A Great Tank from Amazon?! The MarineLand 5 Gallon Portrait Tank

[@AquariumCoop]

Buy the tank through our affiliate link and get it shipped to your house or buy it from your local store. amzn.to/2DA2wI4

[@Toneloke-3000]

I'm surprised the tank lid doesn't come with a sticky tape plastic handle with logo.

[@vollickplaysgames]

you dont have to take the back cover off to slide the lid back.. thats why it has little ramps on the front of it.

[@rickbooher8224]

Could be used as a small quarantine tank for a couple of small fish as well or a baby grow out tank for a short period of time. A good beta breeding tank, or live bearer biting tank. Maybe a pea puffer or a small fishes that don't mind being alone besides a betta. It has a lot of uses. On the hot rodding the rank wouldn't you want the sponge to stay closer to the intake vents to keep the flow going through the pads instead of the path of least resistance pushing the pads to the back thus reducing flow through the pads. maybe I am mistaken about the flow thing just a thought though. It has a small footprint that could go about anywhere. Like to see what you would put in it as a marine pico tank. Like to see it operational as a marine tank. I see it for fresh water but marine hard for me to picture it being so small fish only or with some live rock or coral only and one or two invertebrates or fish. That really appeals to me. As well as fresh water applications. Really enjoyed the video. Thanks Corey for taking the time to showing us new products with ideas to make it even better. Keep it up.

[@alexanderlock956]

By cutting the holes that connects to the powerhead will affect the rate of the flow and the water will below are in the back

[@alexanderlock956]

Aquarium Co- Corey correct me if I’m wrong if you come cut the hoseThat attaches to the powerhead would it affect the flow of the water coming out making the back part of the tank water level lower Than the front part The tank

[@johnmartinez4943]

I love how you never change your tune Cory. Just straight up, no BS.

[@dawnsyandre2565]

I bought this tank after researching all the 5 gallons on the market. I was STUNNED after watching yall's video. Just stunned. I had no idea about "hotrodding," filtration to this extent and also shortening the hose. I also would like to say that I have contacted yall via email and I was replied to immediately. I just love You Guys! Thanks for all your videos from Florida :)

[@mistirose]

I’m new to the hobby and want to start with a betta tank but I have paralysis through analysis. I’ve watched hundreds of videos and they were too advanced for my zero level knowledge. Thank you for this video - it was simple to understand, not overwhelming, and a great help. 🐠

[@trixie1636]

I LOVE “paralysis through analysis” OMG that is amazing 😂 this describes it so well. Hours upon hours of researching every product and sub product and their details! I got a similar version of this from GloFish and I have to say everyone mentioning the pump being strong is spot on. I got it to hold some baby guppies and the flow was insane. I got a sponge and put it on the outflow, also turned it facing up and to the side and it still pushed them around if they got close. I would definitely consider a sponge filter or do a mod like he said. Oh, you can even turn the flow down, which I did and it didn’t seem to do much. It’s a good little beginner tank, I’m learning as I go as well and haven’t had many issues with it… the compartment is both convenient and inconvenient. It is hard to stick your hand back there and if the suction cups don’t come up when you pull the hose it’s a super pain to get out, but it looks good and it does its job. Hope that helps

[@rhaataja]

This is the tank that got us back into aquariums. Changed out the light for a $15 led and it's a great planted tank for our pea puffer.

[@submergedroots]

What kind of light did you get for yours?

[@cameronsisson8954]

^

[@puddlebarf]

I love how cory made a big stinky about how hard it is to lift the lid off to feed and then immediately after takes the lid off in a different, easier way.

[@monicawilkins9956]

NotFlafee he’s talking about having to take pieces apart in order to feed. Other tanks have small, one way push hatches to feed fish threw. That was his criticism there.

[@seangriffiths9163]

Yes plus to lift the light remove the filter cover just to take the lid off for feeding is a design fault. Is right and it's not as easy of practical even more so in a rush to get to work in the morning.

[@krg9942]

There is a notch in the back cover that lets the glass easily slide underneath to feed the fish and / or remove the glass top. No need to remove it.

[@FishForThought]

I've been looking for a 5 gal to start a paludarium with. This seems great!

[@samhyde4995]

two of my favorite fish-tubers!

[@giathorsen9813]

This tank is officially Chris approved! This is the tank I'm asking for for Christmas for a Betta! It is just perfect! I love it!! Love both fish channels! I will also be buying that coarse sponge! I love fish tank review! It makes you unique!

[@radioaktive1103]

😏😏 spoiler alert ❤️

[@muticfox3189]

@Fish For Thought Ha, I just watched your vid, and here you are!

[@-8_8-]

What'd you put in it? Link anyone?

