CADlights 34g Mini-II

[HVani]

I want to take a moment to review my new CADlights 34g Mini-II I received a couple weeks ago.

 

I first decided on a CADlights over other brands because I was looking for a 30g AIO. IM had a few but I didn't like the dimensions. The micro 30/38 aren't being sold anymore and I didn't want a 30 long. I also didn't want the 40 because of the height. So I ended up checking out CADlights. I know in the past CADlights has had some troubles but it seemed recently things were better.

 

I ordered my tank and they took my money fast enough. I ordered on a Wednesday and by Friday I still had not heard anything. I sent a few messages here and there but did not hear back. It ended up not being too big of a deal. The following Monday I got an email saying my tank had shipped and it would be at my house by Friday.

 

Tank arrived in a huge box making my husband think the tank was a lot bigger than it actually was I have had 2 other tanks shipped to me and so far I'm 2/2 on them arriving safe and sound. The CADlights tank was no different. It was packed really well and soon styrofoam peanuts were all over my house and yard.

 

So the tank itself:

 

The tank is GORGEOUS. I have a Nuvo 8 and it's a nice tank but the CADlights makes it look like a cheap toy. The glass is nice and thick, very clear and just lovely. I also was surprised at just how much room is in the back AIO part of the tank. I have had no trouble mounting my skimmer, heater and ATO back there. There is still plenty of room. I might start a little fuge back there as well.

 

The pump the tank came with is a beast. I have it turned down all the way and I have still spent the last week trying to get it to not blown the tentacles right off my hammer.

 

Setting up the tank was quite a pain. The hose was suppose to be cut to the appropriate length for the return but it was too long. I had to keep cutting it down over and over. Because of this I ended up cutting myself with a rusty blade and that hurt. Luckily I did not get lock jaw so CAD will not have to pay my medical bills. It was still very frustrating.

 

Once it was set up and running things went smoothly. I took out the huge blue sponges because I was worried about them becoming a nitrate trap. This tank NEEDs a media basket so bad. For now though I have my skimmer running in this chamber to help reduce microbubbles. It seems to be working. The tank makes a bit of a splashing sound right now but otherwise it's very quiet. I can't hear it over the fans in my light.

 

 

All in all here is my review:

 

Communication:D

Tank Aesthetics: A

Parts included:C

Build:A

 

It's a beautiful tank that I would highly recommend to anyone

 

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[Horerczy]

Good review.

 

Just one question, because I'm curious. Why would you use a rusted cutting tool and what makes you think that CAD would be responsible for your medical bills because you chose to use a rusted cutting tool?

[HVani]

Good review.

 

Just one question, because I'm curious. Why would you use a rusted cutting tool and what makes you think that CAD would be responsible for your medical bills because you chose to use a rusted cutting tool?

It was just a joke

 

It was my saltwater razor and it's gotten a little rusty. Luckily I've had my tetanus shot within the past 10 years so I made it just fine.

[kimberbee]

How're the corners cleaning-wise?

[Horerczy]

It was just a joke

 

It was my saltwater razor and it's gotten a little rusty. Luckily I've had my tetanus shot within the past 10 years so I made it just fine.

Ahh. Ok then.

 

I hate tetanus shots.

[HVani]

How're the corners cleaning-wise?

Not bad. I've been using a nano magnet and it takes care of the corners

[ReversedlogiC]

After a few months of running this tank, do you still have a positive opinion?

[HVani]

After a few months of running this tank, do you still have a positive opinion?

Yes! I just love this tank and would highly recommend it.

[Livewreck]

Beautiful tank! Glad you like it. I love your aquascape as well.

 

From my experience with CadLights, I'd rate their communication as an "F." They are easy to reach by phone, but they are not helpful at all. And their return emails were nonexistent in my case.

 

Even on their website they fail to provide important information. E.g., the tank's dimensions are listed as 30" x 16" x 16", but no note is made as to the depth (front to back) dimensions of the display area vs the AIO filter area. And there is no info regarding the size of each filter chamber. Those dimensions are important and I'd certainly want to know what they are before purchasing any AIO aquarium.

 

Also, I can't tell from either your photo or from their website where the return pump's nozzle exits the back wall into the display area. CadLights has a tendency (esp. in their mini series tanks) to have the return enter too low down the back wall. It would be helpful if they had a manual that could be downloaded from their website (like Innovative Marine has).