Fluval Spec 5 gallon: Unboxing & Setup

[@Jen.K]

This video is 10 years old!! I just bought this exact aquarium, but I think it's the updated model. Seeing it being set up was helpful. I also have a 10 w heater, about the same size, so its good to know it will work fine in this aquarium. I still haven't decided what to put in it, or how I want it to look, still collecting ideas.

[@pecktec]

Lol I know it was so long ago! I set up a bunch of these over the years.

[@theresaw4749]

thank you so much for posting this! as a visual learner, the instructions were damn near possible to understand. very helpful video and my fish loves his new tank! keep up the amazing work 💖

[@nickk4010]

Just bought a fluval spec V and it was just worth watching for the truck of using the net to push the pump down! Very cool! I love this tank and thank you for the in depth unboxing and review pecktec! One of the great Freshwater fish youtube channels that I continue to watch 👍

[@definitely-not-francis8561]

Also found this then years later after getting that tank as my first one ever after keeping triops and brine shrimp for multiple years in more rudimentary makeshift tank, so your explanations and additional tips for beginners were incredibly helpful. You also have a super nice way of presenting everything and I was stoked to see you're still uploading to this day - definitely a channel I will keep coming back to!

[@pecktec]

Thanks a bunch! But I kind of think your a Francis. :)

[@fancymanchucky]

I tried the exact same heater in my tank, put it in the same spot, and my water was a nice chilly 68 degrees the next morning. So I got out the dremel cut a beautiful little u-hole in the black plastic section separating the filter area from the main tank, threw a better heater in the larger side of the tank and ran the heater cord through the hole and out the open section of the lid. Worked like a charm.

[@Crouteceleste]

Great setup video, thank you ! I just ordered this tank online, it is my first aquarium and I plan to put in : one Betta fish, two Anubias and another short-ish plant, a floating plant, pieces of driftwood, one or two water snails and maybe one shrimp. Wish me luck !

[@sandralake1376]

Thank you so much for this video. I received my Fluval Spec on Tuesday and there were no instructions at all included. If it had not been for watching your video, I would have been in tears. As it is, it is set up and I like the tank very much. Thanks again!

[@pecktec]

Sandra Lake Ow wow cool im glad I could help. I started making these because I hate to read instructions.

[@MrTurritos]

I had to stop myself from buying this spec for the 50% sale +15% employee discount on black friday. They are really neat aquariums! love how you set yours up

[@hillie47]

Thanks for the great video. We "inherited" a poor betta from friends who are moving across the country (in an overcrowded, unheated, unfiltered about half gallon vase), so I've started to dive into all info on the web. 5 gal seems the healthy minimum for a betta, and we like this tank. Let's hope I can get it to set up well and get the fish happy in his new house. Nice channel, thanks for the informative high quality vids!

[@maskedman422]

I like that you reply to everyones comments, really appreciate it! Im gonna get one of these in white! Keep up the good work!

[@dianahealey1825]

Hello and Thank You I have actually changed the fish tank and agree with your comments Have brought Aqua 30 for the goldfish. Thank you again for all your help. Take Care.

[@alexcardosa8079]

Love to see more on the fish and the experience of what has worked and what has failed when it comes to your tanks.

[@Kiowa2004]

Excellent video. I've been keeping fish for over 50 years, and have had tanks up to 250 gallons. I decided, for the first time, to go with a small tank, and I liked this one. Your video did the trick and I ordered it from Amazon. Thanks.

[@pecktec]

Michael Scott Glad I could help thanks for dropping by!

[@jasonshortphd]

Great video and methodical process you went through with the tank. Thanks for sharing.

[@pecktec]

Thanks!

[@esexx]

Thanks for this video. It is great and I loved seeing yours completed. I haven't had a tank for over 20 years, but now diving back in to it. My youngest son has been asking for fish for a while now, so for his birthday I am getting the Spec V.

[@crazycatlady39]

The way the light backlit the aquarium at 15:29 was actually quite interesting. Very cool.

[@pecktec]

+crazycatlady39 Thanks!

[@W4RD1N8ER]

thanks for the videos again I have the fluval spec 2.5 gallon it has been going for two weeks now thanks to this video i realized my sump intake was not in or near the right direction i also noticed in the 2.5 I have more room for a heater inside the sump bay I also installed a heater too much watage and cooked my shrimp and gave my tetras a bit of a shock thanks for taking the time to do these vids im hooked on planted tanks all the help i can get the better.