[@ezriedash6633]

I am not considering this tank, at all... and yet I’m still watching. 🤔🤷‍♀️

[@natevanderloon9060]

Ezrie Dash same

[@clintbandura9018]

Me too lol. I was considering this tank but got the fluval spec instead

[@sarahk4047]

Ezrie Dash haha me too 🤔😄

[@lancecumming18]

Same - watching cos its Cory obviously! :P

[@caewalker9276]

Me three

[@3toedSloth75]

We have one of these tanks and I did a similar mod on the filter, but 2 key differences: 1. Retained the plastic filter holder/bracket and stock sponge. It channels flow through that original sponge by water it go up and through the blue filter, then down the back through the sponge. Also it keeps the filter part neat so I can add a heater and whatever else in the sump area. 2. Used a higher ppi (about 30) foam. The smaller holed foam keeps baby shrimp out of the back. We do have to service it every 1-2 weeks to keep the flow going but that should be done anyway. Also, it should have some additional shroud around the LEDs. Preferably down to the glass. As-is the light shines brightly off the glass and out the sides instead of just down into the tank. Overall though a very nice tank! I give it 4.5 out of 5.

[@bilfbilfbilf]

Hello, sorry that this is many months later, but do you think this would be a good tank for a betta? I want to rehouse mine to a tank that's a bit smaller and this is a tank that I really like.

[@stormtrooper2010]

A few comments to add, I have had this same tank now for 5 months, perfect size for my needs and space constraints. I "Hot Rodded" mine as well but more over the top than Cory did here. For starters this was purchased with the idea that it would be a Betta tank, with maybe a few small tankmates...(added over time) it's now home to a Betta, 6 Celsetial Cloud Danios, 6 Cardinal Tetras, 3 Amano Shrimp an 2 Nerite Snails, and a ton of live plants. So modifications, on the outflow I hated the duckbill, TOO much current even with the pump on it's lowest setting this was like a blender in the tank. I Purchased a Fluval Nano filter with the idea that I'd rip out the back baffle and just let it suction cup on the back inside of the tank, mainly because it has a spray bar and a flow adjustment inline. I ended up just taking the spray bar and replacing the duckbill on the outflow with it and some small black PVC elbows and tubing to connect it all (actually yard sprinkler piping elbows). in addition in the back of the tank as Cory has noted here there is PLENTY of room for more filter media, but no structure. So I built a small 1/5" x 1.25" acrylic sleeve the height of the inside of the tank, drilled holes through it on the 1.25" sides for water to pass through and filled it with Seachem Matrix (200 ml). [As an aside here the Seachem Martix comes in a 250 ml bottle and says it treats 25 gallons, I'm using 4/5 of the container so 200 ml, I'm figuring i added another 20 gallons of biological filtration.] I added a Fluval Nano LED light as well, can't say enough good things about this light, you want plants... toss that dinky thing it came with and upgrade!!! I ran it like this heavily planted with Crypts, Amazon Swords, Water Hyacinth, and some Staurogyne Repens, a few pieces of lace rock and a root of spiderwood. It's running great and clean, did get a little algae after a few weeks but I dialed the light back from 10 to 8 hours a day and it's no longer an issue. I've been adding Seachem Flourish for the plants and they have all doubled in size since i first planted them 5 months ago.

[@trixie1636]

Omg I want to see your tank. How do you have so much in there? Is the water hyacinth a dwarf version? Because I can’t imagine it in the tank 😅 I have one in my pond and it’s huge!

[@peterrog96]

I cannot thank you enough! I bought this tank for my kids to keep them occupied during this tough time of pandemic; of course after a week a filter was completely clogged - so I came to YT for a solution and found this extremely helpful clip; I will be coming back and ordered already the sponge; fyi, we keep in it a few neon tetras.

[@DCN2010]

Thank you Cory for the review and “hot rod” ideas. I just picked up five of them for $18.16 a piece at Walmart... three of them are for my three daughters, one I’ll use as a small hospital/quarantine tank, and an extra one just because.

[@rp101aquatics6]

i missed the sale sadly but ill be on a look out next time

[@DCN2010]

@@rp101aquatics6 I was really shocked when I saw the price. I had already laid down in bed and almost waited until the morning to order them. Fortunately, I decided to get back up and place my order.

[@tonibauer2949]

Wow! Great price!

[@jasonhare8540]

I've had three of these tanks ... The water flow is a little strong for my but I sold it by putting some filter media in exit spout ... Worked great

[@Yankenzi]

hey buddy, try Fluval Edge Pre Filter Sponge. Its cost about 3 dolars, and it slows and spread flow over the sponge, so its works like dumping ;)

[@nicolaas1804]

Props to you, showing people that can't order from your website because they live outside the USA even though you also have a online website!

[@Rich_ard]

You should raffle this 5 gallon. I'm not considering buying the tank, the reason I'm watching is you're entertaining af to watch and I can always glean relevant info in every video you do.

[@hummingbird3771]

I knew I wasn't the only one. Thanks!

[@cyndorf]

I’m new to the hobby and I’m soaking up your knowledge. Cheers from Adelaide, Australia

[@urbansk8r231]

Yep soak up corys knowledge like a hot rod sponge soaking up the waste. Btw im alsp in the land of the kangaroo near the big coat hanger

[@merrydavis3227]

I'm jeleous, always wanted to visit & you live there. Cheers🍹

[@Arks123]

Great to hear don't forget that a pinch of Patience goes a long way

[@plantsandfish5512]

Gracious! It’s crazy, every time I’m thinking about adding to my fish room you put out a video that’s related. Whether it’s adding beta tanks, fry tanks , building a filter or aquarium stand, you always have content that’s helpful. Please feel free to let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. If you ever have an experiment you would like me to try or if you ever want some free fish from my breeding operation, just say the word. I work in finance therefore working with spreadsheets to document costs or any numbers related to a project is second nature.

