TOPFIN 5 Gallon Tank Review

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#topfin #topfinretreat #aquariumlighting #neritesnail #mysterysnail #algaeeaters #homeaquariumgallery #fishtankgallery #apistogramma #apisto # #aquariumheaters #digitalaquariumheaters #tubeaquariumheater #aquariums #aquarium #aquariumhobby #fishtank #aquascape #fish #aquariumfish #aquariumlife #aquascaping #freshwateraquarium #aquariumsofinstagram #tropicalfish #fishkeeping #plantedtank #plantedaquarium #cichlids #natureaquarium #freshwaterfish #freshwatertank #aquascaper #cichlid #aquariumfans #freshwater #aquariumplants #reef #aquaticplants #aquariumphotography #bettafish #aquariumtank #anubiusnana #waterboxcube20 #Seachem #seachemstability #seachemprime #waterboxaquariums #fluval #fluvalstratum #aquatopaquarium #aquatoppisces #substrate #aquariumsubstrate

[@belleviewaquatics8435]

I bought one of these a little over a year and a half ago, based on your and the co-op's review. My Betta has been happy in it since. I replaced the light so I could have it on a timer. The longer I had it the more I disliked the AIO setup. I bought a small corner sponge filter as back up as the pump would get jammed with a snail. About a month ago, the tank was a jungle and I decided to take it down and re-do it. I decided to take a razor blade and cut the plastic filter out, and peeled the black sticker off the backside. I re-scaped it, capped the original fluvalstratum with sand, and put my corner sponge back in. I re-used the drift wood, java fern, anubius, and the tank looks awesome! Removing that grey plastic did give me a lot of stress as these tanks are $80 bucks Canadian, plus tax. I did a lot of research and learned it had nothing to do the structural integrity of the tank. It gives my betta a bit more swim room and I couldn't be happier with tank, wish I had done it sooner.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

The gray area is just a barrier. Glad that worked for you. Sounds like you did your homework. Great idea.

[@laurielahmed-powell6159]

I just bought the tank due to your review! I bought 3 of them and used Fluval stratum with a sand cap for my plants. My bettas love these tanks! Thanks so much for the review and yes the lighting is amazing!

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

You are very welcome. I hope you will both like and subscribe. Thank you

[@PerAllwin1963]

Thanks for the review. Two points…most tanks sold do not come with heaters. Also, you don’t need to use their filter cartridges. That’s a money-making thing for them. Just use foam or other filter medium and stick it into the compartment. Rinse with tank water and reuse.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I totally agree!

[@davescheer5038]

I just picked one up at goodwill in the box for $5.98 it's missing two of the clips on the glass but for the price I'll work around them , I really like it , will set it up tomorrow ! 👍🏼

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

They are great little Tanks with lots of easy to use tucked away spaces for all you need to run a healthy aquarium and as I said the Light is really great for what you pay even at full price. Please subscribe if you have not. Lots of fun stuff coming up and I hope you will watch! Again Thank you!

[@MrDkb718]

Got one for 14.99 brand new and I love it👍

[@victoriavaldes8771]

I didn’t even think about putting the heater in the filter area. I thought maybe my 50w HT10 would be too big in there but it fits just right. Thanks for the tip!

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Victoria Valdes glad I was able to help! 😎

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I said a Fluval ...I actually said it was a TopFin at the beginning of the video and I am sorry towards the end I made a mistake and said Fluval (TOPFIN ) 5 Gallon is what I meant. Thanks for watching and please give a thumbs up , subscribe and make a comment. Thank you!

[@bass-man5401]

I will confirm the growing. I picked this up for 20$ used and used fluval stratum as a substrate heavily planted the tank. The plants are insanely healthy and thriving. I dont know much about the light but its more than enough to grow plants in this tank. Im growing Easy-Medium 1-2 Grow plants and they are all doing great without CO2. I customized the filter. I removed the filter media but kept the plastic frame to hold different filer media in place. I just use a bulk sponge material along with fluval bio rings.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Grizzly Bear sounds great! Yes the light will do well with almost anything as far as plants! Great job with filter medium exchange!