[@renelralston8428]

Thank you so much for helping me set up my first fish tank. I appreciate your time and expertise.

[@pcdude2394]

Your Fluval spec review video pursuaded me to purchase one for my cubicle at work because I love the detail you put in the video. I have a 60 gallon tank at home with live plants and it's thriving and so as the green algea. I set the timer to 6 hours per day and see less green algae on substrates. Here's setting 1) Canister filter with inline heater set to 75 degrees 2) PF40-UV Power Filter (HOB) With UV Sterilization 3) 20% water change with RO/.DI water. I notice there's zero algae.

[@Kelly14UK]

It's a nice set up . I like the angles how everything is laid out, and the way the gravel varies in colour.

[@AHmad-pm4pb]

I love this tank. I bought 2 of them. I wish they have a bigger 2 ft type tank. The filtration is the quietest and easiest setup.

[@ardscorner]

Watching in 2018. Only issue with this tank is be careful with fry. The small intake is perfect size to trap them. Easy fix is a small piece of mesh which does not restrict water flow else the tank will overflow. You made a nice job of this little tank. I use mine as a hospital/quarantine tank as it has a good pump for size and is very easy to maintain

[@Sector001ked]

I love your Fluval aquarium vids! I'm loving the different styles Fluval is releasing.

[@pecktec]

mee too!

[@johnb300m]

This is a great review. It's solidified my decision to go buy this tank today to keep some shrimps in, maybe a few tiny fish if I have bio-room.

[@pecktec]

+johnb300m the new version of the tank is even better light wise. I love it.

[@alanp6773]

The Spec V is a great little tank. My only complaint is the pocket space they give you for pump and heater. The pump is so cramped in and then the wire from the pump is jammed against the glass. Of course I always do my 3/4 week water change with vacuuming the gravel (grounded fine gravel.., better to lower the ph).., plus the fine gravel looks like real sand. Not too mention, MUCH better for Corys. The 3rd month I pulled the pump & heater to clean muck on bottom of tank and that's my complaint. Very hard to reach. Fluval should expand the depth by 1/2" to 3/4". This would allow for easier access to clean and not have pump so crammed in there. But overall.., Great Little Tank...!! Would like to see Fluval come out with a Spec 7.5 or even a 10 gallon. BTW.., love your very informative KZbin videos. I am new to this hobby and you, Mr. Pecktec.., U Da Man...!!! Thank You

[@lheiser2]

I love your videos. Thank you for your knowledge. I am learning so much to start my first planted tank.

[@tabbydom5888]

Watching in 2022 ! Keep it up 👍

[@plcc07777]

My planted Spec 5 makes a perfect shrimper. The biggest drawback to this tank is the sub-par lighting. The biggest plus is easy maintenance. I've had it up and running for 8 mos.

[@breckwilliams4069]

Hey, just want to say thank you so much for all your help. Also, a garden in your fish tank would be a helpful video I think!

[@thelifeofjessejames]

Will probably be buying this to own on top of my 20 gallon Marineland that I already have. Love you videos they are a lot of help!!!

[@katherinehyde4219]

Thank you. Just bought this tank for a Betta and was thinking about which plants to add. Welcomed your advice.

[@pecktec]

+Katherine Hyde cool beans!

[@derekmerryman2904]

I'm glad that heater works for you. My house is cold in the fall and winter and that heater couldn't get my 5 gal above 71 degrees.

[@sandypollicutte9507]

Thanks for this, just bought this tank and waiting for it to be delivered. Very helpful!

[@melissavines4454]

Nice looking little tank! Thank you for your time and effort you put into these videos.

[@WestEndAquariums]

very helpful. I just got one for Christmas and you put a spark under my ass to do an awesome scape. Thank you for all of the inspiration. Keep up the amazing videos...I count on you!

[@Alniemi]

Great review, I appreciate the detailed info from someone that seems "Normal" if you know what i mean. Props!!!

[@patriciacox8169]

Can't stop the signal, Mal. Thanks for the video....

[@ThinBlueLineGuardian]

Watching in 2020 LOL Almost 2021

[@debbiemcclain3984]

Thank you I for the information. I am waiting for my aquarium to arrive, exactly like the one you demonstrated with here.

[@deep6ed]

Nice looking tank and I love Fluvals attention to detail. The only area that world concern me would be putting a heater in the pump sump as it looks as though there would not be sufficient circulation. A fix I have seen elsewhere is to put a small heater at the bottom of the pump well, install the pump above it and cut the return pipe down to size. Nice.

