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Marineland Rimless 25G, anyone used this?

1222 Views 11 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  green18
It looks like these are fairly new but I can get one with a stand for $250 from my LFS and it seems like a good deal for how nice it is. I've been looking everywhere locally for a rimless cube and this one seems perfect but I can't find hardly any info on it and whether or not marineland even makes decent tanks.

The plan is to go low tech with low-med lighting using a Current Freshwater+ Light (is this a good one?) and a canister filter (still looking for the best deal here, any tips?).

It's been a few years since I've been in the hobby and last time I was here I was keeping about 5 different aquariums all low tech. I want to do this one right. Nice looking tank on a decent stand with good lights and quality livestock (thinking BVS, not 100% on that yet though).

If there's another similar cube I'm all ears. Initially I was looking to keep the build around $300 but seeing as that isn't going to happen I'd like to aim for <$400 if possible.

My bigger concern is my choice of lighting and I also have no clue as to what's good in the filtration world anymore. Any tips on these things would be awesome. For reference the tank is 18"x18"x18".

co2 isn't out of the question but getting back into the hobby I don't want to go crazy yet.
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There is someone on this forum selling 12" cubes for 50 bucks. Smaller I know, but a good deal nonetheless.
The only problem i see with these tanks is the messy silicone job on them.
Check out Mr Aqua rimless 25g cube (marine depot com) is a good place. About $160 shipped for the tank only.

Edit: Current USA Satellite Planted Plus is a great LED light, ~$70 for 18". Start with one (low light), add a second one later if need be. (I bet you will).

Eheim 2215 is hard to beat, ~$110. Eheim 2073 or higher is another, more expensive, option.

Hydro in-line line heater would be nice.

v3
I have a marineland 27 cube with hydor inline heater on a sunsun canister and I use 2 current satellites. I absolutely love the setup and if a rimless version is available that's even better! I was successful with one light but I decided to add floating frogbit so added the second light running at maybe 60%. I love these lights. Sometimes when a thunderstorm hits I kick one of the lights on storm mode for a great visual effect but normally the yellow button is all you will need.
Thanks everyone! I heard from a different source that cubes can be a pain for scaping, is that true? I mean... I don't necessarily mind a challenge but I'm not looking to frustrate myself!
I have no idea why a cube would be a pain? I think they are the perfect tank for that. Active fish can benefit from long tanks but not sure why cubes are any more challenging to scape. I have a 150 cube as well and it's great for planting. The biggest drawback is lighting it as you may need extra shorter fixtures for front to back coverage.
I have no idea why a cube would be a pain? I think they are the perfect tank for that. Active fish can benefit from long tanks but not sure why cubes are any more challenging to scape. I have a 150 cube as well and it's great for planting. The biggest drawback is lighting it as you may need extra shorter fixtures for front to back coverage.
Sounds like you have pretty much the same setup I'm looking to get so that's comforting. Will I have enough variability in what I can grow with one freshwater+ and no co2? If I get two freshwater+ lights will I be pretty much required to get co2? Thanks for the input!
I have the 27g cube for my coral tank, and absolutely love it. It was a little challenging to stack my rocks the way i wanted it cause of the size, but i don't see that a issue with plants. I'd just split the depth into size zones.

I use a 24" 4 bulb t5ho over it in the middle, and if i can grow corals, then i'd say the light with a same size light would be just fine for plants. They do sell lights your size though, personally i don't mind a couple inches of over hang with a 24", and bulbs are easier to come by with that size.
I just ordered a Mr Aqua 25g cube from my LFS ($112).
Sorry, but gotta tell my wife it is all your fault :).

v3
The mr aqua tank sounds like a good deal. That leaves you some money to build a stand if your handy. Couple 2x4's and some 1/4 or 3/8 plywood and your good to go. Never had an eheim but I use an Aquatop AT-300, is rated for 80 gallons but the actual flow wouldnt be satisfying for a tank that large, but for a 25 it would be perfect. $70 shipped I think you can find them on amazon and thet are silent. If your a diyer, diy co2 on a tank that size would be easy and effective, especially at lower light levels. Good luck.

P.s. what are BVS
The great thing about 2 satellites is you can easily dial them down. I have no visible algae and massive growth with no co2 BUT I did use this setup to try my first dirt tank. I have maybe an inch of dirt covered by an inch of black diamond sand. I am not sure how much co2 is naturally generated. I am not using any fertilizers or excel. I literally add nothing to the tank but fish food and maybe once a week scoop a gallon out and replace it. Most enjoyable tank I have had.
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