bubbles mentioned above there could be a problem with light replacement, not had to do it so far so no idea on availability in my area. Hope this helps a bit and anyone with better knowledge please correct me if I got anything wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJJ-Master Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 I've got a ~300L aqua one set up (sorry I scratched the model # off when I got it ) . The filtration is a wet/dry , trickle system (think of it a sump on top) and is an absolutely wonderful system if that's what you're referring to when you say "standard intake/bio noodles type filter" then absolutely go for that over a UG filter which are a pretty crude way to filter a tank . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barracuda Posted May 14, 2009 Author Share Posted May 14, 2009 Thanks Any idea which one usually retails more expensive? From the sounds of things, the 320 is slightly bigger, but its filter is inferior to that of the 126. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcloughlin2 Posted May 14, 2009 Share Posted May 14, 2009 I have used both in the past. The UG filter in the 320 is a pain in the bum to use. The pump is too low on the gravel and regularly drew up gravel which would then get jammed in the impeller. I ended up putting the filter into filter heaven and bought a 600lph cannister filter which works a treat. In terms of what is more suitable for plants and guppies I'd say the 126. Purely because if you use an UG filter you do need to perform gravel cleans which is tedious with plants. So I'd go for the 126 as the overhead filter will be far more effective. In terms of lighting, neither light units are capable of putting out enough light for any serious plant job. You would need to modify it slightly by putting in more tubes. If you just want some plant cover for the guppies just make sure you buy a plant that tolerates low level lighting and you should be fine with the stock standard lighting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fongyfong Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Thanks Any idea which one usually retails more expensive? From the sounds of things, the 320 is slightly bigger, but its filter is inferior to that of the 126. if the 320 is bigger id say the 320 cost more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barracuda Posted May 15, 2009 Author Share Posted May 15, 2009 Did some research, turns out the 126 ($147) is more expensive than the 320 ($117): http://www.townsvillepetcare.com.au/Aquarium/Aquariums.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fongyfong Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 Did some research, turns out the 126 ($147) is more expensive than the 320 ($117): http://www.townsvillepetcare.com.au/Aquarium/Aquariums.htm wow 30 buck difference, and the 126 is quite expensive, i remeber i baught a brandnew one about 2 years ago for 60 bucks, it was a xmas special pack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barracuda Posted May 15, 2009 Author Share Posted May 15, 2009 Wow $60 thats CHEAP! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fongyfong Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 sorry i meant the 320 with UG filter it was a xmas special pack, came with xmas stree ornament gravel, was having a quick browse and stumbled on majestic has the 126 on sale for 90 bucks pretty cheap!!! http://www.majesticaquariums.com.au/products.aspx?c=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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