[@merrydavis3227]

Funny about that timing isn't it. I had put this in my bedroom around Nov/Dec, easy PEASY & very nice looking tank on dresser. Get another🐌🦀🐟🐬🐋🐡🐙🐚lol.

[@xlr8shen]

I have this tank! The glass lid is designed to slide under the rear black plastic piece. That leaves about a 2-3 inch gap to feed your fish. Overall, very happy with this tank. I am going to mod it like you showed to use your sponge filters and stop using those replaceable filters.

[@cxcortez7614]

The top actually slides easy. No need to lift the glass top.

[@fredlovegrove4312]

Will you ever setup this tank with a scape and fish to show what you can make

[@t-bone8404]

frostt !! Yeah that would be sweet! I just picked it up for 25 bucks, someone didn’t like it after a week! Big score.

[@fishinkeylargo]

I have had two of these tanks for over a year now. I also hot rodded mine right away and never used the cartridge filter. Where the pump goes I have a small heater that plugs into a remote temperature control. In that same chamber I have a small bag of ceramic rings stashed down in the bottom. Where the filter goes I have done the same as you did and placed a filter sponge cut to fit in there. Both of my tanks contain one fish (Betta in one, Powder Blue Dwarf Gourami in one), two nerite snails, and many many plants. I have not done a water change in 10 months now, I just top off my tanks as needed. The heavy plant load takes care of all my water parameters. As far as dissolved solids, I have found that they don't go up much at all and stabilize pretty quick. I have very hard water to start. Water from tap is @225 PPM TDS and tanks currently sit at 250-265 PPM TDS after 10 months. As far as the lid, it easily slides backwards and the black cover just tilts up out of the way. I plan on getting a 3rd tank for shrimp, I just need to figure out if the high TDS will be a problem for the shrimp.

[@judyhobday4760]

love that tank and all the explanations and modifications. In the old days my husband and I had a lot!! of tanks and raised the easy ones to sell to pet stores. Now I am on my own again and renewed interest. So much has changed, and you tube is my school. Thank you so much.

[@wendyn7991]

Just wanted to say I’ve been getting back into the hobby after tracking a break from fishkeeping (gave my tanks and supplies to my cousin who LOVES fish) but I’m absolutely FLOORED by the increase in video quality from the last time I watched until now!

[@lizord69]

the middle chamber is to ensure that the sump doesnt dry out. its to keep water in the sump when the water gets lower than the top holes

[@imluna6455]

Got this for 50$ and found it the best value tank so far for me!

[@rp101aquatics6]

walmart had it up for 18.16 dollars till it sold out yesterday

[@TruthLivesNow]

RP101 Aquatics Right now it is over $41

[@rp101aquatics6]

@@TruthLivesNow i knoe i said it was on sale

[@TruthLivesNow]

RP101 Aquatics Yes, I am just stating what it is now. People may as well know one cannot get it for near that price now.

[@merrydavis3227]

@@TruthLivesNow but we all share sales prices when we find them, also keep in mind all stores vary by location, just because Petsmart or Petco or Walmart in North Myrtle Beach SC has on sale, doesn't mean the ones in NC, GA etc does at the same time.🐠🐡🐋- it's all about saving $$$, so you can by MORE, MORE FISH, ANOTHER TANK, ETC 😂😂😂

[@SK0TIA]

I have this tank! the plastic back cover actually has raised edges underneath so you can slide the glass top back fairly easily. I also modded it a bit so I can make full use of the space in the tank. I took a razor and split it between the back panel and removed it. Now run a small sponge filter in place of that pump. It's a great-looking low-cost shrimp tank!

[@VyvienneEaux]

Cory, due to the venturi effect, water will not flow through the pads almost at all if there's a gap where it can get around. This is because the unimpeded flow will be faster than flow through the sponge, and the corresponding reduction in pressure essentially sucks water away from flowing through the sponge. Another way to phrase this is that water flows through the path of least resistance.

[@debrafisher7373]

I've been waiting all week for this review lol I bought two of these babies last year and LOVELOVELOVE them. I agree with this entire review but will note that the tops DO slide back so you can feed, but only if you position the housing cover JUST RIGHT. Love the hot-rodding ideas and will definitely give those tips a shot.

[@jonathanmay2399]

with adjusting the pump and the extra filtration in the back you can get the flow down to a mere trickle if you want to

[@FBGFatBottomgirl2]

@@2869may depends on the betta really. My betta had a lot of difficulty swimming due to his ridiculously long fins in even the lowest setting on the pump that came with the tank. I ended up pulling out the little pump and replaced it with a small sponge filter that i attached to the outflow thingy. Worked great for my betta. I will add that i also tossed the filter cartridge before setting up this tank and opted some Seachem Matrix Biomedia that I put right in the cartridge area with poly floss stuffed on top of it. The tank has been set up and running for two years+. My betta passed away just recently, so i reverted the filter area back to use with the included pump for a lonesome tetra and a herd of snails. They seem happy. I own two of these tanks and am super pleased with the ease of customization for my particular needs. Hope this helps.

