What is the crowd's opinion of
Fluval SPEC Aquarium Kit, Aquarium with LED Lighting and 3-Stage Filtration System, 5-Gallon?
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29 reviews of this product found across the web:
Fluval Spec V.
It was what was most recommended here when I asked about 5 gallons. It seems to go on sale fairly often depending where you look, but I got it from Amazon a little cheaper than what it's listed at now about 2 weeks ago.
Yup! They are also available on Chewy for the same price. Just keep in mind this will need a heater, I still use the hygger with these tanks, but personal preference. It was also need a pre-filter sponge to dampen flow. You can buy one made specifically by fluval for this tank.
Would this be a good tank? I prefer at least a 10g but it’s what I can fit for the space I have for him aquarium
Well that depends on the size. I think anything under 5 gallons would be easy enough to move, but it will cause the fish stress if you have them. I suggest getting an all in one kit if you're not going to do anything more than some easy plants, shrimp, and a few hearty fish. Spec V is a good talk that's also easy to transport.
Also to answer one if your questions, yes I think a fish tank is a great addition to a classroom or School setting. As long as you can keep it safe where kids wouldn't tamper with it if they felt mischievious.
https://smile.amazon.com/Fluval-Spec-Aquarium-5-Gallon-Black/dp/B0089E5VLC
Be patient and you can find them for less, I got mine for around $50, and it's the new version not the old version, the only real difference is the light is much better on the new one. If it comes in a white box it's the old version, black box is the new version, so if you find one locally that is how to tell.
You can get a Fluval Spec V for that price on Amazon right now. IMO the Fluval is better quality, even if 2.5 fewer gallons. You would still need a heater.
I haven't been thrilled with PennPlax.
I keep about 30 Red Cherry shrimp and Malaysian trumpet snails in my Fluval Spec tank and am very pleased with it. All I had to add was a small heater, gravel and live plants and it was ready to start cycling. It's a good looking compact tank and is very quiet.
Dont forget you can get 10 gallon glass tanks for $10 at petsmart. Of course you would have to buy heaters, filters, etc separately. But I think its better anyway, because for me I have to use Aquaclear filters/Hydor heaters/Finnex LED lights. I have a bunch of unused stock filters/led lights in storage from bundle kits.
I will never buy a bundle ever again. With that said, if money is no problem, and I had to get a bundle... its this:
Fluval Spec V
Do you think the lighting on this would suffice
Personally, the aquarium I like the best in that size range is the fluval spec V www.amazon.com/Fluval-Spec-Aquarium-5-Gallon-Black/dp/B0089E5VLC
I did a review on the aquarium you are looking at though if you wanted to read more about it. It's a decent aquarium. The stock filter has it's issues with betta fish in mind. It can be too powerful. There are easy workarounds for that though. But overall, it's only on my site because I think it'll work for bettas just fine. The price sure as heck can't be beat. http://bettafishy.com/aquarius-5-gallon-aquarium-kit-review/
HERE IS THE SUB'S BASIC BETTA SETUP WITH EXAMPLE TANKS. It has tiers ranging from low tech planted to dollar store panic.
It's cheaper to buy in parts than in a full set, especially through amazon for everything other than the tank.
If you're willing to splash and can convince your wife on the aesthetics, the Spec V is a wonderful and well built tank with built in filter. I currently have one, but it is pricy. The marineland portrait 5 gal is another nice tank with a built in filter for 10 is dollars cheaper.
Good luck with your new Betta! BTW, here's a few tips I've learned through this and r/aquariums: *seachem prime is your best friend when it comes to water conditioner. 2 drops per gallon and ~6 bucks for 4 ounces will last you a LONG time *Get the API masterkit on amazon. It's a good 15 bucks cheaper than in store and you will need for cycling *Speaking of cycling, Here is a guide to fish-in cycling. I've heard Tetra safestart can quickly speed up a cycle, but if you want to save the cash, patience and a bit of work can do in its place. *Both this sub and r/aquariums has a great wiki, and most info on diseases, filtration, and other misc. info can be found on them.
Wow, thanks for taking the time to provide an in depth answer!
Im currently looking at this Fluval Spec V; though I cant tell if its version 1 or 2 (im thinking its the newer model, since Amazon lets you know if there is a newer version available).
In regards to plants, I have a leaf hammock and a plastic log, and I will be adding more (silk), but wont be ordering from amazon; im also looking to add driftwood and some live plants.
As far as live plants go, I think I understood that its better to cycle without them, as they could alter the process as they feed on ¿nitrate?. So I would add them later on. What do you think?
Id rather go with Seachem Stability, just because of the ease of measurring.
Ive since added Fluval Spec Carbon Filter replacement and Fluval Spec Bio Max.
Read on several websites that the current could be too strong for a betta, and the sponge cover seemed like an easy fix.
For substrate, I will most likely get gravel.; would love to have sand (too hard to care for as a begginer?) or ADA Africana (weight/cost).
Will check at my LFS for quality substrate, but have low expectations.
As for stock, I would like to add shrimp (ghost and/or RCS) but once my tank is established and settled. In reality, I would love to have Khukli Loaches (3) but general consensus is that a 5g is way too small.
