Setting up the Marineland 5 Gallon Portrait Aquarium!

[@ZachSpeed1]

Thanks for this video very detailed. I bought this tank from chewy. I wasn’t sure if I had the filter and the black sponge assembled correctly. The instructions were not to clear lol. I typed in google and here you are to save the day. Thanks and your tank looks awesome

[@Aurelia6190]

Thank you for such a thorough set up of this particular tank. I’ve been mulling this model over in my mind for a while and I think I might just order it 🤗

[@BarrysAquarium]

Glad to hear! Good luck!

[@jms4406]

Got mine set up looks awesome. My betta loves it. I figure if the pump ever dies I'll cut the back panel out and put a sponge filter in it.

[@stayplanted1093]

Awesome build, Feeling inspired to set up a 5 gallon as my next tank!

[@stayplanted1093]

I just set up the 5 gallon, video will be up in a few days!!

[@charliecannone6228]

this design is really cool. I actually just got this exact tank, what a coincidence!

[@LucasLiu-h1h]

same

[@qimmahzayn]

Same ♥️

[@shilohwhiloh9636]

Excited to watch this video. My sibling bought me this tank for my birthday and I hope to finally house a betta properly after a childhood of not being taught how to do it right. I'm doing all the research I can!

[@w.d.gaster2307]

Howd it go?

[@shilohwhiloh9636]

@W.D. Gaster Unfortunately I still don't have the betta, since I've fallen on hard times and haven't been able to get all the supplies. But I'm still researching and still plan on owning one in the future!

[@w.d.gaster2307]

@@shilohwhiloh9636 sad

[@d.s.6555]

Thank you for this video, it helped with my new tank/set-up!

[@anam1446]

Thank you Barry

[@derp5452]

Im looking for a 5 gallon because I want to get my "First Betta" ( I had one like 7 years ago and didn't know how to care for them) and this video is making me want one more

[@JJMLAXWL]

Very awesome and thank you very much for showing where to put the heater!

[@thenerdcomicbookco.est.1966]

Cool little tank setup

[@johnjwedrall4290]

You created a cool looking tank 😎

[@markmmcaulay]

Nice job young Barry! Please keep us updated.

[@johntravis3085]

That’s a pretty sweet tank

[@shannonyarbrough3748]

Nice video! I love my Marineland. I have a black plantstand that it sits on perfectly so I didn't use the plastic stand that came with it. Good to see you also adding your own floss to the back. I did the same and had to block the intake with biosponge to keep some tiny Phoenix rasbora out of the back! Hope you are enjoying your tank!

[@GiiZUS]

I lose fish to the back also 😂 is the intake the swirl cutout?

[@stevensstones]

Thanks for the video! I just ordered this last night!

[@BarrysAquarium]

Thanks so much! Do you know what type of fish you’ll add to it?

[@justin1952]

Thx a lot, I really needed help setting up my tank.😀

[@StandingLast1]

Howdy! I want to replace my pump but keep the same flow system, any recommendations on new pumps and the size tubing that would fit? I love this aquarium otherwise!

[@aubreyallison1805]

thanks for this vid! There’s so much misinformation in the fish community but this vid is really clear and easy to watch! I’m definitely going to get it in the near future:)

[@BarrysAquarium]

Glad this video helped! Good luck with your tank in the future!

[@MrMomoitin]

I love my marineland portrait! I'm about to do some "hacks" to it that Pharmaquatics did a video on.

[@BarrysAquarium]

I have seen his videos on it! I’m probably going to end up doing some of the hacks as well!

[@MHAquaticsUK]

This is really good! I just subscribed! This is an amazing video!

[@BarrysAquarium]

Thanks! Watched some of your videos and they are amazing as well. I hit that sub button too! 👍

[@OZZYANK]

@@BarrysAquarium hi Barry. I was hoping you could help me out. I feel like this tank would be a good setup to make a tall paludarium with a trickling waterfall coming from the water outtake at the top. However I only want to fill the tank 1/3 full of water which won't be enough to reach the intake grill i think. Do you think if I siliconed up the intake hole in the middle and made another one lower that would work? Or does the tank really need to be full to work effectively?

