Equipment Reviews Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:10:09 +0000 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:10:09 +0000 Tropical Aquariums SA https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/forums/equipment-reviews.54/ Thu, 24 Apr 2025 08:06:10 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/temu-seven-master-58cm-led-light-review.39360/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/temu-seven-master-58cm-led-light-review.39360/ invalid@example.com (LilMissMurder) LilMissMurder
https://www.temu.com/goods.html?_bg_fs=1&goods_id=601099520473403



Design: 6/10
I like the way it looks, it's neat and slimline. It's width-adjustable, but not height-adjustable and sits pretty low on the tank. The white feetses are notched to support 6mm and 10mm...

Temu "Seven Master" 58cm LED light review]]> 11 Wed, 03 Aug 2022 07:42:11 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/mosquito-larvas-tank.37778/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/mosquito-larvas-tank.37778/ invalid@example.com (Christo beeslaar) Christo beeslaar 10 Wed, 08 Dec 2021 12:37:43 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/wavemaker-size-for-472-litre-aquarium.37015/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/wavemaker-size-for-472-litre-aquarium.37015/ invalid@example.com (dhameer) dhameer
Anyone know what is a good size wavemaker for a boyu-ea150 tank(472 liter). I have 1 Dophin c1600 canister but there are dead spots in the aquarium where I can see quite a bit of waste build up. I tried moving the intake/spraybar positions to see where I get the best results but it doesn't make a huge difference.

My tank does have fish that can get quite big(2 distichous, 3 clown loaches, 1 bala shark) but at this point they are still small/medium in size. I also have driftwood...

Wavemaker size for 472 litre aquarium]]> 3 Thu, 26 Aug 2021 07:39:21 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/sobo-canister-filter.36660/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/sobo-canister-filter.36660/ invalid@example.com (Sid) Sid Im currently looking for a filter for my 2 ft tank and Im considering the sobo sf-850f or a tidal 55. I am looking for a bigger filter as I want to upgrade to a 3 ft tank in due course. Are the sobo canisters reliable or should they be avoided?]]> 3 Wed, 10 Feb 2021 20:01:23 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/can-anyone-recommend-a-siphon-gravel-vacuum-that-doesn%E2%80%99t-break-3-seconds-after-you-buy-it.35717/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/can-anyone-recommend-a-siphon-gravel-vacuum-that-doesn%E2%80%99t-break-3-seconds-after-you-buy-it.35717/ invalid@example.com (kdfitz25) kdfitz25

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk]]> 13 Wed, 07 Oct 2020 06:05:53 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/juwel-rio-450-led-review-and-suggestions-please.35098/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/juwel-rio-450-led-review-and-suggestions-please.35098/ invalid@example.com (Abrar.) Abrar. 1. Hows the filteration it comes with ?
2. Is it worth it for the price ?
3. Build quality etc etc
4. borosilicate glass ?]]> 5 Mon, 27 Apr 2020 05:29:58 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/zetlight-lancia.31048/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/zetlight-lancia.31048/ invalid@example.com (Dale-CT) Dale-CT
I ordered from Jungle Aquatics and items were shipped via Courier Guy. Ordered and paid for on Friday, delivered...

Zetlight Lancia]]> 3 Tue, 21 Apr 2020 08:53:49 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/dophin-c1600-canister-filter.25687/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/dophin-c1600-canister-filter.25687/ invalid@example.com (Jwh) Jwh Price: around R2000ea
Specs:
Max flow rate 2540l/h, this is very good, and will give an effective filtration rate of at least 1540l/h, after the filter media is in, pipes connected and the return is hoisted over the top of your tank, maximum height is 2.1m which should be...

DoPhin C1600 Canister Filter]]> 6 Wed, 25 Mar 2020 19:49:01 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/seachem-tidal-hob-filters.33586/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/seachem-tidal-hob-filters.33586/ invalid@example.com (FMN716) FMN716
Gonna do a review on the Seachem Tidal HOB Filters and the mods that I have done to it.

If you do plan on modifying it take note that bypass will occur, which basically means that some of the water sucked in will not filter.

If you use the filter out the box with the no modification and no additional media you wont have any issues

I have done a lot of research regarding this filter so I will share what mods work and what wont from my own testing

This applies only to the Tidal...

Seachem Tidal HOB Filters]]> 54 Sun, 05 Jan 2020 09:52:47 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/jbl-2-in-1-drop-checker-and-check-valve.33636/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/jbl-2-in-1-drop-checker-and-check-valve.33636/ invalid@example.com (FMN716) FMN716
So I bought the the JBL m502 solonoid kit and it came with a 2 in 1 drop checker and check valve.



Pros
Good Quality plastic
Seals well (has threaded nut so line can be locked in)
clearly marked on intput and output
Easy to see the bubbles

Cons
The mounting bracket does not stick very well - these suction cups seem worse than others
Check valve doesnt work - I only realized a few days later as water went missing so I added a check valve before the...