[@Cgraseck]

I have this tank in my classroom. I never liked the filter. I always ended up with fry in that back compartment. The pump does not go down to no flow, even at the no flow setting. My solution was to cut the false back out and toss in an air driven sponge filter. Works great now. Of course the lid no longer covers the top of the tank, but feeding is easer. 😉 Cheers, Chris

[@pfink70]

Cory, I believe you are supposed to leave the plastic cover on the back and the glass top is meant to slide back underneath it in order to access the tank for feeding. That is why the plastic cover has little bent up corners. I saw another video that demonstrated this action. The top didn't slide back when you tried it because the unopened filter bag was sticking up.

[@leonmat26]

Bought this tank, and I used your previous hot rodding videos to make its filtration better! I found that its lighting is really good at growing java fern, and java moss.

[@ronparks1290]

I have some ideas regarding this tank with which I’m very experienced. This tank is not suitable for a shrimp colony I was told but I’ve managed somehow for over a year by entirely encasing the slide in plastic filter holder with a fine mesh net bag and also encasing the entire filter motor with a net bag. This is bc shrimplets will go right through the grate even when that sponge material is pressed up against it and cut to fit- they can wriggle around it and even adults can maneuver through the grate and will live in the back area. The net bags solved this problem. Now and then when I siphon the back I’ll find a tiny shrimplet in the waste water and rescue it but otherwise these net bags from petco saved the aquarium for me bc even when the sponge was covering the grate every time I looked in the back shrimp were living there and it was very frustrating.

[@DarrenQuigley]

So we bought this tank used on FB marketplace for $35, then bought the sponge pad from your store on the link below. I did away with the old cartridge all together and cut your sponge down a little on the side as one piece to fit, then made a notch about 1/2 inch wide on the bottom for the guide where the old cartridge fit into and used the whole back as a filter. I also did not shorten the down tube for the pump either, I left it long so it would pull from the bottom all the way through my filter sponge. Took about 4 weeks to establish but now have 3 fish, 3 snails, 3 shrimp, 1 catfish, plants and a frog all living happily and the water PH is perfect. Great little tank for a young person's dresser or somewhere you don't have a lot of space.

[@EatBread_123]

I just bought this tank and the lid actually slides back into the back cover for easy access for feeding so perfect tank thank you!!

[@bige8397]

I have had this tank for a few years now. The first thing I did was remove the false back/filtration system because it takes up too much room. Picked up a small corner sponge filter and gained lots of real estate.

[@joescott778]

I just ordered this, how did you remove the panel? Just razor the silicone? I'd like to do it also.

[@camdencochran7151]

Larry Kenobi Yes he did. watch aqua pros video on it he shows how to do it

[@emmy4537]

Larry Kenobi yes

[@EddVCR]

I really love how you showed how to improve the tank. I can apply that knowledge to other similar tanks too!

[@HKLuterman]

I have one of these tanks! I did similar and filled the back with sponge and plastic pot scrubbies. I tossed the light and replaced it with a little Nicrew LED, and have javafern windelov and javamoss growing well. I got rid of that little plastic strip for the back and have pothos growing out instead. I like that you can hide a heater in the back, too. Makes a great little pea puffer/shrimp tank.

[@pamziolkowski7376]

I love this tank (I actually have two in my kitchen)! I have had them for a couple years now. I have a betta and a snail in each. The lid slides back for feeding and the back filter area has room for a heater! I got a post filter sponge to help with the flow.

[@erinvincent5198]

I bought this for my son and used it stock for a little while and hated it. It was hard to clean and the water in the back compartment would get stagnant because the submerged pump wasn’t flowing in a good way. Pockets of water would just stay and once the bacterial colony esablished it got out of hand very quickly. I ended up cutting the back plastic panel out all together and getting an Aquion over the back filter for up I tp 20 gal. I like that much better. I have compressed CO2 and a 50 watt Fluval heater and a finnex 9W full spectrum light. It is so much better this way. The lid is the only thing I use from the original tank parts. Without the back plastic compartment the lid slides back just enough to get food in easily. Great nano tank with live plants.

[@MotherOfWednesday]

Thank you, I have been looking at this tank for a while and was never confident enough in it to pull the trigger

[@submergedroots]

I actually just bought this tank 2 weeks ago, I set it up as a planted tank to house a Pea Puffer. I didn't use the stand, I got some foam mat to use instead. I'm using some fancy Guppies to help cycle the tank, and I thought that with the lid setup that it would be impossible for something to jump out, well I must've had the unluckiest male guppy in the world, because I found him on the floor dead. Great video as always, I just wish that you would have done a par test. I would like to add, that after owning this tank for a few months now, that my only complaint is the holes to the filter are too big. I have found guppy fry and adult guppies in the filter.

