[Sneakerpimp]

I'm trying to decide between a few aquarium systems to use for a breeder and nursery. I need two, so I could just buy two of the same system if one stands out above the others. Also would like to know if the tanks should be different shapes.

So far I've found Fluval spec v, current solo 5g, fluval spec 3 and topfin 5g.

Also Eheim Aquastyle Aquarium (4 Gallon) - $175

Advice would be awesome.

Fluval spec v - $100 CAD

Eheim Aquastyle Aquarium 4g ) - $145

Current USA Solo 5g - $100

Topfin 5g - $50

Marineland silhouette 3g - $100

 

[geealexg]

Nice that you are interested in nano tanks!

Personal thoughts:
I personally use Fluval Spec series tanks, because they provide the best filtration system out of the many all-in-one nano tank options (I overstock them with nano shrimp/fish species) and the tanks are widely available in local pet stores. Fluval also has other nano tanks, but the Fluval CHI has poor lighting and the Fluval EDGE is hard to maintain because there is a small opening to access the inside of the tank. The Topfin and Fluval Spec also have a longer surface area which will provide more horizontal swimming space for keeping fish/shrimp. However, I know that the Eheim Aquastyle tanks have slightly higher wattage lighting for plants, and the SOLO tank has an interesting multi-colored lighting feature with a remote.

Pros:
- Excellent integrated filtration (it can easily fit extra Purigen, filter floss, additional biomedia)
- Very long surface area (lots of horizontal swimming room for livestock, unlike nano cubes from Eheim or Current)
- Built-in sump that hides the equipment well
- Very sleek design (you can remove the top cover to make it look like a rimless tank)

Current cons that I personally find with the Fluval Spec tanks:
- Lower wattage lighting (this was not a major issue for me because I do low-tech environments, but there are many lighting mods or upgrades that you can do to make it a high tech tank with CO2 injection)
- You need to find a suitable heater that can fit in the built-in filter sump (I use the Marineland ones from J & L Aquatics, or you can use the Hydor mini ones that can be found online).
- Water flow can be overpowered for Bettas and slow-moving fish, but you can reduce the flow settings or add some filter floss in the nozzle
- I have to put some fine mesh over the filter intake and grill to prevent suicidal/adventurous baby shrimp from making a home inside the filter

This is a very useful website, product review, & mod guide to the Fluval Spec Nano Tanks:
Spec-Tanks - dedicated to the nano aquarist

Here are some pictures of my current setups with the Fluval Spec Nano Tanks:
Twin Fluval Spec V Low-tech Nano Tanks - The Planted Tank Forum

Purchase locations:
- Fluval Spec Series tanks can be found in almost any pet store in the Lower Mainland or online
- Solo 5g and Eheim Aquastyle can be found at J & L Aquatics in Burnaby
- Topfin brand nano tanks can be found online mainly, but they may appear at Petsmart.

Notes:
Since you are planning to do a nursery/breeding tank, I am assuming that you are focusing on the health of baby fish/shrimp instead of primarily high-tech plants. You should choose a nano-tank that offers the best filtration system and horizontal swimming space, instead of choosing a tank only because it has nice aesthetics or high lighting wattage for plants.

 

[Reckon]

I look forward to your research on these tanks. I think where you get your value from these set ups are lighting, filter, and thickness of glass.

The Topfin sure looks as good as any of the others and if its lighting and filtration is decent, for the price I'd buy it just for farming shrimp.

If you're looking to grow a nice carpet then I guess then you have to give it more thought as to what other all-in-one can help you accomplish that.

I suppose there is also the element of quality. Something that Eheim tends to get the nod for. Their bent glass design is nice too - but $125 more for those?!

I also pondered Nano tanks here:
http://www.bcaquaria.com/forum/equipment-talk-section-14/nano-tanks-dymax-iq-aqueon-evolve-eheim-aquastyle-fluval-chi-spec-etc-100825/
There were some great conversations on the topic then....

