1. Volume and what changes with size
Start with the volume, because it sets the tank's size, weight and place. Our sets range, for example, from the 25 l AquaEL Leddy D&N to the 350 l Juwel Rio 350 LED. In a larger body of water conditions change more slowly, so a small slip in care has a gentler effect. That is why a very small tank often needs more attention than a large one.
The same volume can mean different shapes. The Juwel Rio 180 LED holds 180 l and measures 101 × 41 × 50 cm, while the Juwel Lido 200 LED holds 200 l and measures 71 × 51 × 65 cm. The Lido is shorter but deeper and taller: it fits a narrower wall, but reaching the bottom is harder during maintenance. Before choosing, measure the width, depth and free space above the tank for opening the lid.
2. Weight and place
Work out the full weight from the volume. The weight of the water in kilograms is roughly the same as the number of litres, and the empty tank, substrate, rocks and cabinet come on top. For example, the Juwel Rio 240 LED weighs 48 kg empty and holds 240 l of water, while the Juwel Primo 70 2.0 weighs 14 kg empty and holds 70 l.
Ask someone who knows the structure of your building about the floor's load capacity. A filled aquarium can no longer be moved, so decide on the place before filling it. Check that a socket is nearby and that the tank does not stand in direct sun or next to a radiator. The base must be flat and level so the weight spreads evenly; assemble and level the cabinet before the tank goes on it.
The cost of shipping a large aquarium depends on its weight and size. It is usually shown at checkout; for the largest models, ask for a shipping quote on the product page.
3. A set or separate parts
In a set the parts are already matched, which makes the start easier for a beginner. The Juwel Rio 125–240 and Lido LED models have a MultiLux LED light in the lid, a Bioflow M internal filter with an Eccoflow 500 or 600 pump and an AquaHeat Pro heater. A cabinet is not included with them.
The Juwel Primo 110 2.0 comes with a lid with a NovoLux 80 light, a Bioflow Super internal filter with an Eccoflow 300 pump and an AquaHeat Pro 100 W heater hidden in the filter housing. According to the manufacturer, the stronger Eccoflow 500 pump also fits the filter. The AquaEL Leddy D&N contains the tank, a lid with a Leddy Tube Sunny Day&Night LED light, an ASAP 300 or 500 internal filter and a Fix 2 automatic heater; you add substrate and decorations yourself.
The AquaEL Opti Set is different: it comes with the tank with frame, the Smart Open lid and Leddy Tube Sunny Day&Night 2.0 LED lighting, but no filter or heater is listed in the box. The back wall has openings for external filter hoses and cables, so you choose the filter and heater separately.
4. The cabinet and what to consider
An aquarium needs a base made for its size and weight; ordinary furniture may not be. The Juwel SBX Rio 180 is the base cabinet for the Juwel Rio 180 LED: it measures 101 × 41 × 73 cm, weighs 31 kg and takes a maximum load of 350 kg. According to the manufacturer, SBX cabinets of the Rio, Lido and Primo series carry the GS mark for tested safety.
The AquaEL Opti Set cabinet is 80 cm tall, according to the manufacturer 5–7 cm taller than standard, so a large external filter or a CO2 system fits inside. It is made of 18 mm laminated particleboard, and adjustable feet let you level it even on an uneven floor. Choose the cabinet by the size of your Opti Set; it is about 2 cm narrower than the tank, which according to the manufacturer does not reduce stability.
5. The order of choosing
First measure the spot and decide what volume fits there. Then work out the full weight and choose a cabinet made for that exact aquarium. Finally decide whether you want a ready set or prefer to choose the filter and heater yourself.
Once the tank and cabinet are chosen, only the furnishing remains. For fish, plants and starting the tank, read the guide “How to start an aquarium”.
Aquarium sets at a glance
| Model and volume | Size | Included |
|---|---|---|
| Juwel Primo 70 2.0, 70 l | 61 × 31 × 43.5 cm | lid with NovoLux 60 light, Bioflow Super internal filter with Eccoflow 300 pump, AquaHeat 50 heater; cabinet not stated |
| Juwel Rio 180 LED, 180 l | 101 × 41 × 50 cm | lid with MultiLux LED light, Bioflow M internal filter with Eccoflow 600 pump, AquaHeat Pro 200 W heater; no cabinet included |
| Juwel Lido 200 LED, 200 l | 71 × 51 × 65 cm | lid with MultiLux LED light, Bioflow M internal filter with Eccoflow 600 pump, AquaHeat Pro 200 W heater; no cabinet included |
| Juwel Rio 240 LED, 240 l | 121 × 41 × 55 cm | lid with MultiLux LED light, Bioflow M internal filter with Eccoflow 600 pump, AquaHeat Pro 200 W heater; no cabinet included |
| AquaEL Leddy D&N, 25 / 54 / 105 l | 41 × 25 × 25 / 60 × 30 × 30 / 75 × 35 × 40 cm | lid with Leddy Tube Sunny Day&Night LED light, ASAP 300 or 500 internal filter, Fix 2 automatic heater; cabinet not stated |
| AquaEL Opti Set, 125 / 130 / 200 / 240 l | 81 × 36 × 51 / 60 × 40 × 60 / 101 × 41 × 56 / 121 × 41 × 56 cm | tank with frame, Smart Open lid, Leddy Tube Sunny Day&Night 2.0 LED lighting; filter and heater not stated, cabinet separate |
Checklist
- Measure width, depth and space above the lid.
- Choose a volume you can look after.
- Work out the full weight: tank, water, substrate, rocks, cabinet.
- Ask someone who knows the building about the floor.
- Check what the set includes and what you buy separately.
- Choose a cabinet made for that tank.
- Check for a nearby socket and no direct sun.
Products for this guide
Frequently asked questions
How much does a full Juwel Rio 180 weigh?
The empty tank weighs 29.5 kg. Add the water, in kilograms roughly the same as its 180 l, plus substrate, rocks and cabinet.
What is included with the Juwel Lido 200?
The tank with safety frame, a lid with a MultiLux LED light, a Bioflow M internal filter with an Eccoflow 600 pump and an AquaHeat Pro 200 W heater. No cabinet is included.
Does the Juwel Rio 240 come with a cabinet?
No. The matching cabinet is the Juwel SBX Rio 240, and it is chosen separately.
How do I choose an aquarium?
Measure the spot, choose a volume you can look after, work out the full weight and check what the set includes.
