I am thinking that it will be a good idea to set up a thread for the Fluval Spec nano tanks. I have one Fluval Spec V myself and it be interesting to see what others are doing with their own fluval spec tank.
It is an interesting tank, I like it for its compactness and even embrace it for its limitations (eg. lighting not so strong, but quite ok with low tech set up, and filter seems to be not so powerful). Both of which can be improved upon on own limitations if you want to do own replacement. But wish they have one more switch to double the working bulbs for the white lights as it has currently white and moon light options.
Here is my tank which is just cycled.
I currently have quite a wide collection (considering its size) of flora inside ranging from nano petit, mosses, fissiden and even marimo moss... couldn't resist add continously after each LFS visit. For fauna,
-1 betta (without a doubt the smartest boy in the tank, but most probably because it recognises the feeding hand and face)
-10 cardinal tetra (the columbia breed, Fast and strong fellows. Feed like piranhas. Scary but a joy to watch them tear their food apart in schools)
-2 mexico dwarf crayfish (new addition as cleaning crew but I am abit regretting as I read thereafter that they might be "opportunistic predators"
-2 starlight pleco (which I never see the day after I put it in)
Please feel free to share your Fluval tank set-up as well.
Fluval Spec.JPG
Nice tank, Ralph. The plant tied to the lava rock in your foreground (the green and white leaves) is not an aquatic plant, however. They are 'Fittonia' and will rot if left fully submerged. Other than that, it looks great. Hope you have fun with your tank!
Thanks for letting me know. No wonder I see it even in Ikea and wonder if it is different species or whether it is really that versatile.
Will note and perhaps let it semi-submerge. Or will semi-submerge not even be an option?
Originally Posted by Donut the Donkey
Here's my contribution
1. Stock lighting replace with UP Aqua Pro LED 45.
2. Sealed holes at bottom centre and top right in Overflow filter chamber so that inflow is only through top grill. Replaced stock filter with cheap black sponge from LFS and cut out to size making sure it's a snug fit as my top mechanical layer, followed by seachem matrix(put in bag sold in LFS) and then seachem purigen in bag at the bottom.
3. Stock pump died 6th month. Replaced with Eheim 300 compact
4. Plants - Glosso, Alternanthera reineckii, Staghorn java ferns
5. Livestock - 4 Boraras brigittae, 1 Ottocinlus, 1 Nerite horned snail and 2 Indostomus Paradoxus and assorted shrimps (Blue/ Red Rilis, Fire Reds, Yamato).
Last edited by ZIr; 27th Apr 2015 at 18:12.
Great set-up HBK! I remember seeing your tank before. Rem you mention this was already decomm and you re-cycled the main piece driftwood in another tank. =) And really great filtration capacities considering that your bioload doesn't seem too heavy with this set-up.
I am also thinking of following your method to modify the Overflow chamber as I am not able to lay my hands onto the Fluval spec's "surface skimmer". So I may just get a sponge and place it on top of the existing sponge , plus slight additions for make-shift surface skimmer.
Seachem seems to have some great products and I am sold by their marketing write-ups. I am also considering adding the Purigen, now that my tank is cycled. And also the Matrix as well, in addition to the stock bio-filter (which doesn't seem like alot to begin with).
Here's my contribution
1. Stock lighting replace with UP Aqua Pro LED 45.
2. Sealed holes at bottom centre and top right in Overflow filter chamber so that inflow is only through top grill. Replaced stock filter with cheap black sponge from LFS and cut out to size making sure it's a snug fit as my top mechanical layer, followed by seachem matrix(put in bag sold in LFS) and then seachem purigen in bag at the bottom.
3. Stock pump died 6th month. Replaced with Eheim 300 compact
4. Plants - Glosso, Alternanthera reineckii, Staghorn java ferns
5. Livestock - 4 Boraras brigittae, 1 Ottocinlus, 1 Nerite horned snail and 2 Indostomus Paradoxus and assorted shrimps (Blue/ Red Rilis, Fire Reds, Yamato).
Fluval tanks are expensive, not sure why
More often than not, you can get decent low iron clarity glass plus decent lights for the price of a fluval spec tank. I do not see why there is such a demand for this. Except probably because it is an all in one system.
Holy is the Lord, God Almighty ! The Earth is filled with His Glory !
90 x 50 x 50 cm tank: Eheim 2217; ANS CO2 Solenoid with 60mm intense bazooka; Zetlight 6400; Teco 500 Chiller; Borneo Wild Steel inlet/outlet
Ferts: Dry Mixture/Dr Mallicks. Temp: 26 degrees Substrate: ADA Amazonia
Yeah, no doubt about that, cent for cent, you do pay more compared to a self-assembled set.
But guess not every decision is made solely to save that $50 or $20. If you are going to spend the effort to maintain a tank, whether big or small, and you happen to like that particular look of that tank within your budget, you will just pay the ransom on the premium. I paid $125 for this tank after scouting around a few shops, and I think the damage is still bearable.
The only reason I can think of, is its design. Clean look due to the IOS. I had people praising how pretty the tank is, when I first placed it on the table, empty. Am sure you don't get praises with an empty conventional tank.
Most people will just see the general aesthetics and don't see the details that we hobbyist notice. Only we can be seen molesting a empty tank trying to tell if it is float glass or low iron glass. lol
Same thoughts, probably the expensive price is due to the design and clean look and maybe brand? I don't know.. I must admit it really does look good right out of the box and my decision back then when making the purchase was due to it's contemporary design which suits my home décor, it's nano size and everything you need to start was in the box.
However as I got more knowledgeable and wanted to 'level' up to medium difficulty plants and livestock, look at what happened to my tank.It started becoming an eyesore and now it's sitting in my storeroom. I don't plan to sell it yet as I still see uses for it in the foreseeable future, but never as my main tank
Definitely more appealing to the beginner trying their hand at everything before they move up. I am not dissing the brand. But truth be told, as you try higher level plants, this tank will be rendered obsolete. However, for a fish only or fish plus crypts and nanas/ferns, this is probably the best start up.
They are indeed nice. But to a more seasoned hobbyist, we often ask, "Hmmm, the filter spoil how? The lights not strong enough how? How to do maintenance with such narrow width or hole to work with?" LOL
Holy is the Lord, God Almighty ! The Earth is filled with His Glory !
90 x 50 x 50 cm tank: Eheim 2217; ANS CO2 Solenoid with 60mm intense bazooka; Zetlight 6400; Teco 500 Chiller; Borneo Wild Steel inlet/outlet
Ferts: Dry Mixture/Dr Mallicks. Temp: 26 degrees Substrate: ADA Amazonia
Indeed, what you said is very true Bro Phillipians, especially on whether the hole ok to work with since I'm quite big sized haha. Talking about lights, I might PM you to ask some questions on the Zetlight. I read somewhere else, sounds like you've used one.
Spec not that bad.
Just imagine the shock when my Sister in Law bought my Father in Law a EDGE.
>.<
Yeah, fully agree. Beginners will dig this tank. After awhile, the beginner will get itchy and upgrade will be round the corner.
For tank, it is always the bigger the better, the more the merrier. LOL
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