Marineland does a couple nice looking units too:
Contour: http://www.amazon.com/Marineland-Contour-Glass-Aquarium-5-Gallon/dp/B00GOFS8P4/ref=pd_sim_sbs_199_6?ie=UTF8&dpID=51bjbWnSsqL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1F6VW606A2A4C0GF8HA2
Portrait: http://www.amazon.com/Marineland-ML90609-Portrait-Aquarium-5-Gallon/dp/B00O8SZTKQ

April mentioned the BiOrb, also comes with bent glass - looks great. Here's a review of the product:
http://homeaquaria.com/review-biorb-flow-aquarium/

 

[April]

I have had a spec 5 for about 3 years. Never a problem with it and I overstock as I sell nano fish out of it. I had 145 Galaxy , and at least 12 or more Pygmy cories and a lot of shrimp and not a problem.
Biorb are very nice but very costly. The filter replacement is about 16.00. I sell the biorbs but not that one.
The spec you never need to replace the sponge or bio bag. I took the carbon out and added a second bag of bio rings .
I'm not sure biorb is glass...maybe that one.. I'd have to check


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Sneakerpimp]

I have had a spec 5 for about 3 years. Never a problem with it and I overstock as I sell nano fish out of it. I had 145 Galaxy , and at least 12 or more Pygmy cories and a lot of shrimp and not a problem.
Biorb are very nice but very costly. The filter replacement is about 16.00. I sell the biorbs but not that one.
The spec you never need to replace the sponge or bio bag. I took the carbon out and added a second bag of bio rings .
I'm not sure biorb is glass...maybe that one.. I'd have to check

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wow, sounds like a pretty reliable tank. Could add a bag of purigen instead of carbon. I bet you would get some great filtration with that setup. I heard you need pristine water quality(daily water changes) for breeding galaxy's and badis as well I think. I don't imagine Killifish are that demanding based on their natural environment.

 

[Sneakerpimp]

Nice that you are interested in nano tanks!

Personal thoughts:
I personally use Fluval Spec series tanks, because they provide the best filtration system out of the many all-in-one nano tank options (I overstock them with nano shrimp/fish species) and the tanks are widely available in local pet stores. Fluval also has other nano tanks, but the Fluval CHI has poor lighting and the Fluval EDGE is hard to maintain because there is a small opening to access the inside of the tank. The Topfin and Fluval Spec also have a longer surface area which will provide more horizontal swimming space for keeping fish/shrimp. However, I know that the Eheim Aquastyle tanks have slightly higher wattage lighting for plants, and the SOLO tank has an interesting multi-colored lighting feature with a remote.

Excellent rundown of the tank man! Pretty much have to get one now haha. It's funny, I've already been lurking your thread on the planted forum. You've got some great talent! And nice choice of fish, that myanmar dario is sweet! Is it like a rare badis or something? J & L doesnt list the current solo online. Have you seen it in-store? I didn't know they had a store so close to me. How is it? Do they carry fish?

 

[geealexg]

Thanks for your compliments! I don't think it is talent or skill, because anyone can do these nano tank setups. I just like to experiment with cheap used Fluval spec kits without spending lots of money on a CO2 setup or ADA tank.

April's AQUARIUM sells those Darios. Hopefully she gets more shipments of them which also include females.

Don't keep it with Dwarf shrimp. From my experience, I realized that it was an evil shrimp assassin.

The Black Tiger Dario (Dario hysginon 'Myanmar') is closely related to the more commonly known Scarlet Badis (Dario dario), but it has an interesting black head pattern and it grows slightly larger than the Scarlet Badis. It is native to Burma/Myanmar, while Scarlet Badis is native to India.

http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/dario-sp-myanmar/

J & L Aquatics doesn't sell freshwater livestock (except Tropica 1,2Grow emersed plants, but they have decent deals on freshwater supplies/equipment. They had a Current USA Solo tank in a box when I saw it last time, but they always have regular stocks of Eheim Aquastyle tanks.

