Top Fin 36 Gallon Bowfront Aquarium 3 Month Review + a Game-Changer Lid Mod
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- A brief review of my new aquarium and cabinet/stand plus a game-changer lid modification. A beautiful bowfront with an adequate cabinet/stand. Altogether an attractive looking "deco" presentation. I've been told that TopFin has fixed the non opening lid issue. If so that makes this a really nice tank/stand combo.......Steve
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I just wanted you to know that your video inspired me to buy this tank! :) I was eyeing it online and seeing a visual of it beautifully set up sealed the deal for me to get it. I love your idea of cutting the lid and that you shared how you did it. Thank you!
Thank you for the feedback. I'm sure you'll like the bowfront............Steve
Thanks for the feedback. Yea, it's a nice tank.
Beautiful setup. Any ideas and what to do for better lighting for this setup?
Any 24" submersible light should work
Do you have a link to the lights you use?
Hi Alyssa - I'm using the light that came with the hood. I did use black electrical tape to cover some of the LEDs and reduce the amount of light. Take care..........Steve
How has it held up? Any leaks, explosions, and or issues you can share? It's on sale at my local PetSmart and I would love to purchase it, plus my wife already gave me the green light! Additionally, I have an extra 20% off coupon waiting to be used. The leaks and explosions have me worried. I have toddlers and safety is NON-NEGOTIABLE. The Aqueon version with the center brace which is nice and seems the best of all the versions on this tank. I'd have to go in-person to verify it's the Aqueon version. What do you suggest....?
The more I dive into the research rabbit hole, the more I find the TopFin might just be ok after all. You hood cutting mod is GENIUS! I'll definitely be doing the same, with an added silicone lip or catch of some sort to mitigate condensation drip to the front panel of the glass. How's the stand? Some say it'll warp at the one year mark. I'm assuming maybe due to water absorption.
Except for the one piece lid it all looks and works great. It's about 22" tall so you'll need long arms to reach the bottom of the tank. I'd recommend it.
Also, I would BOLT a few corner braces where the horizontal and vertical panels meet. I forgot so I won't bother to use wood screws - they'll loosen over time. BTW, the front of my lid never drips. Good luck..........Poppie
I've had mine 3 years no issues. They have an updated hood now
I am going to have my husband do this for my tank just like this 💖 It’s so annoying dealing with the lid. Thank you so much for sharing this!
Great mod and beautiful tank with beautiful scape 🙌
I'm glad you like my setup. I'm sure you know how much effort goes into creating and maintaining an aquarium. It is a fun hobby though. Thank you....Poppie
I have this tank also but the light I have is all white and it looks terrible, I see yours has some reds. What light are you using? Thanks!
I'm using the light that came with the tank. I blocked a few of the LEDS with black electrician's tape to reduce the overall light output.
@@poppiesplace4475 ohh ok, it looked like reds 👍 thanks for the reply!
The red is red plastic tailight repaair tape that I happened to have. Got it a long time ago at Shucks \ Orilies
I have a 38 gallon bowfront, great idea on the lid gonna do that myself.👍
Thanks Luis - I'm glad you found the lid mod useful. Best..........Steve
I agree about that lid….its a pain!
It's not too hard to cut if you or a friend have a something to cut it with. Good luck... Poppie
The neons look incredible. The tank looks great! That looks like a German Blue Ram but it could be another type of ram, so many subtypes these days. Beautiful.
Thanks for your comments Sirena. My tap water in Seattle happens to be very soft and has a tendency to go acidic. Luckily for me Cardinals and the Rams come from very similar water in South America. I also keep the tank temp at 81.5 F. My Cardinals were wild sourced so they are from a very diverse gene pool and are also very hardy. I agree with your observation of my subtype Ram. He is lacking a couple of classic German Blue markings. He is quite a character though and I'm glad to have him. BTW, I plan to do a 6 month tank update - stay tuned. Take care...Steve
Thanks for the feedback.............Steve
Is that a led lite?