[@BarrysAquarium]

With my experience with the tank is that if it is half way full the pump starts to run dry. It would be a perfect paludarium and making a different filter intake should work. The only thing is the pump. You might be able to experiment with it so it doesn’t run dry or you could probably get a smaller pump that would work good with the tank. That’s an awesome idea and hope this helps!

[@OZZYANK]

@@BarrysAquarium thanks for getting back to me! It arrives tomorrow so ill be able to take a closer look then, but im excited to make it work.

[@BarrysAquarium]

Good luck!👍

[@LaytenKaid]

I literally clicked this video because I was thinking about getting this tank for a pea puffer!😂 I just subscribed I really enjoy your content

[@BarrysAquarium]

😂 Thanks so much for the sub! Should be adding a pea puffer to the tank soon!

[@GraffitiKitty1]

I own this tank and just wanted to warn that if you don't use the lid then expect to refill the tank every now and then due to evaporation. Never a problem when I have the lid on, and the only time I refill is for a water change.

[@jaeim2478]

Great video! And great plant choice 👌

[@BarrysAquarium]

Thanks!

[@JRex415]

Those packs also have carbon in them which is a bono so slice them open rinse reuse an replace carbon works great great for clarity

[@carolsw3943]

What is the light? I have a finnex on mine and have major algae issues...

[@jesusmalverde612]

How can I put a bubbler line in there without the cover in the back lifting up

[@mynamesjudge]

Did you ever run into trouble with those intakes sucking up shrimp?

[@russellroutt3448]

Can a small heater be placed in the back part of the tank and still heat all the water correctly ?

[@BarrysAquarium]

A heater can be placed in the back. I’ve found the water in the back part of the tank stays warmer than the rest of the tank. The temperature difference is only about 2-4 degrees Fahrenheit.

[@czedrickcatan7665]

Id love to make my own shrimp tank, thanks for the tips barry. Love from philippines

[@dawsoncowen6739]

Great video man

[@andreasventer4267]

Woww your channel has started growing a lot faster

[@mightylotan]

But how can I keep shrimp in it, they'll get sucked up

[@zoom8772]

awesome explanation, neat camera work and editing, you definitely need more subs! so i just subbed

[@BarrysAquarium]

Thanks so much!

[@damnityousuck1]

Do you have a vid about maintenance on this regarding filter cartridge and sponge!?

[@blackvegeto]

thanks for the video, im a new on this and i got this thank for my beta fish but i going to buy some plants

[@saintraphael__]

Going to buy that one in 6 months

[@TruthLivesNow]

Buy it now, it went down to $47.99 on Amazon! The way they have lowered this tank I think Spectrum Brands it thinking of discontinuing it in 6 months. I bought it a few weeks ago, super!

[@thewrxshop8213]

Were those "cylced" sponges dry? There dead now

[@SOCOMJOHN]

hello! what fish would you suggest with this aquarium? I want to fill this thing up! i was thinking maybe one betta and some shrimp? what are your thoughts.

[@BarrysAquarium]

A betta would be perfect for this tank! If you put shrimp in this tank, I would recommend some amano shrimp. If you go with other shrimp species they might get sucked into the filter intake. Good luck!

[@lexithurman5108]

I bought one of these tanks from a goodwill in my town, it didn't come with the filter hose part, do you know where I could buy it at? I've been looking on Amazon but can't find it☹

[@sergioabarca]

Hello. Nice work. You put the heater behind? The sane place you put the cilinder soongues?

[@BarrysAquarium]

Yes that is ok. As long as the pump is still running and exchanging water through the back

[@vitofilipaj6007]

Is that for sea or river fish

[@littleglassfoxcreations6153]

How can I modify for shrimp?