[@michelecatalano6787]

I recently bought this tank for my betta. I didn't know you can put the heater in that compartment....Totally will do that in my next water change. Thanks for the idea!!

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Glad I could help

[@boscoitalics]

going to buy this tank for my betta,Sky. love the look of it. your better is very pretty

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Thank you great tank!

[@thinkaboutit9891]

I just got mine Yesterday works great

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

treat the tank as usual. Just let the “Stability” be a boost to the cycle! I believe it is for example 2 caps full on the first day of a 20 gallon tank and then 1 cap for seven more days on a new cycle. I use 1- cap full per each 20 gallons even when seeding my tank with an instant cycle as I believe it really helps to complete the cycle or keep it well balanced. Don’t put food or organics in the tank unless you have added some stock as it will only add a level of ammonia that is not good for the cycle or can overload it “ it is all about balance” Use the stability to get your tank prepared to put stock in and help cycle your tank. It is meant to be used as a boost to your cycle. All of my tanks whether Seeded or not get this Stability boost. I have never ever had any water parameter issues when using this in concert with Prime. I add stock like Cory’s or fish that are clean up crew to get the tank going as well as otocinclus catfish to help keep the inevitable brown algae or “diatom” algae growth under control. Follow the directions on the bottle for best results as the stability is not active until it works in concert with your filtration and contains “aerobic” “ anaerobic and facultative bacteria components which help breakdown waste in your tank! Good Luck!

[@BritneyStinson]

I like your ghost boi 💚

[@beautifulguitarhands]

Excellent review! My girlfriend picked hers up for $34.99 at PetSmart as her first ever aquarium. Setup was simple and smooth. She decided on a betta community setup. Two female bettas, five neon tetras and a cory catfish. The fish love to investigate the plants and decor. Overall was a total success. I was so impressed with the quality of the tank and light that I went and bought the same kit for the sale price. I have a top fin decorbundle you get in a clear plastic box for $15 and natural gravel for my male betta and clown pleco, which are both doing great. I have been fish keeping since I was a boy. I’ve had marine setups with sump systems to outdoor koi ponds. I have had several fluval nano tanks and this top fin is definitely one of the most impressive tanks for the price. I think the power for the pump and light combined is actually a nice touch if you don’t mind manually shutting down the light. If this tank existed when I was a kid it would have cost a ton of money. I’m happy to see a value this good for a person that wants a great tank with a small footprint. I’m gonna get the 2.5 gallon version for my coffee bar and try live plants! Thanks for your excellent advice and pros/cons on this cheap but awesome aquarium.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

You are welcome and yes I still think after two years this is great for a Betta setup! Do those water changes!

[@brandydoubleday4353]

Been wanting one for a beta set up. I think you sold me on one. Thanks for the review.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Brandy Doubleday Brandy, The Topfin is great but an Aquatop Pisces 5 gallon is just as good or better. The Aquatop is a product I started using about a year after this review because of the Low Iron Glass. It is $20.00 more but well worth the clarity! Over time you will appreciate that. Check out my review on the Aquatop Pisces 5 gallon and see if that is important to you? Maybe not? My videos have much improved with lots more new camera equipment and a small crew Let me know? Share with you friends and leave comments on what is important to you and I will do my best to cover it! Thank you! 😎💧❤️

[@matthewevegan6389]

helpful video🐟

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Glad I could help. I hope you will subscribe to my channel Thank you!

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

You can buy all filter parts at Petsmart.

[@wilddiscusbreeder5445]

Great review. You killed it.

[@AJ-jb1fg]

I have this. The algae was unbelievable! I had to put black tape to block some of the light. The filter doesn’t seem to work very well!!

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Yeah, there is no adjustable light on that unfortunately. You can put a different light on it. That’s the only alternative you have, but you really need to lower the light cause it’s pretty intense.