Beautiful
I love my tank, except for the lid....I'm going to cut it like you did!👍
Thanks for your comments. Yea - the lid is the only thing I didn't like about the setup. Good luck with your mod. You could cut the lid with a jig saw or even with a hand saw if that's all you have. Be patient. Take care...........Poppie
I have the same tank. Got it like 3 years ago. It’s holding up nice as well. Thanks for the look 👍🏻🇺🇸
You're most welcome. Thanks for your comment. Take care........Steve
nice
What filter system you use it's very quiet? Is them fresh water fish?
Sorry, I don't remember
Wow. Dude. This is great invention. Don't mind if i will copy this idea
I'm interested in the led light (or lights) you have running in the aquarium... Looks like it was modified as from my viewing angle, there's apparently a short red glow as well as three separate led strips... according to a few serious RUclips aquarium live plant enthusiasts, the light that originally comes attached to the hood does a pretty decent job of growing live plants and I don't think they were hired by Topfin to mention that, either! LoL 😅
I will say that I really like the idea of separating the front part of the hood from the back of it.. 👍🏻👍🏻
Nice review, beautiful tank.. Great idea to cut the lid..
Thanks for your comments..I've been told that TopFin has fixed the lid issue.
Does your tank have a frame around the top? I think I see something at the top right side of tank. Is this a support for modified lid?
$200 on sale - that has to be in the US. It’s on sale in Canada right now for $322.99
This is fantastic!
Glad you liked it. Thank s
I tried to cut mine and in my opinion it is ruined. Anyone know where I can get a replacement lid?
Yes. Those prices are from the Seattle area.
Game Changer indeed wow 🙌🏿🤯🤯
Seriously. I can't find a replacement lid for this Top Fin 36 gallon bowfront anywhere online. I tried cutting mine and IMO it is now ruined. If anyone knows where I can buy a replacement lid please let me know.
I'm sorry Ryan I don't know.. Steve
Cool video
I just got this gallon for 20 bucks at pet-smart because they are closing !!! My question to you is , what filers cartridges do you use or what filter do you use for this aquarium? I changed the filter because it was time to change, and the new one got dirty the following day and the water was over flowing. So I changed the cartridge again and the same problem !!! Please help
I use the Fluvial/Aqua Clear. It doesn't use cartridges and this system works better. Check out the Fluval filter on You Tube. Good luck. Steve
Possibly a firemouth meeki? Anyway that name rings a bell on the inknown cichlid…..?
Hi Kelly - thanks for your comment. My guy at Aquarium Co-op in Edmonds WA. tells me it's a German Blue. So it just might be. Take care.................Poppie
I am going to try and cut my hood using a fine blade hand saw. How did you manage to cut the curved frame portion? I could not see your complete lid side to side.
I used the router tool to do all the cutting. Also, I put black electrician's tape around the top of the tank to block the light from coming out from the top of the tank. It's only tape.
The lid is junk i had a new plastic lid made with 1/4 inch plastic used a 30 inch aqueon light the original light was way to bright I had area cut out for the airlines and had a opening made to feed the fish on the edges I had a 1 inch side edges made to hold it on I also put vinyl black tape on edges looks really good the new lid was under $100.00 I used the original hood and had the company make it just a little bigger so it is easy to remove.
Hi George - Thanks for the email. Sounds like a great solution. If I ever upgrade I'll use your setup as a reference. Take care.... Steve
The ram looks like mikrogeophagus ramerizi, var. “german blue” or apistogramma borellii var. “opal” btw
Yes, I think you're right. Thanks...Poppie
Cutting the hood, brilliant! Unfortunately I'm only running a 3 1/2 gallon tank, I don't think I'd have enough space to cut the hood without disrupting the LED lights.
But I think that was a fantastic idea.
Thanks JoAnne. I appreciate your comments. Can you move the lights toward the back of the hood? .......Poppie
I bought the 25 gallon bow front and the lid is just a nightmare….!