[@arielbalangue6489]

I love the regular aquariums it has safer no electricity flowing in the water it’s safer lol I love your old fashion tank I found one for 30 dollars like wow Craigslist’s is the best too

[@JohnDoe-cd6ro]

Just found one in good condition for 20 bucks. Hope it's worth it. Idk the retail price.

[@nasirch9123]

so Beautiful

[@crystalb83]

Hi. Are you plants real and where did you get ur driftwood from and well as the circular sponges? I am new to the aquarium world as my my 4 year old got a gold fish And I love taking care of her.

[@reececlark4753]

Would you recommend this as a good first tank for beginners?

[@diegorojas9676]

I have it, it’s really good for fish, I have a betta with 4 Neon Tetras.

[@BarrysAquarium]

Yes!

[@noirslament0]

@@diegorojas9676 I was thinking of getting neon tetras as well, do they all get along well in this tank? I saw some people say to get a bigger one but ion wanna do that

[@diegorojas9676]

@@noirslament0 they would do better in a bigger tank, but mine do just fine

[@pschick4430]

Thank you for your great video. i want to put in VCA's random flow generator. i need to know if it can be attached to the return outlet? is the outlet compatible with genuine Loc-Line? what is the outside diameter of the outlet? does your nozzle fit over or inside that elbow? thank you

[@pxdanda]

Nicely done ! Everyone suggests a 50w heater for 5galon tanks howz 100w working for u ?

[@BarrysAquarium]

It works great! The temperature never seems to fluctuate!

[@pxdanda]

@@BarrysAquarium thanks

[@kruixfn]

I had fish in the past and am thinking of getting another. I like this tank and I am wondering how did you get the water so clean after adding the plants, gravel, and wood in?

[@BarrysAquarium]

Good question, given enough time the tank would clear on its own but i just filled mine up and drained it a few times to get it clear

[@Fotosynthesis858]

It’s an “okay” first timer tank. Perfect for an office or for the casual hobbiest. I had a really hard time keeping the filtering system clean because it’s difficult to access. And the included light is just way too dim, especially for a planted setup. There are a lot of better options out there but for the price, it’s “okay” at best ✌🏾

[@jacksonhawker2564]

I was actually kind of sad when this video was over

[@BarrysAquarium]

Oh no 😂 I’m going to make an update video for this tank soon, so stay tuned!

[@ninaaa8310]

I just found your channel and am new to fishkeeping! yesterday when i replaced the filter, the water level in the front of the tank dropped and the water went into the filtration compartment in the back.. should the water level back there be full? Thanks!!

[@katieoday187]

What kind of water do you fill your tank with? And do you test it, or add anything to it? I have well water, with a softener, so I assume I am going to have to take water from a family member that has tap water. I just bought this same tank, and cant wait to set it up. I am just having conflicting answers on the water condition. I am going to use live plants, and maybe a beta with a few shrimp. Havent fully committed to what fish yet.

[@BarrysAquarium]

I just use tap water. If you want to keep a betta fish, they like a pH of 6.8-7.5. So you could buy a cheap pH test kit and if your water is in the range then you should be ok. I add water conditioner to my water because there is chlorine in it. I also add some fertilizer for the plants every week too. Good luck and if you have any more questions feel free to ask!

[@GiiZUS]

how did this tank setup age over the years? do you like it? does it stay clean? How’d it work out without the lid?