[@northwestlife2794]

Great video

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Thank you!

[@northwestlife2794]

@@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto do you still have it?

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Not setup right now!

[@jaedynstainrod]

Hey can you do an update video on this tank?

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Right now this tank is being re-scaped, but I will have a new video review soon. All is still working perfectly on this tank.

[@Dianadollyful]

Thanks great video, would you recommend putting a filter fiber pad in the empty space next to the filter cartridge where you have placed your heater?

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Yes and if you can fit it put some ceramic pieces in a bag! anything that helps with filtration. if you have a small enough heater you can fit all of it!

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

YES! I have since done something similar.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

PlEASE SUBSCRIBE AFTER YOUR VIEWING. I APPRECIATE THE SUPPORT!

[@dariuszchudzinski7309]

is there a way to add a separate power supply to for light vs. pump. Light timer is a must have for me

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I gave up on that and before giving the tank to my daughter she just turns it on in the morning! The only flaw in this otherwise well thought out setup!

[@crusmonster1397]

I’m thinking about getting this as my first aquarium & getting my first betta to put in it after it’s set up. Thank you for your review :)

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Go for it. A great tank and easy to maintain. See my latest scape in this tank and the 6 month review!

[@aquaman269]

Great tank go for it

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

You are very welcome!

[@aquaman269]

Nice looking tank brother!! I have 2 I really like them

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Thank you!

[@brianbuchert6382]

Just put this tank up tonight setup couldn’t be easier! All I have in here right now are 6 neon tetras just kinda getting a feel for it but so far so good!i noticed that this was posted 9 months ago I’m gonna look for more videos I did sub!

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Neon's can be very delicate believe it or not. Use Stability by Seachem if you have some or can get it!

[@brianbuchert6382]

George Wheeler The Art of Water ok I might have some around but if not I’ll get some more.

[@ethanguidry312]

How do you clean a tank. With that much plants? It looks amazing just curious how to clean it

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

First keep the water clean and second have a clean up crew like Cory's Pleco's, Siamese Algae Eaters and Panda Garr that help do it for you. Once a month use a vacuum hose to run just over the plants. Then in a year or so break it down and start a new Deign. Put in the work and scrub the glass once a month as well. Pease subscribe.

[@owendillon4969]

what kind of fertilizer do you use for your plants

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Seachem Flourish I dose every other day.

[@mozby76]

Nice little scape! What substrate did you use, what rock and what plants? Thanks!

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Substrate Is Fluval Stratum, Rocks are Red Lava and Plants are Lobelia Red cardinal "Dwarf"l, Some Staurogyne Repens and Java Fern...Please subscribe to the Chanel if you have not already! Thank you!

[@TruTxn82]

I have the same tank. Just got it. What substrate are you using for the plants? Good looking tank! 👍🏻

[@EarthWasHere]

TruTxn82 how’s the filtration system?

[@TruTxn82]

Rice Farmer Honestly wasn’t bad...while it worked. Less than a month and pump went out. And since it’s badly designed and the light and pump run off of the same power cord...I ended up just taking the whole thing back and got the Fluval Spec 3

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Fluval Stratum!

[@lesterchef9503]

What is that Blackish wood in the back? Beautiful aquarium 🐠

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I am really not sure?

[@gmca44]

Did not think of getting the small heater to fit in back there, I bought a slim flat one and tucked in the back panel

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

That may fit if not they are pretty inexpensive!

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I hope you will subscribe if you have not? Thank you!

[@MsDF936]

I'm worried about those metal feet. It seems like a lot of pressure on those points of the tank? Can they be taken off?

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I took those off a long time ago. Thanks!

[@jasondang1931]

What kind of heater do you have to fit inside your filter?

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

10 Watt Betta heater that fits very nicely in the filter area. The Temp. stays at about 78-80 degrees and takes up very little space. check around at your big box stores and you can find these heaters for about $15.00 Good Luck!