[@inderneilboseroychowdhury]

Very nice set up for 5 gallon..

[@davidperrin1675]

Love you videos you. And because of my home it’s to small for big tanks. So have small tanks some time challenging but rewarding. During lockdown. Have had more time to challenge trying to keep live plants . Have a great Christmas keep safer

[@Squwigy]

Great Video :) I liked how you included both the unboxing and the setup of the aquarium

[@garya.2006]

The plastic screw is to level the LED Light so it is parallel to the top instead of hanging slanted. Just hold the far end of the light level and tighten the screw.

[@nom3nnescio]

hes not the sharpest pencil..

[@Bright-It]

@@nom3nnescio It is painful to watch. ThinFrog is near to perfect.

[@Karmaliciouss]

Thanks for posting this vid. Will be setting up a tank soon so I'm checking out vids around here... especially need the heads up on cycling tanks. Never realised tanks needed that much time in prep.

[@shoeprano27]

this video helped me make my decision to purchase this setup. thanks man! keep the interesting and informative videos coming!

[@johnjwedrall4290]

I like the longer look to the tank.

[@geoanth]

Very informative and nicely produced, thanks for posting

[@bomberbang6857]

using the same exact aqueon heater and its roasting my 2.5 gal betta tank. 86 F, sometimes hotter. this heater is MEANT for 5 gal ONLY guys. thats the sweet spot. any tank thats smaller or bigger will be too hot/cold

[@chfpontiac5849]

That's false. This heater is preset for 78f degrees and should shut off once the water reaches that temperature no matter what size your tank is. 1 gallon or 1000 gallons, doesn't matter. I use my spare 200w heater in a 10 gallon quarantine/hospital tank without any issue. Your heater is clearly defective which, unfortunately, is not entirely uncommon and why a heater should always be tested in the tank without fish (which I believe this guy said he did) or a big bowl of water with a thermometer for a day or two before using it in a tank that already has fish. There's no such thing as a heater that's "too much" if it's working properly (as long as it actually fits in the tank), but there IS such a thing as "not enough" heater because it can't keep up.

[@shalakabooyaka1480]

Great video, really helps a lot with making my mind up on a purchase when they are done like this.

[@Csa-j7q]

about to get one for my 4 yr old this is perfect

[@L.A.R]

Hi, I'm a newbie about fishkeeping and aquarium stuff. Thanks to your videos, now I know a lil bit of things and it kinda helped me a lot. Subscribed, and please keep making good videos. Cheers.

[@pecktec]

Thanks LAR! Will do.

[@sandmoirben7177]

loveeeee ur vids. u know what would b gr8 on every vid, is if u always add the dimensions, that's a big thing as to where one will have room to set the tank. thanks for the gr8 vids!

[@pecktec]

+Jess Moirben something I wish I had done soooo many times. I always forget.

[@angelatwiford5108]

Hi. Love your helpful and informative videos! My son and I used them to set up a Fluval Spec V I got him for Christmas. I wanted to share my passion with him. A passion that started with a 10 cent goldfish I won at Coney Island (Yes... long long ago lol) We have the same set up as you do... substrate... a couple of small plants. No outside light.. just from the Spec V ... and we are having a constant brown algae issue. I purchased two small pieces of driftwood from PetSmart and they also are getting a light green mold on them... at times some gray mold too...I've had so many aquariums in my lifetime and I have never dealt with this. Algae eaters and small bristlenose plecos died... a couple of guppies died... we have are original cory catfish we used to start the tank still wiggling around in there. It has been two months. We managed to get rid of the algae with scraping and water changes and keeping the light totally off...but when we started using the light again, it came back. Lights on only 6 to 7 hours. Now one of the plants is yellowing... I'm just lost at what to do. Petsmart sold me some API Algae Fix tonight. I really don't know if I want to use that. The only thing I have ever experienced was a little cloudy water... and then clearing up... I get algae in a 20 gallon now that I have... but it is green and normal... and the algae eater takes care of it... (we are in an apartment now... I had a 40 gallon glass fracture and flood another apartment... so now I stick with small aquariums... LOL .. My older two children were young at the time and I was in another room yelling... telling them to turn off the water!! ugh) Anyway... do you have any suggestions? Is it the lighting on the fluval? I've never had that type of lighting before. Any advise you can give would be helpful and appreciated! Thank you :)

[@pecktec]

+Angela Rose Angela Rose the brown algae is normal in a young planted tank. What I have been doing is planting it out and waiting till I can see the plants growing before I add fish. By doing that I make sure that I won't be battling algae while the plants are readjusting. It takes them a while to get going again. When I see growth I add a fish and some liquid bacteria. I know this doesn't help much now. But that's how I do it. Get a liquid test kit and make sure that cycle is over before you add any more fish. Sounds like it's still rolling.

