Betta tank: New Mini Bow 5 gallon

Anyone have one of the new restyled MinI Bow 5 gallon tanks?



The dimensions are a bit different; new = 14-1/4' x 9-3/4" x 13" ... older design = 14-1/2" x 9-3/4" x 14-3/4".

The filtration is also different. Seems to be somewhat of an eclipse style setup. See filtration here:



I'm considering several options for a new betta tank ... and the newer MinI Bow is one. Would appreciate any input.

Options:

#1: Build my own 5.5g (Marineland or All-Glass) using an Azoo Palm filter or AquaClear 20 turned down.

#2: Redesigned MinI Bow ... I like the profile/dimensions better than the older style, but still not sure about acrylic tanks as they can scratch easy. Hopefully, the newer filtration is good, as the only other options would appear to be an internal (to include sponge or box).

#3: 6.6g bookshelf tank. Really like the looks of this ... as my other tank is a 20 gallon long. Again, a little concerned about the acrylic though. Space would also be a bit of a concern too, as I would need a place with the length to fit the tank.

#4: Standard glass 10 gallon setup.

I was also considering a JBJ 180 8g ... and though I really like the look of the tank, I ruled it out given it's height. I also like the JBJ 6 gallon nano cube, but the filtration seems a bit strong for a betta in the smaller tank.

 

Neat! I think I like the redesigned Minibow, but the price seems awfully high to me. I don't know if it's just that site, or if Aqueon raised the MSRP. I see that it comes with an incandescent bulb, so factor in a few extra bucks for a screw-in compact flourescent, as it runs much cooler, puts out more light, and would allow you to grow low light plants. Coralife makes a 10W bulb that fits perfectly. Acrylic does scratch VERY easily, so you have to be careful about that.

The bookshelf aquarium is so cool. I always wanted one, and I think it's a better deal for the price than the Minibow. However, if you don't have a spot to put it, maybe it's best to go with another style.

You already know the pros and cons of the regular 5.5 and 10 gallon tanks, so I don't need to go into that too much. I think the best thing to do would be to price the equipment that you'd need and see what the difference is in price over a kit aquarium.

I think I replied to your other thread about the JBJ nano 180, and linked my own thread (I own this tank and really enjoy it). One thing I thought of after I posted my reply is that the tank really isn't that tall when you factor in the substrate, and consider that about 4 inches of the total height is just the lid. The light and filtration system are mounted into the top. The filtration system is extremely gentle and would be great for a betta IMO. Plus, the lighting that is included is an 11W PC bulb, and is perfect for a low-tech planted tank. I have pennywort floating in my tank, and I'm sure a betta would be happy to utilize the leaves for resting and hanging out. Just a thought.

The Nanocube 6 gallon is a nice tank, but it's really designed more for marine applications and I agree with you that the flow would be too strong for a betta. You could always replace the stock pump with something smaller and adjustable, like a Mini-Jet 404, but that's just added expense for you.

Anyway, hope this is helpful. Good luck in your decision!

 

I don't know anything about the 5 G MinI Bow but had a chance to try a smaller 2.5G Bow. I didn't like it at all because the filter was extremely noisy. I highly recommend your option #3. The 6.6 G bookshelf is great.
Pros:
looks beautiful;
big enough for 2 bettas if you divide it;
the filter is very quiet but does a very good job
Cons:
acrylic, easy to scratch
I also really like Eclipse 3 and 6G tanks. I have them and have no complains.
I know that Walmart sold 5G MinI Bows. If you have a Walmart store in your area you can buy the tank there. If you don't like it it's always easy to return it back.

 

harpua2002, thanks for the reply and additional info about the JBJ 180. I really like that tank ... and also like the fact that it's glass. The filtration being gentle is another plus. IMO, the price point is decent as well ... even the stand isn't bad. As far as 'kits' go, it's one of my favorites. If approximately 4" is the hood ... and say I had roughly 2" of subtrate, that would put the depth at about 13".

Has the filtration on the 180 proven to be effective with the spraybar? Is it noisy at all?

I agree that the price of the newer minI bow is high. The same site has the older minI bow for $38 ... but they don't have black.

I could likely make a place for the 6.6g bookshelf, lol ... and again, really like the profile of it. The price is great as well ... and it's definitely a better value than the minI bow. The main con for me, is the fact that it's acrylic.

The standard glass tanks are what I'm most familiar with ... and I normally like choosing my own equipment.

 

Thanks for the reply, ara.

The bookshelf tank is at the top of my list ... primarily for two reasons. I love the look of the longer/slender tanks as mentioned ... and it's hard to beat the price. Your only listed con is my main sticking point. They do scratch so easily.

 

I read a few reviews of the JBJ 180 that said that the pump became loud after a bit. The same folks report that JBJ sent a new pump free of charge. Mine is silent except when it is restarting after a water change. It makes a "bubbling" kind of noise as the water is pumped up to the spraybar that quickly goes away as the unit fills with water. The filtration unit does a surprisingly good job IMO. I had my reservations about it at first because it is so gentle I wondered if it would be efficient. The spraybar sprays water through a filter pad (which is included) that lays on top of a carbon insert and a ceramic rings insert (also included). I rinse the pad with every water change and always find a ton of particulate matter in it, so it seems to do a good job. I've had to replace the pad once. I didn't have an extra of the JBJ brand, so I just cut a piece to fit and made my own. It works just fine to DIY. I find very little detritus on the substrate when I do water changes. I didn't buy the JBJ stand. I have a wooden dresser that holds the tank with no issues.

Acrylic tanks do have their issues with scratching, but if you're careful it shouldn't be an issue. If you choose one, just be sure to buy algae scrubbers that are made for acrylic tanks, and be cautious as to not trap any substrate particles between the pad and the acrylic when you are cleaning. Just my 2 cents.

 

I'm buying the 6.6 bookshelf at fish.com It's less than 30 bucks!

 

Thanks, harpua2002.

I haven't really read many reviews on the 180. If I were to get that, I have a round heavy table-like stand that I used to have a 10 gallon on that I would use.

I still like the new minI bow that I initially mentioned ... but would want end-user opinion on the filtration before purchasing.

The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards either putting my own 5.5g or 10 gallon tank together ... or getting a 6.6g bookshelf tank.

The primary reason I like putting my own tank together, is because I can choose the equipment and they're easy to upgrade. The price point of the bookshelf tank is very appealing (certainly the cheapest option) ... as are it's looks.

 

I'm buying the 6.6 bookshelf at fish.com It's less than 30 bucks!

Darn hard to beat the price ... that's for sure.