Ill be looking into other bottom feeders (fish), but it doesnt seem I will be able to add them to a 5g.
Hows your setup, what do you have?
https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Spec-Aquarium-5-Gallon-Black/dp/B0089E5VLC
Fluval spec V is perfect for a betta in my opinion. A bit expensive. If the current is too strong you can put a pre filter sponge over the outflow. Heater fits right in the same spot as the pump so you dont even see it. And I just stuff most of the filter area with filter fiber.
Sorry, one more question - do you know the filter quality on a tank like this fluval one? I'm trying to decide if it's worth the splurge. Whatever the betta would be happiest with.
Good on you, OP.
Bettas are lovely as they're curious (like, really inquisitive) and playful. I'm generally against anthropomorphizing, but they unmistakably have personalities.
The main thing is just a bigger tank... at least 5 gallons and a filter and heater that correspond to whatever tank size you end up choosing.
You can either buy these components individually to save $, or buy an aqiarium/filter kit for a bit more. Here's a wonderful aquarium kit for a betta (though it still needs a heater).
I see many others recommending live plants. There are some very easy to care for live plants at pet stores (anubias, java ferns, etc), but they're not nearly as necessary as just a larger, heated living habitat.
Bettas also love floating logs and leaf pads to rest on.
The above, plus some quality food and a few minutes of interaction at convenient points throughout the day will really do wonders for both his health and quality of life.
Small tanks are definitely a bit harder then larger ones, but will end up being cheaper. I suggest looking for a good tank first, then the corals and stocking you'd plan to get. Get all the tank stuff first then let the tank fully cycle before you put any invertebrates in. As for stocking, shrimp could work, maybe an emerald crab. Depends on your preferences.
Not OP, but that's the tank you're looking for. It's a REALLY cool/sleek tank. Only reason I don't use mine anymore is because I like to keep mine in 10 gallon tanks now, but it was SUCH a cool tank when I had it.
Just ordered this aquarium on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0089E5VLC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_mZMDEbBWE50WH
Can I do a mini saltwater tank with maybe two clown fish and some coral? If so do I need to buy anything in addition to that?
I am really trying to stay simple. I want to keep dosing to a minimum. Was thinking of one of those fluval spec 5, thoughts on the light on that? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0089E5VLC
If not, any other suggestions?
Fluval Spec V w/ Finnex FugeRay for light. Some cheapo heater that I have a replacement for coming.
Slate bottom w/ a single Java Fern from my Fluval Edge 12G that was getting beat to the light. Water is a little dirty as I just plopped the fern in there.
Am in the UK so will probably be buying on amazon. Is this the same one?
I bought my tank about a month ago and have been letting it run, as per the advice I received here. It is now finally ready to house a fish. I don't want to hurt or stress out my fish at all so I waited til everything was set. Plus my tank decor only just arrived due to the original package getting lost by UPS.
I may buy a betta this weekend if I see "the right one" but I am ok with waiting!
Here is a list of things I got, based on the general reddit consensus. I wished someone had included a list like this so here you go
Fluval 5 gallon (includes filter/light)
Hydor heater (hides right in the side part of the Fluval tank)
Sponge thingy to make the filter stream not too strong for bettas (I zip tied it on)
My suggestion:
Tank: Fluval Spec V, ≈90$
Substrate: ADA Amazonia 3l, ≈25$
CO₂: DIY CO₂, ≈free
Plants+Wood: 25$, try r/aquaswap or the RAOK in r/plantedtanks for cheap plants
Stock: 10$ Betta or Red Cherry shrimp. edit: Or bee/tiger shrimp, if the buffering of the soil ends in suitable params.
Kind of like the Fluval Spec V idea?
I bought a Fluval Spec V 5 gallon tank off amazon.ca (no car, didn't want to carry) a few months ago. Definitely more pricey at ~$110-140 but I have no regrets. It comes with a tank, light, and filter. I liked it as a starter kit because it had most of what I needed, the filter is hidden, and it runs very quiet.
Other websites to add to what was already posted above: http://www.theplantguy.org/MrAqua-Aquariums_c_130.html (Manitoba, but will ship) http://www.shrimpfever.com/shop/category/shrimp/tank-kits-and-gifts/ (Ontario, but will ship) http://www.menageriepetshop.com (local Toronto)
You can check out the closest fish/aquarium forums in your area and do meetups for plants and other goods. http://www.gtaaquaria.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=7 (general toronto area) http://www.bcaquaria.com/forum/#classified-section (BC) http://albertaaquatica.com/index.php?showforum=65 (alberta) http://www.canadaquaria.ca (canada)
There are usually people getting rid of aquarium stuff on craigslist and kijiji too.
If you aren't going to have any livestock, you can also venture into strange shaped jars/vases (Winners, Canadian tire, homesense, bedbathandbeyond, JYSK, etc.). Also check https://www.reddit.com/r/jarrariums for inspiration!
Slightly off topic: for plant stuff, I relied on the "easy" list on tropica's website for direction. http://tropica.com/en/plants/?tabIndex=1&alias=Easy since my tank is also lowtech
The Fluval Spec V is sort of the go-to for designer 5 gallon tanks.
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