I have had this tank running for about 10 days, and it's been excellent so far for my betta. The tank is mainly the same model as the Fluval Spec 2. This new version has a different LED light fixture that hangs over the lid and is not adjustable like the Spec 2 light. The small knob that tightens the clamp doesn't turn much but doesn't affect the light's performance. The 3-stage filtration is the same, and you may need something (spoon, fish net handle) to push the pump down into the compartment, but it fits fine once it's in (make sure to adjust the flow strength the way you want it before putting the pump in to avoid having to get it out again). The only other difference from the Spec 2 is obviously a bigger living space for tank inhabitants. The capacity rating is 2.6 gallons, but I found it to hold a little more, almost 3 gallons. I was interested in the Spec 2 previously, but didn't get it for either of my bettas because it's a little too small in my opinion.
As with the Spec 2, the Spec 3 filter pump's flow is adjustable, but still way too strong. Even on the lowest setting, it's much too strong for a betta. Fortunately this is easily remedied by inserting a tiny piece(s) of filter sponge into the nozzle. You will need something very tiny to jam it in with, such as a paper clip or pin of some kind. It will take some trial and error with different sized pieces of sponge, but it's worth it once you get a flow going that doesn't bother the fish.
If you have a tropical fish, you will probably need a heater. Obviously with a betta I needed one. I actually have 2 heaters in the back compartment of the tank, an 8 watt and a 10 watt, since one of them alone wasn't enough to keep the temperature at 78F or higher, especially since the weather is cooling down where I live. Also, depending on the wattage of your heater, you may have to move it from the filtration compartment to the other side of the wall into the living space of the tank (at least for a couple hours), since the pump flow might not adequately spread the heat around the tank. This will especially be true if you stuff sponge into the pump nozzle like I did to reduce strength of the water flow. Unless it's summer or you live in a very warm climate, I would recommend at least a 10 watt heater.
This is a great looking and well-functioning tank. The only negative issues for me are the excessively strong filter flow, which is fixable, and the difficulty of tightening the light fixture, which is a minor issue since a somewhat loose light still works fine and shouldn't be a problem unless you have pets or kids running around near the tank...plus the issue may only be with my unit to begin with. I strongly recommend this tank. I will update if I experience any problems.
I purchased this tank at a local pet store since I could not have it shipped to me, but I wanted to leave a review since I spent so much time on Amazon reading reviews to help me decide.
The tank is clean and modern looking, made primarily of glass with two small aluminum "columns" to cover up the corner seams. The back wall and filtration/pump compartments are made from plastic/acrylic, but they are nice quality. Plenty of room for what's included plus additional space for a submersible heater. The lid is just thin acrylic, and while nothing special, it is easy to take on and off and may even be optional if you aren't worried about your fish jumping out. It has an ample cutout in the back to allow for the cords to exit the compartments. Overall the quality of the tank is very good compared to what is usually offered for Bettas in a chain pet store, and I think if you are serious about the hobby it is worth the money and your fish will be happy. The included light is sleek and low profile, easy to install. Not adjustable, so what you see in the advertised picture is the only height the light can be placed at. I think the LED lighting is very nice, not too harsh, and I like that it doesn't heat up like incandescent lights do.
I have had this tank set up for just two days now, and my fish must think he's been upgraded to a 5-star hotel compared to his previous tank, which was an Aqueon MiniBow 1 gallon tank. (Which IMO was awful for Betta...the filtration "system" is terrible...do not recommend.) The Fluval tank is just under 3 gallons, and as long as you don't overdo the decorations, there is plenty of room for Betta to be comfy. Set up was simple enough, though many reviewers complained that the pump is hard to place. Yes, it was tricky but it was not impossible. Just takes a bit of patience and perhaps keep your fish net handy to use the handle. Don't forget to set the pump on the lowest setting using the slider before you place it down into the compartment. Once the pump is placed there is plenty of room in the pump compartment to place a reasonably sized heater. I went with the Fluval 25W preset heater just because that was what was available for this size tank in the store. It fits nicely into the compartment, though I recommend sticking it to the black divider since it would not stay suctioned to the back acrylic wall of the tank. Once setup was complete, I plugged in the pump and was happy to find that it is in fact nearly silent. I only knew it was on because I could see the current flow. If you are right next to the tank, there is a barely audible hum, but nothing obnoxious in the least.
The pump output line has an adjustable nozzle that has a fairly decent range of movement. Many reviewers commented that the current was too strong for a Betta, and in my case, I have to agree. It is not as bad as the MiniBow current, and the fact that it is adjustable is a plus. There were lots of suggestions on how to reduce the current, and in my situation, I bought a taller plastic swordtail plant from PetCo and stuffed some of the leaves into the nozzle opening as well as arranged more leaves around to break up the current flow. This worked like a charm without having to damage the air tubing or purchase any extra items. Other suggestions included stuffing some sponge into the nozzle head or installed an in-line ball valve to the air line. With my particular 'fix', there is still a touch of surface movement but not enough to disturb my Betta or sweep all of his food into the filter before he gets a chance to eat it.
Overall I am extremely satisfied with this tank. I don't plan to add any other fish or animals in with the Betta, so the size is perfect and it has a conservative footprint. If you are considering this tank, I strongly recommend it, especially over plastic or acrylic tanks. I will try to post some pictures of my setup ASAP. I hope this helps!
Buy Fluval Spec III Aquarium Kit, 2.6-Gallon Now
I got the white version. I wanted to set up a tank with brackish water for the little red Hawaiian shrimp. I laid the tank over on its side with the filter side down and had no trouble placing the motor in. I think for most fish that are not still water species, like an angel or a betta, the flow of the motor on the low setting will be just about right. If you want to decrease the flow some more, bore a little hole in the tube between the motor and the nozzle. This will harmlessly bleed off pressure before it reaches the nozzle. I used aquarium sealant to glue a two inch thick block of pre filter foam over the slotted filter intake. This will not be needed with most fish. The slotted intake is a good design. The little shrimp though are very tiny and could easily be sucked in, never to be seen again. The thick foam block that I added covers the slots plus a wide area around them. The intake flow seems as gentle and diffuse as an air driven foam filter. The water level in the filter is almost even with that in the tank, indicating no significant resistance to the inflow. I expect that the snails and shrimp will keep this pre filter foam pretty clean, but I can squeeze it out in place if it clogs. There is a small slot 2/3 the way down on the filter wall to let water enter a special area of the supplied filter block. I plugged it with sealer to keep tiny things from getting sucked in. I am impressed with the size of the supplied filter foam block. Properly cycled it should easily handle the light bio load that I expect to have in the tank. I have the tank heavily decorated with dead coral, barnacles, rocks, and aragonite sand. The current created by the pump can only be detected by the slight movement of the water on the surface where the nozzle is. It runs as quiet as a mouse p**ing on cotton. The lid will help with evaporation and keep most things from jumping out. The light is plenty bright to display the tank. I believe that it will be adequate to grow the hair like macro algae that I have in there. As I write this the tank is cycling with the algae and snails. It is as pretty as a picture. I would have gotten the Spec V, but my space was not long enough. I would buy this one again. It seems like a great little tank.
Read Best Reviews of Fluval Spec III Aquarium Kit, 2.6-Gallon Here
Came with one extra ring buy 3 packs and you get an extra year for free. Why do more words make a better review?