[@trixie1636]

So I just had a guppy, first time mom give birth, one baby came on Valentine’s Day but she was still huge. I obsessively checked the pond and today I found 15 more 😳 I had intended to get a tank tomorrow so I’d be prepared, and then they showed up today! I went to Petco and got a tank almost exactly like this but from GloFish. Once I got it home I realized how similar it was to this video that had saved about a month ago! Soooo helpful with the mods! The only difference is, mine has more of those little bars in the back so the free floating, second piece of sponge doesn’t go down to the bottom, had to use a wooden spoon to smoosh it into place 😅 Thank you so much for this info! I’m a newbie and so so obsessed already, so any and all info is appreciated 🫶🏼

[@Cereal87Killer]

I got two of these from Walmart online for $18 each just 3 days ago. Very happy.

[@krg9942]

@Aquarium Co-Op The glass top does give room to feed your fish or lift the glass top easily. No need for a commando hook. There is a notch on each side of the black filter cover that lets the glass top easily & smoothly slide underneath! I love mine :)

[@caroleblair1438]

Cory, I have 2 of these tanks and love them I changed the light on mine and I slide the glass tops back to feed. Took the back part of all together on mine and works fine. Great vid!👍🏻

[@brysonwiiley4932]

The pump’s lowest setting wasn’t enough to circulate the waste through the back and anything stronger would blow my beta around, so I plugged the pump into a simple timer and now it goes at full strength for 15 minutes every three hours. Keeps my beta from blowing around and the tank looks clean!

[@lindaarendt496]

I have this tank b/c it was highly recommended for a Betta. I agree that it is a quality tank, but I’ve replaced the light and added a sponge filter. After using it for several months, however, I’m ready to replace it with another 5 gallon that has more swimming area, not so tall but wider. A large area of this tank is taken up by the pump/filter area.

[@sandrajennings4464]

I own this aquarium, thank you for the filter mod ideas. I had done my own but I got some ideas from this for more modifications from this video. One thing of note is that even at the lowest setting of the pump, I find the flow rate too fast for my betta. Wrapping the nozzle in foam (I attached it with a zip tie) solves this problem wonderfully. I did replace the light with the planted plus clip on (the kit light is barely adequate). I do not use the black rear compartment cover (because of the new light), so I can just slide the lid back when I want to feed (very easy). It is a wonderful set up for the price and I am very happy with it. I have it as a planted tank with a betta and 2 amano.

[@loavesfishes6268]

My husband gave me this tank for Christmas, and I just LOVE it! So does my Betta! Oh and the lid does slide right under the back cover for feeding.

[@sandrakonechy5236]

I have this tank. The lights not strong to really grow plants. I replaced mine with a $20 NICREW light. If you haven’t figured it out, the filtration is poorly designed. I’m about to break mine down so I can mod the back. I’ll be adding baffling to the back to make the filtration more efficient and easier to manage. Great idea on the Command hook, I’ll be one to my tank.

[@lindaarendt496]

Sandra Konechy I also added the Nicrew light. It makes a huge difference and my plants look stronger. I added a mini sponge filter and mini USB pump from Aquarium Co-op. Works much better.

[@shoosh222]

Thank you so infinitely much for showing us how to "hot rod" the filtration of this tank! I'm adding some stuff based on your suggestions right now! I've already switched the lighting to a finnex stingray clip-on. I scratched my head when I first looked at the filtration setup of this tank because for the life of me I couldn't figure out how it was set up for water flow through the sponge either. I kept the included square black sponge in place and cut another identical one (a bit thinner) to put on the opposite side to prevent any critters from getting sucked into the slots in the lower water input. I hate ready-made carbon cartridges (I use only mechanical and bio filtration) so I completely cut the blue floss off the frame of the included carbon cartridge and threw it away. I also tossed the carbon inside. I kept the bare cartridge frame and "hot rodded" it myself by cutting a lustar hydro sponge into strips and pushing them into the six channels in the black frame. It's been working great and catching a ton of skimmed oils and other crud from the water surface. I love the bio/mech capabilities of the hydro sponge material so it's great to be able to incorporate it into this tank. I cut a long strip of thick sponge and stuck it down the center channel of the filter like you did. I made it about four inches short though, and laid a media bag filled with biohome ultimate on it for even more kick. I'm thinking about sticking a wad of poly filter floss/batting into the last part of the filter, above the pump. Would that be overkill?

[@christinekaiser9870]

I have this tank for a Betta and planted, I changed the light to a Finnex 10 inch planted clip on. It's sooo... quiet you can not hear any noise.I love this nano tank!!! I would recommend it. I put clarifying sponge a coarse sponge and the bio media in the back by the pump.

[@danafuqua9048]

I use these as my Betta tanks and I LOVE them!! Definitely a great product.

[@aerynstormcrow]

I have this tank. You don’t have to take the back off to slide the glass top back to feed. It will just take up a little as you push the glass back. It’s designed that way.

[@Tlincalin]

I have this tank. You have to keep an eye on small fish, they can get through a gap between black lid and back area. Had some guppies make it to the back.