[@chfpontiac5849]

As PECKTEC said, the tank is almost certainly still cycling. Research "tank cycling" and choose a method that suits you (with fish or fishless with 100% pure ammonia). Tetra SafeStart or something like that can help, though I can personally vouch for "Dr. Tim's One and Only Live Nitrifying Bacteria" which is pricier but amazing stuff. You will need and EVERY fishkeeper should have an API Master Test Kit to test the water. Once you are up and running, weekly water changes of 25-50% will do the trick. This makes me ask: are you treating your water with a dechlorinator (like Seachem's "Prime")? If not, you are just killing the good bacteria cycle every time you add/change new water and this may be what is happening to you.

[@angelatwiford5108]

Thank you. I was beginning to wonder if it was the lighting system on the Spec V, as I have never had this type of light.

[@angelatwiford5108]

When we do the water changes I add API Stress Coat. Should I be using something else? We pet store tests our water for free. I have a larger aquarium of my own and I have had no issues for a few years now. Other than a bully in the tank here or there.

[@chfpontiac5849]

Nope. That's a good product and definitely needed. And we can rule things out from there, too. I use Seachem Prime for my dechlorinator but if you are an API loyalist, API Quick Start might also do a good bit of help for a while at each partial water change to get some good bacteria started. I'm not usually a fan of all the chemicals that are sold for god-knows-what but liquid bacteria is usually quite safe. I've been beaten to death with internet expertise about keeping the water stuff simple. Dechlorinator (and maybe some liquid fertilizer for live plants) is all that's really needed. Water changes are cheap, easy and natural. Most importantly though, you NEED the API Master test kit (accept or buy no other brands or test strips!). It is the Holy Bible of water diagnostics. Without any numbers to give, it's very hard to help you. Basically you're flying blind. You CAN and WILL get this thing up and running right! :o)

[@thomasostien]

I love that you have an "In Bruges", poster!

[@pecktec]

+Thomas Ostien one of my favorite movies ever. If you haven't seen Baby driver you should catch it.

[@TuTrinity]

Excellent video! This video has helped me to decide to buy one.

[@pecktec]

Thanks!

[@tristanhaley1738]

I bought the same tank and this was a great help in setting up! Thanks....

[@lewisroyer3411]

Great videos. You do a great job speaking and explaining everything!!!

[@jacobmorales199959]

finally getting back into having fish getting a bette tomorrow. Hoping to get one of these fluvals for my birthday this December :)

[@pecktec]

Jacob Morales Good luck man! I got this one at a blck friday sale so pick up some pet smart adds and slip them to your peeps.

[@pecktec]

Mines working well so far. I was worried it was a bit week but then it only need to bring the temp up a few degrees in my house. Remember to area you put it in makes a big difference in the wattage you need.

[@TomsAquariumsUKTV]

Been thinking of doing one of these tanks for a while now as I'm a huge fan of

[@dagardenguy]

Great presentation ! I would like to talk about keeping red (blood red) crayfish and their limitations and what to include in a Fluvial 5 spec aquarium...

[@gadgetsponge]

I really like my Spec 5. I use it as a fry tank (before going to grow out tank) after they leave the egg tumblers. Perfect because the filter intake is way up top and won't suck them in.

[@Jay_801]

this is an extremely useful video! im glad you showed what kind and size of heater to add. i would have just ended up using one of those bigger cylinder heaters and stuck it to the side and put the cord through the top hole

[@THESSTER]

Just bought one today! Thanks for the video it has been a great help!

[@nat50866]

The twirly plant is Echindorus Vesuvius, you need quite a bit of light for that plant, and often co2 is required for it to thrive (I speak from experience). But it does look nice. :)

[@pecktec]

Good idea! Mine is doing well at 75F but the quality of any heater can diverge wildly from one to another.

[@trenamarie9820]

Very informative vid... I really like my spec v. I had to turn the flow all the way down though. You barely have to turn that little screw to take the light on & off.