Try to get a hold of a saw and modify it. You'll be glad you did.........Poppie
I almost bought this today, but think I'll wait for a 55 setup to go on sale. Beautiful Ram, I'd fill the tank woth those
Thanks Jeff - Bigger is better when it comes to aquariums. Yes, he's an awesome fish with a cool personality. Take care.........Steve
Great idea ! I’m going to do this on my hood . Thanks so much for your brilliant solution 👍🐟
Thanks. I'm glad you found it to be useful... Steve
Ive had my tank for over a month…filled with water the whole deal but have been trying to figure out what im gonna do about this horrible lid issue!
See if one of your friends has something to cut it with. Or just buy a cheap little hand saw and take the time to saw through it. It'll be worth it. Take care....Poppie
I cut the lid and put hinges on it, Works great now.
Yea the hinge is a great extra addition. I'm sure you 're glad you took the time and trouble to do the mods. Take care............Poppie
How has your stand held up? I just bought mine and water has spilled out onto the stand a few times due to me putting decor or cleaning. And I’m worried it’s gonna screwup event’s due to it being particle board and taking water damage
The particle board does have a waterproof coating on the surface. Clean up the spills with a dry towel right away. Also you might lower your water level prior to adding stuff to the tank. Best wishes...........Steve
@@poppiesplace4475 Will do, thanks for the info 👍🏼
Hey there, I don't know if you mentioned this or use egg crates beneath your big rocks to displace the weight of the rocks on the glass bottom, those rocks are so big and heavy it looks like that overtime if they are placed on top of the sand, will sink deeper and deeper until it hits the bottom of the tank, and they will break the glass, I've had it happen, so if you take out the rocks and put like a square foot of egg crate on the bottom against the glass, and place the rocks on the egg crate, then fill in the sand substrate, you won't have to worry about coming home to a broken tank...
Thanks for your suggestion. I used 12x12 pieces of 3/16 plastic under each rock.....Steve
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@@poppiesplace4475 oh awsome! Good deal my friend!
I have this same tank. Bank of my tank is always wet and running down. I assume since the lid goes over all the edges that it's the condensation from the lid leaking down?? I have to stuff paper towels between the background and tank half way down to catch the moisture, have to replace it everyday. Any suggestions? I even only fill my tank lower . Any time u take the lid off and tons off water runs off it from the underneath inside top.
Hi Paula - I'm really stumped about the water running down the back of your tank. Maybe you could lift and pull the hood forward and see if that stops the flooding. Good luck.......Steve
I've never had that issue in 3 years. Check filter and cords
What is your opinion of the stand? I've almost bought this same combo a few times but the stand really didn't look structurally strong enough to hold the tank. I just don't think I could ever put a tank that size on particle board.
It does work. You could reinforce the cabinet with angle brackets in all corners if that would make you feel better. Good luck..........Steve
I have had the same 36 gallon Bow Front for 2 1/2 year 7/20/22 No issues with the Stand at all. Used a level when placing the tank on the aquarium. Mine is on wood laminate flooring, with an underlayment under the boards , which cushion the floor. The old wooden floor had a lot of use prior to covering it. I would not put the tank on a carpeted floor. You do get splashing when you do your tank maintenance. It is deep so I have to stand on a stool to get at the bottom . I’m only 5’1”. The problem is when you remove the lid the lights are attached . So I open the drapes and turn the ceiling light on. I’m trying to find a better hood. In hind sight I liked my 30 gallon long I had 15 years ago. Bought this tank to put on a smaller wall in the living room . My old tank was in the dining room. The Longer shorter tanks are easier for short people like me 😂
I just got the same tank today, and you have the same fish I want to get; the neon/cardinal tetras. Yours looks very nice.
Thanks for your email - Yea the Cardinals and the Ram both come from South America near the Equator. They thrive in soft, warmer (mine is 81.5F) water with a lower pH. Luckily my tap water in Seattle suits them just fine. The Corys are doing well too. Good luck with your new aquarium - I think that bowfront on its stand look beautiful. Best regards. Poppie
Thanks for the positive feedback. Good luck...........Steve
I just bought this tank and they fixed the lid. It is now on hinges when opening the lid. It’s really nice.
Thanks for letting us know about the hood mod..........Steve
Yes it is! Too bad there's no aftermarket option or switch out for the old style
No replacement lids sold. What a joke. Bound to get brittle and break. What jerks
Right on!