JBL 2 in 1 Drop Checker and Check Valve]]> 2 Tue, 17 Sep 2019 18:33:15 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/eheim-quick-vac-pro-battery-operated-gravel-cleaner.23866/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/eheim-quick-vac-pro-battery-operated-gravel-cleaner.23866/ invalid@example.com (Jwh) Jwh
A battery operated completely waterproof and fully immersible gravel cleaner that can be inserted up to 10mm into the gravel, churning up the sludge and depositing it in a filter basket, returning the filtered water to the aquarium. Similar in principle to syphon action gravel cleaners, without removing water from the tank.
Runs of 4 AA batteries (included), about 4 hour operational time.

Pros
Easy to use, no pipes/wires that obstruct movement
Completely waterproof
Ideal for...

Eheim Quick Vac pro - Battery operated gravel cleaner]]> 5 Fri, 16 Aug 2019 20:12:03 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/jbl-c02.6506/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/jbl-c02.6506/ invalid@example.com (f-fish) f-fish
Got a few items:
ProFlora bio160
ProFlora m602 CO² Fertilizer Set
Extra ProFlora Taifun CO² Reactor + extenders and some spares.

I installed the m602 set into my 4ft last weekend.

First impressions: Everything fits - connection are snug, tubing in the kits sufficient, non-return valve good. The 12 volt solenoid valve comes with a 110 - 240V power adapter.

I really like the Taifun reactors ... after...

Jbl c02]]> 12 Thu, 09 May 2019 20:18:00 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/jebao-water-pumps.32582/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/jebao-water-pumps.32582/ invalid@example.com (Hooks) Hooks Has anybody used Jebao water pumps?
I have been looking around for adjustable flow uplift pump and they seem to be best spec and price. 10000L/H for R2300. As I'm needing 8000L/h to have 8x circulation ]]> 10 Tue, 09 Apr 2019 13:57:55 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/ultra-zap-uv-steriliser.27417/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/ultra-zap-uv-steriliser.27417/ invalid@example.com (Pezulu) Pezulu Research showed that a UV Steriliser would be better than the UV Clarifier, even if it cost a bit more.
My choice finally came down to the Ultra Zap 15W Professional.

I decided on the UV Steriliser as opposed to the UV Clarifier, as though my main problem in the tank was free-floating algae, I wanted the other benefits a Steriliser gives,...

Ultra Zap UV Steriliser]]> 16 Sun, 20 May 2018 10:26:17 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/new-era-fish-food.22371/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/new-era-fish-food.22371/ invalid@example.com (f-fish) f-fish


about 4 grams per block - it comes with 2 suckers in the large tub (290g) - testing them in some tanks at the moment



guppies go crazy for it



it might be a bit chunky and too much for some tanks.

It does have a fare amount of falloff form fish nibbling at it, but not a 100% sure I will be using...

New Era fish food]]> 11 Tue, 01 May 2018 21:59:44 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/jbl-pro-scan.29341/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/jbl-pro-scan.29341/ invalid@example.com (f-fish) f-fish
https://www.jbl.de/en/proscan...

JBL PRO SCAN]]> 8 Tue, 13 Feb 2018 12:15:24 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/hobby-artemia-brine-shrimp-hatchery-must-have.11190/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/hobby-artemia-brine-shrimp-hatchery-must-have.11190/ invalid@example.com (Jenny) Jenny
Just mixed 3 teaspoons of Iodated coarse salt with about half a liter of water, added the water to the dish, added the eggs and 21 hours later I found thousands of baby brine shrimp in the center sleve.

Easy to make and harvest. Amazing! DIY brine shrimp hatchery be gone! arty:







]]> 60 Fri, 25 Aug 2017 12:39:44 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/dophin-c-500-canister-filter.29719/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/dophin-c-500-canister-filter.29719/ invalid@example.com (Fox127) Fox127
I'm farely new to the forum and would like some advise on this product.

I don't own a tank that will utilize such a canister, but I'm looking into buying this canister for future tanks.

What is your opinion on this product and what will the minimum capacity tank be to use this canister with?

Thanks for the help, I'm looking forward to hearing from you all.]]> 1 Mon, 31 Jul 2017 08:11:06 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/tunze-care-magnet.29518/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/tunze-care-magnet.29518/ invalid@example.com (Teddy C) Teddy C

]]> 6 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 17:42:14 +0000 https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/lumax-led-tubes.29453/ https://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/threads/lumax-led-tubes.29453/ invalid@example.com (Pezulu) Pezulu
Over the weekend while doing maintenance I noticed that the T8 30W tubes over my 120cm display tank were not as bright as they used to be, and a quick test with a light meter confirmed that they had dimmed by as much as 70% in the year that they have been running.

The tubes that were being used were "Super Day...

Lumax LED Tubes]]> 5