 

[Sneakerpimp]

Searching through the Vancouver Craigslist makes me jealous. One spec v on there and about ten edges. Pretty clear that tank would be a mistake lol. There's a pair of
nothobranchius rachovii killifish for $50 in Burnaby and I want them. Would you say the CPD's are the most expensive smaller fw fish in your area? Have you breed fish before or are the myanmar's your first? Sorry for all the questions, when I start researching something I get obsessed with knowledge lol.

 

[outsider]

Searching through the Vancouver Craigslist makes me jealous. One spec v on there and about ten edges. Pretty clear that tank would be a mistake lol. There's a pair of
nothobranchius rachovii killifish for $50 in Burnaby and I want them. Would you say the CPD's are the most expensive smaller fw fish in your area? Have you breed fish before or are the myanmar's your first? Sorry for all the questions, when I start researching something I get obsessed with knowledge lol.

Edge is a beautiful tank, however should only be considered if owner isn't playing to do live plants, move fish around. (Pain in the rear if you want to catch something.)

CPD is more expensive due to high demand, however I do know a forum member whom has breed CPD. I have though about breeding CPD, but I can't sex them.

 

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

I have Eheim and the Fluval Flora/Ebi tanks and they both work great. I love the Eheim for its LED (vs the small expensive to replace compact fluorescent on the Fluval), but if you get an upgraded version with the LED, then both are good all-in-ones. My nanos are always overstocked without an issue. I fill with Hydroton (instead of bioballs or sponges) and keep floating plants like duckweek on the surface to suck up nutrients which can then be fed to my fancy goldfish. Very efficient biological way to keep these tiny tanks running smooth and control your nutrient load.

 

[guppygeorge]

Searching through the Vancouver Craigslist makes me jealous. One spec v on there and about ten edges. Pretty clear that tank would be a mistake lol. There's a pair of
nothobranchius rachovii killifish for $50 in Burnaby and I want them.

If you want any nothobranchius killies,including the rachovis, send me a p.m. Our club, The Vancouver Area Killifish Club (VAKC) have some great breeders that keep nothos, and will sell them to you for FAR LESS than $50.00 a pair......
P.M. SENT Thanks, George.......

 

[Sneakerpimp]

Just found a barley used spec v. Lady bought it for 160 to save a few guppies her niece couldn't take care of or something. Was asking 100, I said I could do 80. Probably could have gone lower, but kind of sucks for her.

 

[guppygeorge]

Just found a barley used spec v. Lady bought it for 160 to save a few guppies her niece couldn't take care of or something. Was asking 100, I said I could do 80. Probably could have gone lower, but kind of sucks for her.

Did you buy it ??

 

[knucklehead]

Been also wanting to get into this nano tank setups. It's just that I can't accept that for such a small tank it costs a bit when one can buy a slightly larger sized tank. Just waiting for a good deal for one and will definitely be getting into this.

 

[wslam]

I got my Spec V on craigslist for $60 with a free stand and tons of equipment/food/water conditioner. Stock light was a bit rusted and some LEDS didn't work, but a still a great deal. It's so sleek and the filter is customizable and heater can be hidden. Great tank.

 

[architeuthis]

I checked out the Spec V yesterday. Nice tank.
I'm now trying to rearrange my desk at work to see if I can fit 1 in. :bigsmile:

 

[Sneakerpimp]

Found this 8.5g biocube w. mounting bracket for 60, but talked him down to 40. Good deal?

 

[Sneakerpimp]

Did you buy it ??

Yep, it's like brand new and she didn't meantion it, but it came with a mini marina heater. Great looking little tank.

 

[geealexg]

This is why I hoard Fluval Spec tanks in Vancouver.

 

[knucklehead]

This is why I hoard Fluval Spec tanks in Vancouver.

Never had the chance to come across one at that price. If I did I would've been all over it.