[@TruthLivesNow]

Gabby, I am basically a Marineland Aquarium guy. I have owned a System 3, 5 Gallon Hex, System 2 Hood, and Penguin Filters for years. I own 2 of these Marineland Portrait tanks for around 2 years. 1. This tank has an adjustable filer up to 85 GPH, which usually means one can put more fish in it, except a Cube or Hex has less surface area than a rectangle shape, so a rectangle has more oxygen at the surface, due to more area. 2. There are a few flaws after a couple years, yet still useable. The biggest problem is I can still get Replacement parts for my very, very old Eclipse Tanks, yet the manufacturer has NO replacement parts for their newer Contour or Portrait tanks. 3. I like these tanks very much for the price. 4. Well, you still get algae, except it is easier to clean the algae off of glass than thin acrylic. I use the “Z” filter cartridges from Marineland, which are the same ones for the Old System 3 and 5 Gallon Hex. 5. I have used tanks w/o the lids like he is doing. One has to add water more due to evaporation, frankly that is good. Marineland is owned Spectrum Brands, which is also Tetra. They are good quality. I am tempted with spending $60-$70 more for the Hagen up-brand, a Fluval Flex 9 Gallon, which I see a drawback of the filter only going 61 GPH, yet that one looks good overall too.

[@abhijeettodkari490]

what is dimension?

[@laceyburns5378]

Why don't you use any biomedia?

[@Weirdosaur]

Great video! I’m getting my first betta fish and this was so perfect for a noob like myself lol. Subbed! Thank you

[@hellohello1398]

Is the tank actually 5 Gallons or is that including the filter inside of it?

[@TruthLivesNow]

It is around 4 1/2 gallons due to the back filter area.

[@JAG457]

Looks great ! What fish would you recommend for this tall tank

[@auzzie671]

i'd recommend a bettafish

[@jamessoriano1114]

Is it 5 gallon or 5 1/2 gallon? Cause on amazon it saids 5 gallon

[@enteiraikou5845]

I’m not sure if you’ll see this comment but can you please give us an update of this tank? Thank u in advance!!

[@BarrysAquarium]

Yes! I will be making an update on the tank soon!

[@brandonhoward5655]

Hey thanks for such an informative video, I just set this in line for purchasing next week, (although I'm not able to have fish due to family) I plan to make it for plants what beginner plants would you recommend for this tank?

[@BarrysAquarium]

I would definitely recommend some rotala, pogostemon, dwarf sag, and some java moss. Good luck with your tank!

[@jhisaw]

awesome video - you convinced me to buy this tank!! any heater recommendations?

[@BarrysAquarium]

Glad to hear! I would recommend almost any heater for this tank. You only need a 50 watt heater for a tank this size. The Marineland 50 watt heater on Amazon is a good choice- www.amazon.com/s?k=50+watt+aquarium+heater&sprefix=50+watt+&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-a-p_2_8

[@jhisaw]

@@BarrysAquarium thanks!

[@volcom1722]

Great video :-) how often do you find you clean/do water changes in this tank?

[@jendinglasan8227]

hello there! new subscriber here! could I ask where you got those driftwood and your plants?:)

[@BarrysAquarium]

Hi and thanks for the sub!! I collected the driftwood myself out on a hike. It’s manzanita wood and if you can’t collect it, I think you can order it online. The plants in the tank I got from petco and Amazon 👍

[@jupitergoldenrod5695]

is there any way to turn off the filter? i’m planning on having sponge filters for my shrimp tank

[@BarrysAquarium]

Ya, you can just unplug the pump and take it out if needed. You could even take out the whole back section of the tank if you wanted

[@gkmcjose4494]

Where did u buy the plants ?

[@BarrysAquarium]

Amazon and petco

[@SlimJimmy916]

does the pump make loud humming noise or is it subtle?

[@BarrysAquarium]

It’s surprisingly quite

[@kook9830]

I know you mentioned that the back of the tank is black but is it glass? Tia

[@BarrysAquarium]

No, it’s plastic

[@viperanaf]

how loud is the pump? can you sleep next to it?

[@BarrysAquarium]

The pump is surprisingly quiet but makes a low hum. I have it across the room from my bed and don’t hear it at all at night

[@russellroutt3448]

I have had this aquarium for about 2 weeks now and the water in the back compartment is lower than the front could that be because my filter is getting clogged

[@BarrysAquarium]

Yes, that might be because the part that lets water into the back of the tank is clogged. If you have a sponge in the back you might have to clean it out. If you have any more questions let me know!