[@kayleefinstuen3016]

Him buying it for his bathroom me wanting to upgrade my betta for medical issues praying I get it for Christmas. 😂no hate it’s a joke. I mean it’s not but it is

[@zacharycruthirds2065]

What was the species of algae eater you are using? I may be misspelling, but I’m having trouble finding the species you mention in a Google search. I moved my betta into this tank about a year ago and I’ve been a big fan of it for a lot of points. Lately, I’ve been fighting green hair algae (despite routine water changes, regularly trimming dead/dying leaves from the live plants, etc.). I’ve just been researching possible tank mates that may help in keeping the algae in check. Thanks for the informative video!

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

OTOCINCLUS AFFINIS DWARF CATFISH GREAT ALGAE EATER Try to have 2-3 per tank as they do better in groups.

[@stephsexoticpets]

I have this tank! While there are some things that I love about this tank, the filtration is terrible. I keep cherry shrimp in here,.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I have since modified this tank. If you watch my videos there is a update on this Topfin and you can see what I did to improve the filtration.

[@MANDOANTX12]

Its cool but over time the filter starts to suck would he better without the internal filtration I would like to install my own filter

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

You can certainly do that!

[@AP-tp2mb]

Hi can you please tell me if the light and filter/pump is one plug in or is it separate ? Once with a heater you have 3 separate plugs? Hopefully not! Thanks

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Sadly they are!

[@omarcadenas9]

Great review,, thank you, i am planning to get it myself. What kind of heater do you have in there? and did you modified the cover to fit inside?

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

It is a small micro heater that heats to 78 degrees and then shuts off. I made no modifications to any of this compartment...they designate an area for a heater. It is less than five gallons with hard scape! Substrate and plants, so you are really heating about 3.5 gallons of water. A great tank overall and well worth the $39.99-59.99 they are asking. I think that Petsmart is selling these for $39.00 online right now!

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Omar Cadenas my son says it is a small Beta heater!

[@omarcadenas9]

@@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto sure is thxs. I'm thinking going with salt water for some corals too. What do you think? since the light is really great.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

@@omarcadenas9 I would check on that a little more before committing to Salt or Corals as this tank is really designed for Freshwater and small if you add any fish. Coral may be ok. I am not a salt water guy. Sorry!

[@brianbuchert6382]

George Wheeler The Art of Water hi I believe I bought the same heater from PetSmart. My 5 month old puppy grabbed the instructions out of my hands the proceeded to shred them in a matter of seconds lol my question is how low in the tank should I place it! Is there any kind of light that will tell you if the heater is on and functioning ?

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!

[@laskikis1]

What kind of betta is that one. I love the color. I buy that fish tank is beautiful.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Betta splendens Veil Tail White

[@Vanilla07903]

I have this tank secondhand and it didn't come with the gray filter thing u pulled out. What should I get to put back there???

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

You can get replacements online

[@L3GACYHD3]

What you use for your fish to have oxygen can you share that in the next video

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

ACE THE LEGACY water flow oxygenates the water as well as lots of plants both floating and planted give off tons of oxygen. Those who do not plant tanks rely on air stones to help, but of the twenty five tanks I have, we have only one tank which is a hospital tank that I Use have an air stone! I hope that answers your question!

[@canadianwaterfowlexperienc7000]

The filrer is to powerful for the betta but otherwise good video it was pretty helpful

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

That filter has been modified as I mentioned in the video to almost nothing!

[@TruTxn82]

You can adjust the flow on the pump. You just have to pull it out and turn the nozzle down.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I reduced the flow. The Betta has been in the tank over a year now!

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I did fix that issue and now it is a very calm flow. Great advice!

[@amazingaquaticlife]

👌🏻👌🏻❤️💚

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Thank you I hope you will subscribe.

[@Gibler953]

I have one of these but I feel like maybe the flow is too strong for my betta would you agree with me?

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Yes but an easy fix! Stuff a small piece of airier (big hole) Sponge into the out flow to slow it down. I use that trick all the time!

