Aqua Japan 120?

[drcrook]

Hey Folks,

I've been looking for a good low iron glass rimless tank 48" x 24" x 24" (or more; prefferably 30"+ tall)

Anyways, I found this and it looks like a great deal: https://www.fishtanksdirect.com/aqua-japan-aquarium-reef-pro-120---48-x-24-x-24.aspx

Does anybody have experience with these and or alternate recommendations? I would be interested in what kind of bulk-heads to get with it (or alternates).

 

[Aquavaj]

You'll likely get little or no response because it seems nobody has these tanks. Well I took a gamble and got the 180 locally. A local reefer referred me to a guy that could it near wholesale price so he picked it up for me for $500 less than what that online place is charging for the 120. He even inspected the seams and corners during pickup. Awesome guy!

As for the tank I haven't set it up yet due to me possibly moving in the near future. It'll be replacing my SCA 120. Im more than satisfied with the build quality of the tank. The silicone job looks good and there's extra bracing around the bottom seams. The holes could be cut cleaner but I don't find that as an issue. You can do a Herbie setup with the 3 holes in the overflow or bean animal by using the holes on the top eurobrace for the returns. The packaging is quite poor, just styrofoam around the edges and cardboard bottom and top wrapped with plastic wrap. Hopefully it'll be put in a crate for shipping cause it probably won't survive without one.

The sump is standard 3 section glass sump. Mine is huge at 5ft long with dual sock holders. With it so being so long my giant skimmer fits into the drain section leaving the middle perfect for a fuge.

The stand is just the typical screwed together sheet wood. It looks sturdy enough dry but you probably don't want this thing getting wet. I'm planning to reinforce it with hardwood pieces to give a little more peace of mind.

If not for the move I would have this thing up and running already. Right now it's just sitting in the garage.

 

[drcrook]

Cool. I'm actually debating the Aqua Japan 120 vs the SC 120. They are essentially the same tank as far as I can tell. I intend to build a stand from scratch anyways using 2x4's and 3/4" 7 ply. The japan's fuge looks like a nice addition; but the Japan is $700 more than the SC 120. If I go SC 120, I'll get a Trigger 34 for ~$450. Both do free shipping. Japan online is currently at $1600 while SC 120 is at $900.

I'll definitely need them shipped as I live in OBX and nothing is near me.

 

[Aquavaj]

Yea they're pretty much the same except the number of holes and the hole sizes. On the SCA you won't be able to do bean animal unless you go over the top with the returns or drill for them.

If you plan to build the stand and go with another sump then no point in getting the AJ.

 

[drcrook]

Yeah; I don't intend to do a bean animal; that is a bit overkill I think. I'm going to go with the SC 120 starfire and use the extra funds to get a better RODI and more livestock.

 

[StoneyK]

Beware the aqua Japan… I have one.
The glasswork isnt perfect. One of the euro braces is crooked as a dogs leg…
And the worst part … it comes with a GLASS sump. Can’t work with it at all. I tried to drill mine but when I installed the bulkhead it cracked. Had to have a new piece of glass made an drilled properly. It’s been a real drag to deal with to say the least.
If your going to buy one don’t order it eight unseen… I’d want to see how well it was put together… there’s no way a jig is being used with what my tank looks like. I’m going to remove the euro brace and result one it back strait… it’s killing me

 

[JoMenagerie]

Cool. I'm actually debating the Aqua Japan 120 vs the SC 120. They are essentially the same tank as far as I can tell. I intend to build a stand from scratch anyways using 2x4's and 3/4" 7 ply. The japan's fuge looks like a nice addition; but the Japan is $700 more than the SC 120. If I go SC 120, I'll get a Trigger 34 for ~$450. Both do free shipping. Japan online is currently at $1600 while SC 120 is at $900.

I'll definitely need them shipped as I live in OBX and nothing is near me.

Beware the aqua Japan… I have one.
The glasswork isnt perfect. One of the euro braces is crooked as a dogs leg…
And the worst part … it comes with a GLASS sump. Can’t work with it at all. I tried to drill mine but when I installed the bulkhead it cracked. Had to have a new piece of glass made an drilled properly. It’s been a real drag to deal with to say the least.
If your going to buy one don’t order it eight unseen… I’d want to see how well it was put together… there’s no way a jig is being used with what my tank looks like. I’m going to remove the euro brace and result one it back strait… it’s killing me

I just got the SCA 120. Go for their PNC system. The stand is solid maple and for barely more money than the AquaJapan you get a pump, some plumbing, an ATO reservoir, and a skimmer.