[@MustB3Lucky]

Great job. Awesome video

[@MKatCatMom]

Thank you, this video helped me figure out how to put my tank together!! great video! :)

[@pecktec]

Your very welcome

[@pecktec]

Surprisingly its doing pretty well. I put a flourish tab near the base of it and it seems to have reacted well. I haven't been able to find these around town so I'm hoping it will do well in here.

[@romansroad2007]

really great video I'm sold on getting this tank its a clean set up things are out of site you know

[@pecktec]

Yes I agree. I noticed a bunch of tanks are using that design now when I went to the last conversation.

[@kmelliottdg]

Just wanted to say thank you for this video!!! MUCH more helpful than the instructions ;)

[@kale5528]

Very helpful setup tutorial. Thank you.

[@BrianHiggins-k4o]

great video! I got my son a different 5 gallon set up and I am going to grab one of these for myself. Heat question, you and others choose a 10w heater, my sons has the 5w version and the tank is 78-82, the strip has 78 lit up but then a little red at 82. I would only imagine a 10w would make it extremely hot? I dont believe these low w heaters are adjustable and figured I would ask

[@BrianHiggins-k4o]

oops nm, mine is 10w

[@pecktec]

Just be careful with it in the back compartment as it runs lower after some evaporation.

[@iisadsloth9727]

Wish we had more of these tanks in Australia

[@christiantucker1246]

Buying one soon

[@vallurimukesh]

How frequently should we clean the tank ? And is it really necessary to clean the tank & its components ?

[@pecktec]

Check out my video called Fluval spec maintenance.

[@pecktec]

Charcoal pulls tiny things in the water to it like a magnet and makes the water clearer. The white stuff holds good bacteria in it to break down fish waist.

[@neilljansenvanvuuren9025]

Another great vid....keep up the good work! The monthly update (once a month) good be good.

[@xXredificationXx]

Hi! I love your videos! They're very helpful and informative. I had a few questions. I'm sorry if you have videos on this stuff already. 1) How much was this tank? 2) Where did you buy this tank at? 3) Is this a good tank for salt water fish as well? 4) How many fish would be good for this kind of tank? (salt or fresh water fish) and 5) Would it okay to breed fish in this tank? I know this is a lot of questions and I apologize for that haha. I just wanna make sure that I don't screw up when I get my tank and such. Thank you! :)

[@pecktec]

It retails around $70. I got this one at a black friday sale at petsmart for a bit less. .

[@noahschuler6388]

Fish stores say 1 inch of fish per gallon. but the tank is pretty small so i would say 2 fish. the less fish you have, the easier it is too take care of. not really good for breeding, a 10 or 20 gallon is ideal but a 29 is best. petco has a dollar-per-gallon sale and sometimes they throw in a filter too. i don't have any saltwater tank and no nothing about it so yeah.

[@xXredificationXx]

Alright thank you very much! :)

[@noahschuler6388]

np

[@pecktec]

Ow sorry I didn't see the other questions for some reason. The other person did a great job answering so I'll just add a few thoughts. Yes you can do salt water but it's very very very small for a SW tank. They can be difficult to maintain as they get small. All tanks are but SW especially so. You really can't put much in here. It's a pretty great Betta tank with plants though and I have been able to keep some tiny tank mates with him. Good for raising up babies but pretty small for getting the fish to copulate.

[@TheKiwibirder]

Thank you so much! I think I am going to buy this tank and attempt a low-light planted tank for my betta!

[@pecktec]

+Kelly P. Awesome hope it goes great!

[@theultimate77]

I got a Spec V as a gift and purchased the Marina C10 as a heater. Water was in the 60s when I filled the tank. After 24 hrs it seemed stuck at 72. I moved the heater from the pump chamber into the main tank area and it's heating up more now. Do you think I can move it back to the pump chamber after the tank reaches 78? Air temp in the room is about 72.

[@pecktec]

It will be a great office tank. I keep my tanks in a very very simple way. Light for 9 hours, just enough food, balanced livestock, 20% water change with tap water. Nothing fancy at all. but keep in mind My 55, 30, and 12 gallon tanks are around 7 -8 years old and haven't always looked so nice.

[@toolguyslayer1]

Tap water for your tank is horrible have you actually smeld the water before you put it in your tank the fish have it all around them they have to live in it day in and day out without a break until the ammonia dissipate until then it will eat at your fish and a your foliage until levels become normalI usually put mine in another container and let airate for a few days before I actually put it into the tank there is a chemical that you can use also for that I don't know the name but I have used it

[@pecktec]

Yes I have two edge videos. they are pretty neat tanks indeed.

