Aqueon LED MiniBow Small Aquarium Fish Tank Kit with SmartClean Technology, Black, 5 Gallon

Aqueon MiniBow Aquarium still going strong after 3 years
I purchased MiniBow, 2.5 gal in 2021. It also comes in 1 & 5 gal, so make sure you order the correct size. In 3 years I have had 3 Betta fish, only 1 was caught near the filter. I average about 1 Betta a year before they die, due to me or life? The bowl is acrylic, and it still looks new, no scratches, so be careful how you clean. The black rim stand is plastic and holds the bowl very well. It’s the water weight that makes it durable. I have a small heater and only use solid deco stones. I noticed the painted stones start peeling and make the water look dirty. Last month after cleaning the filter stopped working. I called Aqueon to see if I could just replace the filter. The rep asked if I had cleaned the fan, nope, didn’t know there was a fan. He waited patiently & explained the filter could be disassembled to access the fan. He gave me directions and I found the fan and it was filthy. I cleaned the fan and filter has been running great for a few days. Time to get another Betta. I suggest if you have issues call Aqueon, the rep (sorry no name) was very helpful and patient. I hope this review helps. After 3 years I recommend the Aqueon MiniBow Aquarium for a small fish. Oh, the small hole at the top of tank is where I drop the food, instead of lifting the lid, never had a Betta jump out.

Filter not adequate
Nice tank – acrylic and no seams so no leaks. The five gallon is a nice size but the included filter is WAY underpowered! Does not keep the water clean. I had to add a separate underwater filter.

A Tank for my Betta – Pros (+) and Cons (-)
I wanted to get a betta for a pet. After some research, I got this as a starter kit. I’ve had it for about two months and here are my thoughts. First of all, its’ a kit. With the tank, you get a filter, lighting, a packet of water de-chlorinator, and a packet of fish food. This is standard with most kits, but for me, the tank is the most important thing.
The tank is easy to assemble, and the parts (base, lid, and tank) integrate well. Once things were running, I plopped Mo into the tank, and he thrived. There was no need to cycle the tank, but I did use Safe Start (liquid bacteria) to help initialize the water. These are the +s, 0s, and -s I noted.
(+) The tank is well constructed, and the parts are well integrated. It would have been nice just to get the tank by itself. It may be a bit small for a betta, but Mo seems to like it. The lid is domed shape and has a feeding hole at the front. Very convenient. It also has an opening in the back to accommodate your electrical cords and tubing.
(0) The filter is OK. It is easy to use and kept the water parameters (pH, Nitrite/Nitrate, Ammonia) stable. It takes up more space in the small tank than you would like. Also, the filter cartridges (which are costly) need to be replaced regularly. Although the water was stable, I noticed a very slight yellow tint to the water. I don’t know if the filter was the cause. After some research, I decided to replace the kit filter with a simple sponge filter. After a couple of days, the water was crystal clear, and it has stayed that way ever since. My sponge filter set up (Air pump, sponge filter, and hose) cost less than $10 and was worth it. The sponge on the filter just needs to be cleaned and not replaced, so no costly filter cartridges are needed. My advice here is to research filters and see if another type might be better for you.
(-) Self Clean Technology. This is incorporated into the filter (see product video) but isn’t really a great help. It makes it easy to do a partial water change but doesn’t help with debris on your gravel (substrate). For me, getting rid of it (the kit filter) and using a sponge filter with an inexpensive siphon hose/gravel vacuum (which you would need anyway) works better, and is just as easy.
(-) The lighting is attached to the underside of the lid. There is no way to adjust the brightness, so you’re stuck with lighting that is probably a little too bright for a betta. Also, since the lid is black, you can’t get “after market” external lighting for this tank. It would have been great if these guys made a clear top.
(-) The kit doesn’t not come with a heater. Very few kits do. If you’re going to keep a betta, you need a heater. Plan on shelling out about $20 for a low wattage heater, but get one that reads out the temperature, or you’ll have to get a thermometer as well.
(0) This just a nit. They provide a packet of generic tropical fish food with the kit. Do not feed this to your betta. Get food specifically made for bettas (high in essential protein).
Make sure you get a water test kit (not cheap). This will help you feel confident about the quality of your water.
Overall, Mo is doing fine in his new home with the adjustments I’ve made.
Update (9-8-2022):
So the light on the lid fizzled out after a few months use. I went to the vendor site, and they can sell you a replacement lid for $23. Not worth it, given the overall cost of the entire kit. I was able to find an adjustable submersible light for less than half the cost. It was easy to remove the original light fixture (you have to snip the wiring off) and attach the submersible light to the roof with the suction cups provided, and a little super glue to secure the suction cups. Now, I have an adjustable light that I don’t have to submerse in the water, that’s perfect for the tank. I guess what I learned is that everything you get with this kit can be replaced very inexpensively and will work out better for you. The only thing I use now from the original kit is the tank itself and lid (without light)… but I have learned a ton from the experience.
Update (8-22-2023):
Just wanted to alert folks to the fact that the narrow opening in the back of the lid (for hoses, heaters, etc.) IS wide enough for a betta to jump out of. I determined the first incident to be a fluke or my mistake, but when it happened a second time, I knew the opening was the cause. Unfortunately, the results proved fatal in both instances. I have since glued a notched plastic retaining wall to the back, so is/has been good for my current “occupant”.
Update (3-8-2024):
I recently retired this tank. It gave me some good years of use, but after getting some glass aquariums, I could never go back to acrylic. These tend to scratch easily and do not “show” as well as nice glass aquariums that in the same price class. Also, the black top doesn’t allow for customization of lighting, and as I mentioned previously, the original light failed.

algo caro pero buen acuario

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