[@queenmelisandre1442]

I needed this video more than you may ever know. Just when I was considering a more expensive tank, this video showed me the light. The tweaks you did with the filter are super simple and amazing. I was just looking at this on Amazon and was questioning the quality of it.

[@savannahjo7111]

A clear command hook would be an cheap and easy handle, you could even get the kind meant to hold up Christmas lights for a super low profile handle

[@9aguilarp]

Thank goodness I saw this video! I bought the 3 gallon tank for a Betta and a few shrimp and I noticed the top of the water looks all “smoky” so I knew it had to be the filtration. This just showed me the best way to modify it!

[@hernandezzAG]

Hello, so how is your betta doing in the 3 gal tank? I just ordered this today and I was wondering if I could do the same set up?

[@TruthLivesNow]

Great Video Clip. I have 7 small aquariums, and two 20 Gallon Aquariums. I have an old Marineland Eclipse 3 that I now had to modify since it is so old the plastic next to the lighting under the hood is melting away, so now I have a little Tetra HOB Whisper Filter that uses the Medium Bag, (85 GPH). I also have an old Marineland 5 Gallon Eclipse, that I have modified using a Penguin 75 Filter. Then, I have two 1.5 Gallon Tetra Cubes on my desk, (mini Whisper, with small Sponge filters, each with a Whisper filter producing bunches of bubbles). Then I have an Aqueon 5 Gallon Bow w a Sponge Filter, and converted the regular filter of the tank to a sponge filter. Then I have two of these Marineland Portrait I bought a few months ago. I did not do any modifications to the Filter, and let me tell you 85 GPH on the highest setting is very good for a 5 Gallon Tank. I do not modify filters on these tanks, I am OK with paying $1.50 for the "Z" filter every 6 weeks. I do weekly water changes of 20%. I have 5 beautiful Male Guppies in each that I bred myself mixing two colorful fish, and they all look fantastic, with a Couple Cory, and Java Fern, which I have had super success growing in lower lighted tanks. For a budget tank, this really is a Best Buy.

[@Day5Aquatics]

Thanks for this. Just ordered this tank for a betta for my daughter.

[@sugarkitties]

I absolutely love this tank because I wanted my betta to have space yet I didn't want to move him away from my night stand. Watching him helps me fall asleep and he'd miss me if he was suddenly across the room! LOL I love the thick glass and I run the blue light as my betta hates bright lights. No algae problems since purchase! What i hate! I hate loathe despise that floppy worthless back cover piece. Won't stay on for nothing due to cords. I'd give anything for a top that fits flush like the Aqueon 15 gal column lid does. They make a replacement lid for that tank but not this one! Are there any alternatives to this lid? So happy I watched and learned the filter tips!

[@brittany123smiley]

I have this as a saltwater coral tank I love it!

[@sharpton2008]

Glad I found this video. About to start setting up my male betta shelf

[@randysan3892]

I think sponges are one of the better filter medias that I have used. Thank you for making this video.

[@EbonRaven]

I’ve been considering getting this tank as a hospital/quarantine tank. Thanks for the review!

[@suckmesally-f9g]

I use this tank for my betta in my living room people love it and always say how cool it looks. Cant recommend it enough, one thing i did do was take the right angle piece for the filter flow outlet and pointed it toward the glass to cut down flow in the tank that was throwing my fish around

[@kidwolf0015]

Another issue that I IMMEDIATELY see with this tank regarding bettas is that it's not anywhere near LONG enough and a bit too deep... bettas swim mostly horizontally, so a tall and skinny tank simply doesn't give them as much swim room as a shorter longer tank of the same size. This tank is kinda a strain on your betta's natural swimming habits. It's the right size, but not the right orientation.... With that said, it's still MUCH better than any of those death trap "mini betta tanks".

[@ryansucks-sucks395]

Wow truly a great video for beginners of how to maximize their purchase

[@ronerx]

I have an earlier version of that tank. After making similar filter mods, I love the tank.

[@philCDXX]

Petco has an awesome 3.6 gal AIO alot like that. It has the curved thick glass, same pump and nozzle system, even the base stand but they attached the stand to the tank. The lid is the same beveled glass top with the little hangar track things but they have a nice 1" half circle hole on the lip for easy feeding and removal. The back is a little different setup with 3 chambers (better for a pico setup imo) blacked out the same but with one clear panel in the 3rd chamber for use of a UV sterilizer if desired. It also has an entry level LED light with day and night setting but is touch controlled versus the standard toggle switches. It usually runs around the $50 range give or take 5 - 10. I actually breed cherry shrimp in one now and highly recommend it as a small desktop unit thats also "hot roddable" and very easy to maintain. I think if you check it out youd be pretty impressed.

[@DinoTheThird]

“These are sponge pads, you can get these on our store… yes this is a sale pitch but let’s get past that now.” LOL

[@Shaynabic]

Thanks for the video! I have one of these ordered up and I cannot wait! Perfect home for a new betta!

[@patshhi4620]

Yes, I am considering buying this tank. Thanks for the demo.

