Fluval Spec V Tank IN-DEPTH Review

[@Pharmaquatics]

The first 1,000 people to use the link or my code 'Pharmaquatics' will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/pharmaquatics04221

[@pxtxr]

for anyone looking to block off the hole in the lid for jumpers, i cut up the mesh bag that clementines come in and hot glued it to the rim and works great! still lets in a lot of light too

[@apostolicway2604]

I’ve had it for almost three years and never had one fish jump out. On the other hand, I had a snail come out twice but that’s it. 😊

[@vpRiggs]

I had this tank for about 6 months until I realized the filter really wasn't doing its job. I removed the filter chamber with a razor blade and the mesh does come off very easy with a plastic razor blade scraper. Removing the chamber and mesh took about 30 min total. I couldn't be happier with the extra room I gained by opening up the tank. I actually like the slit in the lid. I have 3 pothos plants with very long roots coming in from the lid. It looks awesome. Never had an issue with my Beta jumping yet. I added a small box filter from amazon and added bio media and I use poly fill as mechanical filtration. I love this tank even more after the modifications.

[@Pharmaquatics]

good to know the mesh comes off! thanks for sharing.

[@apostolicway2604]

What did you do about the filter? I own the spec V. I honestly have had bettas in there and honestly I won’t recommend it. My issue is the water flow. Too much, I have played by adding sponge over the spout and didn’t like it either. I now have zebra danios and those puppies doing just fine. Oh, just ordered frosted film so I can hide the dried water marks near the top. Will put a small strip around the top of the tank.

[@denisepollitt1021]

Hi, I bought a light risers for both of my Spec v tanks on Etsy and they are a game changer. They are 3d printed, in black or white, either 3" or 4' and they look like part of the original tank. I've never removed my light for anything since having these. Also have the lid inserts that cover the huge gap in the lid. Hope this helps.

[@Connie4422]

I just bought and set this tank up yesterday. I absolutely love it and it was fun to scape. Within hours it was crystal clear. The filter is completely silent. I'm glad I caught this video before adding my betta which is currently in my 29g. I'll pick up a clear cover for that big open space. This definitely has more swimming room than your standard 5g. I highly recommend this kit.

[@Pharmaquatics]

glad you're enjoying it!

[@garthantash]

One of my biggest bugbears in the aquarium industry is lids. I have no idea why so many lids are terrible.

[@Pharmaquatics]

agreed. i'd say the marineland portrait lid is the best one i've seen thus far

[@cassierene5287]

i ordered child locks (like for cabinets) to keep my cats from taking the lid off & i ordered a custom snap in piece for the middle part of the lid off etsy.

[@danielleb4091]

You can easily scrape the mesh applied on the glass with a razor blade. I did it on the Spec V and 2 Spec III. It's really easy to do with a new blade without scratching the glass. Also removed the filter compartment on my 3 Spec and now really enjoy these tanks.

[@Pharmaquatics]

really good to know! i'm gonna try it out

[@larryreid8562]

I like the pre set, the suction cups hold it in place..

[@angiebear8727]

Have had a 16 fluval vista for almost three years now. Not as popular as the spec but honestly should be and comes with the water conditioner 😉 as well as food,aquaclear filter, fluval heater, bacteria…... really u just need substrate, plants and hard scape. It’s not rimless but it’s sturdy and has a great design. It’s a fantastic betta tank! Mine houses my betta Alf, a dozen Pygmy corydoras, 5 Amanda shrimp and rams horn snails. One can is the light is only white and blue and no timer. Does work perfect for low to medium light plants. Could work for high light, to be honest haven’t tried. I highly recommend to anyone looking to get started with a great tank kit.

[@jakeevans1033]

Really appreciate you going into detail about the wifi plug capabilities. Exactly what I was looking for. Likely going to buy this kit tomorrow.

[@Pharmaquatics]

my pleasure!

[@robertmoshier9789]

I have this tank and I get weekly brown stringy stuff all over the tank. I have to drain 4 gallons a week to get rid of it all. I have 3 live plants in it and one betta. I feed the plants twice a week. I guess the majority of people say it's because there isn't enough flow in the tank? I have no idea but I have never experienced this in my past tanks.

[@DontReadMyUserName_]

Thanks man, just getting back into the hobby after a long layoff.

[@chadwaithe8139]

Is there a good automatic feeder that works for this tank?

[@yamy9312]

I have the same tank and everything about it is great! Though, the filter isn't that good if you're using it for a betta since it's still too strong even at the lowest setting. I don't know what to do.

[@Pharmaquatics]

definitely gotta address that through modifications

[@KL-fo8zt]

Try cutting a tiny piece of filter media off and putting the media in the outlet where the water flows out into the tank. I did that and now the flow is very slow for my Betta.

[@MrBetsy2006]

I am skeptical to the filtration system...having the in take high at top...makes me wondering how the water really circulate. It semms only the top water at top gets suck through the filter system and bottom water just stay stagnant?

[@TheItssM]

comeback is reeeal 💪🏼

[@Pharmaquatics]

for sure!!

[@kristinatruehart9065]

Curious what is wrong with the older version? I was gifted one and want to set it up. Can you tell me why I shouldn't?