[@jenthulhu]

Watching in 2020 because I am enjoying my Fluval Flex so much for my Betta, I think I need a Fluval Spec to put some neocaridina shrimp in. :)

[@TedSpacey]

Hey #pecktec .. I'm upgrading my tank on Tuesday from a 25 litre to a 55 litre (6.5 gallon to a 14).. very excited about that.. got some ebay cherry shrimp coming to celebrate.. 6 ramhorns too.. and I'm gonna go to the lfs tomorrow and buy a bottlenose 😁... very exciting!! 🤙

[@pecktec]

Wow your all set!

[@dannycarter4791]

Great looking tank man

[@pecktec]

Danny Carter Thanks!

[@gersonfajardo7747]

Thank you! That helps, I will be doing some water changes and see what it looks like after a month maybe.

nice tank.nice fish

[@SSmith-zf9no]

Love your unboxing videos

[@owlguy17]

Would you say this is a good choice for a betta I know there are some tricks like turning down the filter and angling the nozzle down and to the glass that would prevent the betta from being sucked by the pump.

[@doomzy8622]

Watching late 2019 almost 2020.

[@kayahbrewer3257]

And you think your late 2019

[@beckettheindl5414]

Kayahs Fish step aside I’m march 2020

[@penelopezukowski1011]

Beckett Heindl jokes on you, I'm 5 hours ahead of you lol

[@beckettheindl5414]

Penelope Zukowski ha 6 hours ahead of you

[@penelopezukowski1011]

Beckett Heindl 14 hours ahead. Beat that

[@SassyHooper]

Watching in 2019......lol

[@evelynbiffin7430]

Watching In 2020......lol

[@gamingarcademan631]

Me to 2020 lol

[@idky2685]

Well It seems it’s not just me watching in 2020

[@aMwWSpHhHdn2]

Watching in 2021.......lol

[@SassyHooper]

@@aMwWSpHhHdn2 wow, lucky. Wish I was watching from the future! Please tell me it's better than 2020.... Please?!

[@mea3591]

So I really like this tank... but my fish needs a heater.. I was hoping it would hide in the filter area but it’s not looking like it could?

[@pecktec]

I put a small heater all of mine. I put it where the pump is.

[@louie49424]

thanks for your help got the plants in and setup done I didn't know about the stuff for the plants maybe ill have better luck this time thanks

[@louie49424]

thanks that really helped a lot I went and got some flora max it says add 2 inchs is that about right I also bought some stone wanted to give my plants a good start

[@pecktec]

Louie Butler Yes normally 2" is good but in a tiny tank I would say just a little less. Maybe 1 to 1.5 inches. good luck!

[@joeybigfan5997]

Great video just what I wanted to see just one thing how many water changes should be done once its set up I plan to put a Giant beta in my tank should water be changed every two weeks ?

[@pecktec]

Each tank ends up with its own breaking point. Normally I recommend 20% a week. I go two weeks with my 5 (new one not whats here) but its supper heavily planted. some of those giant bettas get HUGE. Could me extra waist. so just test the water now and then and see how its doing as you go.

[@inbedf]

I bought this tank last weekend, I installed (I owned spare heater for existing tank) Aqueon 100w preset 78 degree heated in pump area, but my tank always display 72 degree temperature. heater is ON/OFF once pump area water is heated , any idea to resolve this. Due to small tank I don't want to show heater in tank visible. I love this tank due to looks awesome in my bedroom corner. blue light is never bother your steepness. it's so cool.

[@TechHeadsL7]

Tetra Safe Start helps with the nitrogen cycle also. It's very good.

[@AppyDancer]

I got this for Christmas 2019 and I'm just now officially setting it up. I started to set it up about 4 weeks and 1 bottle of wine into the COVID 19 lock down and just hated every line in the instruction sheet (and I'm a power engineer, you'd think I'd be better at this). And it sat there (without water but full of dusty rocks) for 7 months. Maybe I'll get a fish before they lock us down for the second wave of the virus.

[@pecktec]

What I would do is go find some Java fern and Anubis nana (online or at pet store) and stick them among those dusty rocks throw some water in and let it run. It’s a good idea to let it run for a while anyway. Then in a few weeks if you still like it put one small fish in. The more plants you put in the easier it will be. Anubis especially do great for me. Good luck!!

[@AppyDancer]

@@pecktec Thanks! I don't expect and answer on a video this old. I did subscribe and check out a newer video. I appreciate your advice!