anyone use the satellite , single row led 18 inch fixture for the spec 5?

Very nice bk-201.
What are you using to hold the plant in the back?

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I cut a piece of lighting diffuser into a small piece with 2 squares, one of the squares gets a notch cut out so it can hang on the glass and then I used some leftover sponge to hold the plant snugly in place but drilling a hole and using a suction cup might've been easier.

Stumbled across this forum & thread as I got a new Spec V for my african dwarf frogs. They were a gift - came in one of those little tiny plastic cubes. They needed a new home! Got them finally set up in the Fluval and they are so happy. But then today I saw one of them trying to squeeze through the lower opening to the filter side! Ack!

So found the suggestion about the electrical tape - BRILLIANT. Never would have thought it would stick when wet but it did! I only covered about 3/4 of it just in case the water level ever drops before I notice it. More than enough coverage to prevent the little fellas from entering the black hole to death.

Then I saw the suggestion to reduce flow by putting nylon over the black return valve. BRILLIANT! Found an old pair of knee-highs and cut off the thicker top part, rubber banded it across the valve, and boom - about 1/4 of the flow that was coming out. (though I kind of think they were having fun taking the Rapids Ride, as I was calling it)

NOW - I haven't found any good suggestions yet about how to cover the hole so my little sweeties can't end up dehydrated on my desk. They haven't tried to jump out yet, but I plan to give them floating plants at the top, which would give them the perfect springboard if they ever thought the grass could be greener elsewhere. I don't want to restrict the light. If I put a solid piece of plexiglass over the opening, would that adversely affect the tank? Ideally I'd like a clear plastic piece with slots, but I have no idea where to find such a thing. I wrote to Fluval, and they basically replied "nope, we have nothing and have no suggestions for you."

Thanks for such a great thread!

Any type of plastic or glass will diffuse the light a bit. But, shouldn't be a big concern. You could just buy a piece of plexiglass and use a dremel to cut the slots. Or maybe, cut a piece of light diffuser (egg crate) to fit.

I use a piece of non-adhesive shelf liner to cover the hole in the lid of my Spec tanks. The shelf liner is clear, flexible vinyl (or plastic?) with a ribbed texture to it. It does not seem to affect tank lighting, and is heavy enough to stay in place on its own. I cut a little hole in mine to make feeding easier. I'm sure there are better solutions, but this was cheap, easy, and doesn't look too bad. It also greatly reduces evaporation and keeps the water much warmer. I paid about $6 for a large roll at Target.

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Fluval Spec V - REMOVE PUMP OUTLET TUBE

Hello all, would it be possible to remove the pump outlet tube completely? I imagine water would rise in that chamber....

1. Enlarge the outlet hole?
2. Seal the top of the chamber to direct the water out of the current hole? (Hard to do if there is a water heater cord)

Am I off base? I am not a home and looking at my Spec V.. thoughts??

How did you attach this? I've tried using silicone adhesive and super glue. Both times it's ended up in the water. (Although I suspect I didn't let the silicone cure long enough!) Top side? On the spec V (my model) the flatter, easier-to-adhere surface seems to be the underside. Maybe I'll have to get creative....

My very slight modifications are very simple.. I needed a little more light at one point (and will again - I'm in the process of changing the plants in this tank) so I added some extra LED's that I had laying around from an old Top Fin 20g kit. I also just used clear packing tape to make the hole smaller since there was a lot of water spraying up into the light from the air pump I'm running. I was worried the chemicals in the tape could harm the fish/snails/shrimp/plants but I've run this for 2+ months with no issues. See pics for more info.

I have the spec V and am considering removing the filter wall completely and upgrading to a canister. I feel like I've seen someone do that around here. It'd be nice to have the extra space used up by the sponge. I've had mine for over a year and have been slowly making modifications. It's such a great first-time tank to learn on.

I'm guessing it would be easier and cheaper to pick up a $15 10 gallon Aqueon tank, or the 5 gallon either way they cost the same. I'd only pay the premium for the Spec because of the built in filter really... Without the built-in filter... it's not much more than a plain tank with a clip on light.

Anyone tried removing the pump and replacing it with an airlift tube? I have my heater and airstone in that slot already... and this could reduce and give more external control over flow via an air valve.

I've been using a bio media bag filled with ceramic rings for a while, with the big middle portion of the original foam cut out, using the top and the bottom rectangles.

Since I was cycling a new Spec V version 2 i figured for 75¢ cross stitch canvas and some cable ties I'd make something a bit easier to remove and insert, as well as use space more efficiently. So this is sandwitched between the top and bottom pieces of the original foam insert.

With the new tray I can get .5~.7L of ceramic rings, and ~.25L of substrat pro. Before with just the bag I was only fitting .5~.7L of ceramic rings.

What a savings over https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Spec-E.../dp/B00H56OH4M

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Pretty ingenious and neatly done. Have you tried Purigen as part of that stack? Just started using it recently in my Spec and very pleased with the water clarity as a result of.

travellife

Haven't had the need for purigen. Will consider it if the need arises.

Unfortunately I made the change on the new tank during the cycling, I've lost about 2-3 days of bacterial growth progress that was in that big middle chunk of foam

Great mod! Exactly what I want to do. What is the plastic material you used to make the basket and where did you get it?