[@Gibler953]

@@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto I tried that but the stream kind of just splits in two

[@marshall2368]

Ive had this tank for half a year now. A very beautiful tank but the filtration system is horrible... i will take my fish out and completely clean the tank. Within 3 days algae is already growing everywhere. Maybe I’m doing something wrong but I’m sure the bright light is also causing this issue, if anyone has any tips plz let me know. Another thing to note is because the top doesn’t close all the way you’re going to be adding water to this tank every 2 days to keep the water up.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I modified the filtration with some carbon bags and sponges. Mine is still working great. Put a dimmer on the light!

[@marshall2368]

if I try to slow the flow of the filter outlet won't it also slow the pump down? I have a betta so I want to slow it but I also want the filter to work good.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

@@marshall2368 If you have a small piece of filtration sponge stick it in the nozzle and it will slow it down but no issues with the pump.

[@marshall2368]

@@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto thank you

[@chrispalmer9802]

What heater do you have in there?

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I use that tank as a quarantine tank now. It has a small betta heater in there that keeps it at about 78 degrees.

[@pxdxip4d422]

Can anyone tell me why my fish tank is not running I have everything plugged in my light is on but my filter isn’t running

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

If it is this tank the pump and the light run off the same cord! If you have that set up right make sure it is not near a GFI because it will trip the switch! Check those two things! Good Luck!

[@ellawolfe8430]

Shouldn’t the water level be beneath the spout, so that the water can be oxygenated?

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

No the water moves through the filtration system and then comes out the spout moving the water at the top and is perfect. Water changes twice a week are also important!

[@ellawolfe8430]

George Wheeler The Art of Water Hmm, I noticed that there’s no water movement on the top with mine. There’s is water coming out of it, but it just doesn’t seem to have much pressure.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

@@ellawolfe8430 What type of fish do you have in there? Most fish do not like or require lots of water movement! Also plants create oxygen as well!

[@ellawolfe8430]

George Wheeler The Art of Water I have just a few guppies along with 2 Corys. I do have a few live moss balls as well but that’s it for live plants.

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

@@ellawolfe8430 You should plant as much as you can. Plants compete with Algae for resources and plants always win if all your other water conditions are good!

[@davidcardona9517]

What’s the exact name of this tank?

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Topfin “Retreat”

[@victoriawilliams4910]

Does it matter to put the water over or under the filter mouth at the top

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I would place it about an 1/4 inch above the flow nozzle to keep circulation good! You want to Oxygenate the water really well . Do your water changes 1/4 twice a week.

[@memesmugglerandrew]

What heater do you use?

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

20 watt Betta Heater. Great fit and keeps the tank at about 78 degrees

[@memesmugglerandrew]

@@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto thank you

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

@@memesmugglerandrew You are very welcome!

[@moopcat1984]

I have this tank

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Still a great little tank.

[@moopcat1984]

@@aquaticconceptsbringingwatertocan I keep a goldfish in here cos I’ve been keeping it in there

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

www.aquariumfishsale.com A wonderful supplier who wil take very good care of your Aquatic needs. Thank you all for your personal attention!

[@dailodai9586]

nice tank but iam getting motion sickness while watching the video

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I was holding the camera. This was a very early video of mine and much has changed and improved since. I hope you will Subscribe and take some time watching the latest videos. Thank you!

[@derps7746]

I got it and the filter stopped working pretty quick :/

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Yuki Light mine is over a year and both working great!

[@derps7746]

@@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto ahh maybe i just got the dud then

[@dianac.5833]

Can the filter motor be changed in case it stops working ?

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

Yes they have replaceable parts.

[@surfj9009]

Uhhh uhhhh uhhh uhhh

[@Johnnydankss]

That water is dirty

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

kzbin.info/door/AiPSfEDnMWL_iGAanJOdMA

[@Kenzieco44]

Hated this one . Algae all the time

[@aquaticconceptsbringingwaterto]

I never had an issue with that? I did a lot of water changes however!