[@jacklandismusic]

I've got a very similar Fluval tank. I got it for around the same price. The thing I like about it, though, is that it really takes advantage of filter space. It's got a big ol' sponge that takes up the whole back portion of the tank except the area for the pump. The sponge has two little squares cut out of it for a bag of carbon and a bag of bio-balls. While not all of it is strictly necessary (you could just cut out a sponge of the same size without the holes for the other stuff), I think it's a lot better than the cash-grab cartridge system.

[@chrismeredith5605]

Really enjoy/appreciate your product reviews Cory :)

[@fishlover9353]

Wish I had seen Cory do this sooner. First of all someone said just slide the top back to feed but that knocks off the black piece. So Cory was right ,a little handle on top is smart. Then the filtration sucked. Oh l got two for Christmas by the way. With bettas. You can’t turn down the water flow enough so you have to put sponges on the outlet. Then when it’s on a regular wooden aquarium standard height,and your sitting on the couch or chair the lights still hit your eyes because the tank is so high. And if your short you need a later to service and plant.so last week my daughter came over and emptied both. I had done a lot of water changes and changed their brand filters every week , it was so bad in that empty part. It was so bad my daughter put both in the garage! Now I have 2 10gal regular tanks and plants thriving and changed to fancy guppies and shrimp in other one. And finally enjoying my fish tanks. Great video Cory just to late for me. But keep making important improvements ,always love you videos that’s why I’m a member only on yours.😀👍

[@josephjenkins6756]

I've always been a huge marineland fan I know most folks don't like their filters but this new 5 gallon shows they are willing to change up from their old eclipse setups.

[@mikeymacaque]

I’ve had an earlier version of this aquarium for about five years now (the only difference is the light fixture). I like the tank a lot, but I noticed a few problems: 1. For some reason, water evaporates out of the back chamber first and the water flow gets slow when that happens. 2. I’ve had bettas and plecos get stuck behind in the filter intake, not from being sucked in but from jumping over the flimsy filter cover. 3. The lights are pretty horrible. Java fern was about the only thing I could get to survive. The other day I decided to rip the guts out (including the siliconed in false back) and just run a sponge filter in the tank. I’m happy it’s still going for so many years, but I wanted more space and my own filter setup

[@smokeymchaggis73]

This is the first tank I ever bought a few years ago. Good little tank with a small footprint. I've grown all the plants mentioned in the video in mine with no issues. I have modified filtration on it a few times. I basically did what was shown in this video right away but found over time the little pump was getting clogged every few days. After a year or so I moved a betta in. I now run a sponge filter without even using the pump.

[@carolglenn1796]

If you ever get bored with running your shop, you could always become a comedian . I Love watching you.

[@zourin8804]

a simple suction cup as a handle would work perfectly for the lid for feeding.

[@ISawSomethingOnTheInternet]

I have had this tank for a couple of months now (love it), and wish I saw this video beforehand. Although I do question the density of the filter sponge that you’re adding, while removing the blue Z cartridge. I would like to see some sort of experiment showing filtration before and after the mod to support your claim that this “hot rodding” improves filtration with a larger, yet far less dense sponge. Even with this extra sponge added, there is still the issue of when you do any type of maintenance in the back and remove the sponges, all of the holes are still accessible to tiny aquatic life. An even better “hot rodding” would be to silicone in some sort of screen on the back of the panel vents so that during maintenance, nothing gets stuck in the back. I had a neon tetra swim back there during maintenance and my wife and I spent an hour and a half saving him (lots of plastic obstacles back there). There are a lot of people talking about putting heaters in back, and I don’t recommend it. I read that the back of this tank can be pumped nearly dry if there is a clog. I would absolutely love to see a tutorial on how to modify this three-position switch so it can be plugged into two separate outlets, so I can set up a smart outlet system for timing white and blue lights, blue lights only, and all off. Not sure if you get into those types of mods.

[@speedee86]

Great in depth review! Like the no sugar coating and honesty. Love your channel, love your podcast!

[@stormtrooper2010]

... turned into a book, sorry but I hope this info helps anyone else looking at getting this tank: Last weekend a few more modifications, I had been using just CaribSea EcoComplete as my substrate, I pulled it all out and dirted the bottom of the tank 2" deep and 1" away from the sides and front, then replaced the EcoComplete along the edges where you see it and capped the top about 1.5" deep, I think the plants will be much happier, greener and fuller now. I did notice some water clouding after dirting the bottom of the tank, and I remembered I still had that Fluval Nano filer I pulled the spray bar off of. So I set that up and put the original duck bill from the tank on it with a few pieces of tubing and faced it at the bottom of the filter reservoir for added filtration and circulation. Also I was not 100% clear on what I did in the back of the filter area, I placed the Acrylic sleeve with the Seachem Matrix inside of it, on the far right in the middle next to the plastic pull out cartridge with the foam and disposable filter cartridge, so water passes through this before it gets to the return pump. Hope people find this info useful, feel free to hit me up with any comments or questions.

[@kristikblank]

I have this tank and haven't had any problems with feeding. I agree it could be more convenient though. I love the glass top though and wouldn't want that substituted for a cheaper looking plastic with a flip lid. My only complaint is that when you put a heater in it, the cord doesn't really fit under the black cover in the back and it causes the light to sit crooked. Other than that, it's a really great tank.