[@andyderbis9476]

i was thinking about getting this tank as well as a pea puffer, what plants do you have in it?

[@BarrysAquarium]

Bacopa, pogostemon, rotala, and ludwigia repens

[@andyderbis9476]

Thx man

[@Selckunk]

Hey bro what’s the light you used?

[@BarrysAquarium]

A Nicrew light from Amazon

[@herogreat2797]

wish you had the birghtness test

[@BarrysAquarium]

Are you referring to a PAR meter?

[@droopydoofuss]

what size and type of light was used?

[@BarrysAquarium]

A Nicrew light from Amazon. I believe it is 6 inches

[@TheFewzz]

Could i keep Guppies in this?

[@andyderbis9476]

Can you do an update on this tank

[@BarrysAquarium]

Yes! I’m planning on one in the next month or two

[@whatscooking84]

What light are you using?

[@BarrysAquarium]

A Nicrew light from Amazon

[@neverrevenge7335]

hey bro what light is that the original tank

[@BarrysAquarium]

pooponmyhead Nicrew led

[@goodwillunderwear2408]

NICE!

[@Sonego78]

Hello, how much did it cost you? *editing*. I saw the price !

[@oscarp4328]

I literally just gutted the filtration system with a razor blade, the design of it is so flawed and I’ve lost so many guppy fry and shrimp in the back of that thing. It’s held by silicone so a razor blade will too. I used a more than capable hang on the back filter and a LED lamp and it looks ten folds better than what came in the box.

[@BarrysAquarium]

Oscar Parrilla That’s good to know! If I end up keeping any shrimp or fry in the tank I’ll definitely consider doing that

[@oscarp4328]

Barry's Aquarium The openings on the top left and right and the circular intake are too big for fry. They’ll easily slip in and get stuck in back. It’s happened to me countless times.👍🏻

[@renepicota3042]

Definitely not a tank for shrimp. I lost $100 worth of shrimp. Turned it into a betta tank instead.

[@oscarp4328]

Rene Picota I bought some gorgeous guppies from Guppy Train and they died in the tank I felt like shit. There was $150 down the drain. I feel your pain !

[@bacon6496]

Nice

[@masonlambeth263]

Heyo nice tank dude what light did you use and did it work well for your plants

[@BarrysAquarium]

Thank you! I used a Nicrew light from Amazon. Sadly I don’t think they sell the version that I have anymore.

[@maaizmohamed8322]

Cool Video Bro :D

[@BarrysAquarium]

Thanks!

[@gkmcjose4494]

Is that gravel safe for fish?

[@BarrysAquarium]

Yes!

[@gkmcjose4494]

@@BarrysAquarium I’m trying to setup a 10 gallon freshwater tank and wanted live plants but I wasn’t sure if that gravel was safe for fish, so thank you! Do you know what filter would be best for it?

[@BarrysAquarium]

The best filter I would recommend is an AquaClear, but they are kind of pricey

[@benic8571]

If you don’t need the lid, I would like to buy it from you. I accidentally broke mine when I was changing the filter. :(

[@goodgravy3047]

Where is the Peapuffer?

[@sed6]

You paid $55? Eikes, it's $80 now!

[@tanairilopezmelendez3053]

I love taht acutium i alreadi have a 3 gallons tank whit 4 goldfi 2 snails and a loach fish but teres not enout spase for them so i was thinking if i coul buy taht acuarium it have beautyful desing in it

[@craigjamaljohnson]

u from kindergarten?

[@Mr.Helper.]

If you get pest snail in that tank ... you will never be able to get rid of them

[@BarrysAquarium]

I know what you mean, I have them in all of my tanks including this one 😂

[@Raszagil]

Sweeeet

[@codythelibertarian7264]

2:11 yeah, it is pretty cool isn’t it? Government sanctioned monopoly. 🤦‍♂️🤒😷💀 humanity is essential!

[@JAG457]

What light are you using ?