[@Pharmaquatics]

the light is just an older version. plastic vs aluminum

[@miykael001]

Excellent review! Haven’t seen your other ones but a comparison between Fluval V (5 is assume for gallon), 2.6 & Marineland Portrait would be great. Well done videos!

[@user-vw9db1dh7w]

Great review... very thorough... and you crack me up sometimes! (You also are totally adorable. That girlfriend of yours is a lucky gal.)

[@junito4966]

can you please help me out with this terrible issue I'm going thru... why is my filter not filtering or sucking up small particles floating on my tank? it just floating right by it and no suction. it's just pushing alot of pressured water out but it seems to not suck no debri at all. and is super smoky. need help with this please.

[@silviugrigore6940]

So is no good for betta fish ?

[@YUREVN]

Is there a fresh new link forvthe recommend items.??

[@LilotheBetta]

can you get me the dimensions of the tubing id, od and length because mine is missing @pharmaquatics ty

[@ijl-cy9pp]

Hi great review. Would you be able to write the name of the heater ad the link onky takes me to a list of different heaters on Amazon. Thanks

[@samus4799]

That light is incredibly blue. I thought it might be because the night mode diodes stay on when in day mode, but no even the white lights have a blue tone. I used an exacto knife to cut the silicone and chipped put the blues and it made no discernable difference.

[@naegwut]

V or 5?

[@Bradmun0109]

Out of curiosity why do you prefer more ceramic for biological filtration vs. carbon?

[@annajopling5857]

Carbon filter media is only useful when dosing medicine imo and it also breaks down nutrients for live plants.

[@MrLoaded21]

Can you keep the pump at the highest setting with the spray bar and still be on to add a beta? Or did you lower the filtration rate even with the spray bar?

[@Shonath4n]

I have mines on the highest setting with this exact spray bar and my betta does not mind it at all. He's enjoying himself. You can keep it on the highest setting, but just watch your betta, and see how he/she reacts. Mines is still able to swim around and have a blast, but yours may not, and you might have to turn the flow down a bit more.

[@claudinel4950]

is there a 10g version of this tank? or alternative recommendations for 10g? :)

[@Pharmaquatics]

fluval makes a couple all in one kits bigger than 5g, would recommend taking a look!

[@claudinel4950]

@@Pharmaquatics thank you!!! ^^ i am just planning to get my very first tank and betta and doing research now. appreciate your videos ^^

[@Whergy]

Tbh I wouldn't recommend this tank. I've had it for about 4 months and if I could do it over again, I would buy something else. The filter compartment is nice looking but performs poorly and the flow will absolutely knock your betta around even on the lowest setting. Since I modified the filter to be betta appropriate, the filter provides 0 surface agitation so there is constant buildup of oil. The light is kinda nice but it sits too close to the surface of the water so any water changes or maintenance you have to take it off which means you're working in the dark. Do yourself a favor and just get a cheap 5 gallon tank, a hang on back filter or sponge filter, and a light. It's cheaper and would perform much much better.

[@ptocook]

Hello. Is there a way to reverse the filtration wall so that the inlet opening is in the front of the tank and the chamber is on the right? I don't want the outlet tube to be seen from the front. Thanks!

[@crystalk98]

Lol just had a super quick look online & $245 is the cheapest I could find it here in Australia....

[@tefimorales5199]

Where would you place a pre filter sponge to reduce the flow? Sorry beginner here 😅

[@Pharmaquatics]

at the nozzle!

[@tefimorales5199]

@@Pharmaquatics thank you! 😊

[@dawnervin8895]

The filter is still too strong for my Betta 😢 not sure what to do.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

buy a small sponge filter it fits over the nozzle that shoots water back into the tank it works great .

[@rlb4563]

Do they make any other lids for it?

[@christinescorner1858]

I personally don’t like this set. The lid is hazardous if you have a betta, and the filter is too strong. Even if the filter is on the lowest setting, baffling it is an absolute must for bettas -especially if you have a long finned betta. I also don’t like the light. It’s not overly adjustable and I found it annoying to deal with. But this is just my opinion, I can easily see why others may like this tank. Just please ensure your betta’s safety by getting a proper lid and don’t let the pressure from the filter harm your fish.

[@Pharmaquatics]

a lot of these cons are highlighted in the video! interesting to hear your thoughts

[@markvonmerck7735]

What would you recommend if not this tank?

[@cassierene5287]

i put a sponge on the little nozzle since it was way 2 strong & i ordered a custom snap in piece for that opening in the lid

[@MrLoaded21]

Did you use the 1ft or 2ft spray bar?

[@Pharmaquatics]

1ft

[@karenbui7802]

Where can I buy a spray bar. What brand?

[@MrLoaded21]

@@karenbui7802 Amazon

[@Tyson95vo]

New sub

[@Pharmaquatics]

welcome brother 🙌

[@nicmaci7087]

ugh, i hate that stupid lid. I like to have plants growing out the top of my tank and i like to do smaller changes multiple times a week. So IDK, its such a pain, but I think its still the best betta tank ive had lol

[@Pharmaquatics]

it's a give and take 😂

[@nicmaci7087]

I actually just added even more pothos out the top cuz apparently I hate myself lol

[@ikendoit046]

😉✌️😁

[@jondylanmirasol]

You are handsome 🥵

[@Pharmaquatics]

no u 🥵🥵🥵