For the last few years I have been writing about my adventures with a top of the range tube bender for small water gardens. The system was originally designed to be used in larger ponds and rivers, however, in recent years I have used it successfully in small areas where I don’t require an extensive water garden. The main difference between a pond and a small area is that most fish like to hide in the middle of the water, rather than on the bottom of it.
The most popular choices when looking to purchase this type of system are either the B&W roll cage water filter that comes with it or the B&W roll and tube bender system which requires no filter. Both of these systems are well priced and produce clean water, however, if you are thinking about buying this type of system, I would strongly recommend getting a separate filtration system.
I prefer the roll cages because they provide a larger water volume and there are two types of tubes available – the long tubes and the short ones. Both of these types will give you the cleanest water possible and remove a lot of the impurities from the water. However, the short tubes tend to work better in smaller spaces.
The main advantage of using these systems is the price, which is very competitive, especially if you buy the B&W roll and tube bender system. Also, if you get your system from B&W, the cost is significantly lower, particularly if you choose the B&W system.
However, if you want a more affordable alternative and want to ensure that you buy the best quality filter, then I would strongly recommend getting your water from another supplier such as Aqua-Lister. The filter they use is more expensive than the other systems, however it does produce clean and pure water. The other great thing is that it is relatively easy to install and can be fitted to any size tank.
Another important point of difference is the fact that the Aqua-Lister system is completely silent. Unlike the B&W system which has a pump which creates noise and makes it impossible to hear the water as it flows, the Aqua-Lister system is silent.
Another great feature of the B&W system is that it comes with a water reservoir which makes it possible to store large amounts of water without having to wait to get a refill. {and it also provide an aeration system. {which makes it perfect for water gardens where plants are hardy enough to survive without aeration. {if they were required. The great thing about this is that the system is extremely easy to install, which makes it ideal for the DIY individual who likes to be able to modify it to their own needs. In the case of DIY water gardens, you can buy a pre-made water filter which is cheaper and not as flexible.
I have had very good results with both the B&W roll cage water filter and the B&W roll and tube bender system but the B&W system has a much longer lifespan than the latter. The only real difference between the two is the cost, which you can really only tell by looking at the systems.
It has been proven that this type of water filter is better in the long term as it will give your fish cleaner, clearer water. They will also be healthier and more resistant to disease. They will live longer and healthier lives too, so this type of filter is definitely worth considering if you are looking for a way to improve the quality of your fish tank.
When you do decide to get a roll and tube bender system, it’s important that you buy one that you know will last for many years. {as they are a great choice for the longer term aquarium keeper. If you are unsure, then look into buying a B&W system which is a more budget-friendly option.
You should never forget that having a great water filtration system can go a long way to improving the health of your fish and they will have a lot more fun in the tank. So why not give them a try.
