Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

****** I would like customers looking at buying this product to read this review, because it is the most recent review and I'm setting everything straight. Overall, this is a good product. I got it for my dad, and he really enjoys it. He says things like "look at my jellies go!" And "those two look like your mother and I in love," and he's no half wit, so it must be fine. The aquarium came in its own box (like if you bought it at a store) and was very well packaged. At first sight it was a little smaller than I expected, but that you get used to. The set up is very easy. It is a thin rectangular prism made out of museum quality plastic, about 18"x9"x3", attached to a strong, but small, black plastic base. The aquarium may be thin but has surprising balance. The back side of the base extends out 1", and has a line of holes along this extra strip. The plants are made kind of cheaply, but aren't bad (especially since you see them through the water) and are the only cheap things on this product. The set up is simple- fill with water, add soap, slosh around to clean, empty, put plant stems in holes on back of base (so that you look straight through the aquarium to see the plants,) fill with distilled water, slowly put the jellyfish in HEAD FIRST (and it will take time, have patience) so that they sink to the bottom, add soap, stir with knife, put on top, plug in and viola. The light settings are rather nice, though not the same on the box. It really doesn't detract from the experience. If the jellies are put in right (with no air bubbles attached) and distilled water is used, the jellies will not float up or clump together. The only problem with this product, which I got about a week after having and hardly using, RIGHT ON CHRISTMAS DAY, was the pumps. Normally the pumps make a very soothing hum, and alternate every couple of seconds. One, however, started to make a sound that I can only describe as a very quiet diesel truck engine. The other pump soon followed. It is not a big deal though if you're watching a movie, playing video games, or doing anything that involves noise. The product in all other aspects is great, and I would still say that it is worth it. Maybe not $99, but worth it. I recommend doing as much research as you can before buying this product. It is not crap, nor is it excellent. I hope this helps. ---August 23 2013 update--- Jellyfish have lasted, aquarium is in great condition and lights still work great. Pumps now make a loud clacking sound. This is because the rotors on the pumps are waterproof by magnetization to the motor- as the motor turns, I has a magnet on it that the rotor magnetized to, so the rotor turns also. This clacking sound is not fixable unless you cut right into the motor and change it completely. OVERALL- the only downsides are the pumps, which might be easily fixed