[@TruthLivesNow]

1. The filter cartridge on the other Spectrum Brand/Marineland etc., have the Filter Cartridge going blue part going towards the rear of the tank. I do not know with this tank, just mentioning. 2. There is a benefit to Carbon, the Chemical part of Filtration. I know it isn't in fashion anymore, just saying. 3. The LED lights are just not strong enough, and tend to get dull after a few months. Nice looking tank. I am still going to hold on to my Marineland/Aqua-Tech 5 Gallon Hex that I have modified with an old Penguin 75, taking the Bio-Wheel off and using ceramic ring inside the filter, and also using a Sponge Filter. The older Marineland Bio-Wheel System 3/ Hex 5 Gallon only went 35 GPH, this one goes 75 GPH. This looks like a great tank for the price. Plus, Plus, one can get a $10 off Mail In Rebate Coupon by going to Marineland's website, click Offers, expiration 6/30/2020 !

[@medinaaquatics7572]

Bought this same Tank on Amazon back in October 2016. Works very nice 👍🏽 Currently have some 2 month old Gold Occelatus Fry in it. Thick glass and great quality for the price 👌🏽

[@SensorDelay]

I personally, on mine, I just took the whole back chamber off. Just replaced it with Nano Lily-Pipes and a small hangback canister filter. For while I had all the intake property sealed with a screen mesh. Filter slide had filters fitted into place. The filter was a big H cut out of filter materials. The remaining portion in the back was just a mesh bag with filter media. I swapped out the light with Ehme's because my Local store was selling their's as second hand, cost me $15.

[@nicholmes1978]

Could you grow low light plants with the original light?

[@janestevens2030]

Thanks for the information about the impeller. I have a similar tank the has super low flow, and I had no idea you could adjust it.

[@pkrail]

With those suction cups on the pump, stuck to the bottom of the filter area it would be near impossible to remove it for maintenance without emptying the tank of everything pretty much,, Good idea cutting the tubing so it "hangs" and can be removed very easily. You could also make it two stage filtering with mesh filter bags of full of bio rings or similar after the initial sponge.

[@sbenson-miles762]

Excellent video Cory .

[@operationhotshotinc.6887]

I probably said this already .. but it actually had a cool way to slide back about in inch and the back cap is designed to accept the glass.. when your done feeding you slide it back tot he front ... genius

[@tropicalterrarium1742]

I like glass over plastic. It is not only better for the environment, but they look better.

[@miaschuler7159]

I just bought this tank and I’m super excited, I’m gunna add shrimp, Java ferns and cardinal tetras once it’s set up and cycled, and I couldn’t be more happy

[@lightwavz]

I have had this tank in my "saved for later" for 3 months now. And I just bought it. Thank you! It is a pretty good setup for a betta. I also have the Imagitarium 6.7 gallon from Petco and I am really happy with it...except for the lid. This one has a great lid! *edited* I would also add a skinny bag of biomedia in there which I have done with the 6.7 gallon. That kit does have a better kit setup.

[@elisewilliams7819]

I love bettas so much and something that I was surprised by was how much mine love “betta hammocks”. They are a plastic leaf that sticks on the wall near the surface so the fish can lay on them and get to the surface for air easily. It might be worth looking into since it is somewhat tall!

[@lightwavz]

@@elisewilliams7819 Yes! In my 6.7 gallon, I have the pump intake set to very, very low and my betta uses the top intake vents as a makeshift hammock. There is just enough water pressure to stick him to the wall at the surface for a nap. Then I found my kuhli loaches napping with him! I consider those top vents a bonus feature now, as long as the pressure is set ultra low. 😅

[@RainyRed]

If I got this tank, I would get a knob or small handle of some sort and super glue it to the lid, probably in the back so it’s less noticeable . But something to help pull it up.

[@404Cluster]

Buy a small cabinet knob at the hardware store. Use super glue to mount it to the top front to make it easier to feed.

[@tonycarpaccio9550]

Thanks for showing how to clean the pump and your filter ideas. Going to implement in my own tank that’s been running for a year very well.

[@chh117h5]

Bought this tank about a month ago, cut out the filtration unit entirely, upgraded the light, laid a multilayer soil/ substrate down just figure out it leaks very slowly out of the back corner. Make sure to test if it retains water over a long time period

[@chh117h5]

Still love the aesthetics so I’m repairing leak with safe silicone

[@ktrimberger]

What did you upgrade the light to?

[@chh117h5]

@@ktrimberger a fluval nano worked for me, no cutting necessary on the lid, use surface plants or turn down the brightness to avoid algae. Tank looks best if planted heavily

[@nietrelevant3338]

Hi Cory, just a tip but seachem matrix blows all pad filter media out of the water. It's not even that expensive but the surface area is like a gazillion times bigger than that of most pads. And you can apply it to most filters. I'd argue it would be a better option than just using a filter pad for almost every aquarium. You can see thegreenaqua and the results they get (they put seachem matrix in literally every tank they have) edit: you can just put it in a bag for super easy maintenance.