What is Reddit's opinion of Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon, White?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

So this is a 5 gallon and yup! Got everything of amazon

Tank - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I398AC0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Heater - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OQO69Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sponger for filter (this is a must have, otherwise the current is too strong and it will stress you angry girl/boi out, also while this is a pre filter sponge, you actually put it on the outflow, not the intake, to help lessen the current) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LL32RY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

My original setup was two Fluval Spec V tanks, which are expensive, but very pretty and convenient, since the light and filter are included. I used a ViaAqua 50 watt heater with those tanks.

My new current 10-gallon setup is a plain Petsmart tank, a Aquaclear 20 filter, and a ViaAqua 100-watt heater. (The general rule of thumb for fishtanks is that you always want to set up the tank to heat/filter twice the tank volume to give the fish inside a bit of a safety net.)

Now, the light I have is meant for growing plants in a low-tech (no added CO2) setup, so it's more expensive than a normal light would be. It's a Finnex Stingray 20-inch light.

Obviously, you could get a tank setup for cheaper than this, but I'm disabled, so I wanted to have nice tanks that were easy to clean and maintain. If you visit /r/bettafish and /r/aquariums, they'll give you all the info you would need on modifying some of the cheaper tank kits or setups to be betta-friendly. (Some included filters are too strong for bettas, or the tanks are a bitch to clean.)

Of all the things to spend money on, I would focus the most on getting a good quality heater. There are some horror stories of the cheaper, undergravel heaters malfunctioning, and um, cooking the fish inside.

My last betta was in a 10 gallon, high-tech aquarium. When he passed a few years ago, it was really sad for me and the high-tech was a lot of work so I decided I wouldn't keep a betta or other fish again.

Since the pandemic started I work from home. To make my desk a little less lonely, I decided to start cycling a 5 gallon low-tech aquarium. I chose the Fluval Spec V because it's actually a little over 5 gallons and it's fairly dimensionally long. I decided to share my set-up here because after I picked the tank, I probably read every post in this sub that mentioned a Spec V. A lot of users suggested modifications to the tank to make it a little more suitable for a betta. I decided not to DIY anything, but this website has some great tips on how to mod your tank yourself.

I was overwhelmed and did way too much research, so I hope this may help the next person who loves this tank to find some ideas for their set-up.
- Fluval Spec V - $120
- Spray Bar- $15 (lowers filter flow, an alternative I've seen recommended is using a Fluval pre-filter sponge)
- Intake Plug - $2 (for lower filter intake, more efficient filter flow, fish can't get sucked in)
- Intake Cover - $6 (for main filter intake, smaller holes are less likely to tear fins, etc.)
- Lid Insert - $20 (covers hole in lid underneath light, I have seen others suggest it's not necessary because most of the tank is covered - I just wanted to be sure she stayed in!)
- Wifi Light Timer - $16 (optional, stock light doesn't have a timer)
- inTank Media Basket - $45 (optional upgrade to help you customize your filter media further)

Hey, so I found the tank

https://www.mrpets.ca/main/marina-ez-care-plus-betta-kit-white.html

Looks like it contains some sort of filter but I'm not sure how it works. Definitely too small at only 1.3 gallons

Lots of people like this model https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Spec-Aquarium-5-Gallon-White/dp/B00I398AC0/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=5+gallon+fish+tank&qid=1599060759&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-8

This one is cheaper but looks alright too https://www.amazon.com/Lifegard-Aquatics-R800206-Full-View-Aquarium/dp/B0759YBJRM/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=5+gallon+fish+tank&qid=1599060759&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-9