First Spec V - DIY Modifications

Hello all,

I've been reading through the forum like crazy and wanted to post my spec V experience so far.

I picked up the "version 2" with the upgraded light because I've always wanted one (came from a marine biocube)

So far I've added some filter floss over the intake as well as over the sponge and swapped the carbon for half a bag of chemi-pure.

I picked up the filter floss for cheap at Michaels as well as the plastic mesh I'm using to keep it in place (posting pics)

I also added a sponge over the output, I used a cascade sponge replacement (smallest one) as it already had a hole in it and couldn't find the fluval brand at my lfs.

I poked two very small holes in the tube for circulation in the chamber.

I haven't covered the back up slit as I didn't want to use tape and haven't drained it.

So far my only issue has been the input flow has been reduced by all of the filter floss and reduced output which I feel has left the tank a little cloudy? The output doesn't seem to completely push debris around as well now.

I moved from my topfin 5 gallon and added new substrate(flora max original) with the old gravel, it was of course cloudy but I was expecting it to clear sooner.

Levels seem stable, the tank didn't recycle so I don't think it's a bloom of some kind.

I also don't like the color spectrum of the new light it has almost a marine purplish color which I think causes a slight cloudiness and discolor of plants but that's just an opinion.

All in all the design is really nice but definitely concerned with the filter "suction" and light spectrum look at getting a orbit freshwater.

Any suggestions on the filter or if I'm just being a crazy and need to just wait it out?

Thanks everyone!




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Trying to figure out a way to use the betta hammock instead of the sponge. It looks better and creates way better surface tension and actually can be positioned to create a very minimal flow but creates a "vacuum" that pulls debris towards it before it can get to intake sigh

 

When I first started out with my SPEC V I noticed it would take a few days to clear things up. Not exactly DIY, but I went ahead and bought the InTank media basket which you can find on amazon. it is expensive, given it's a market niche. How I have my InTank media basket setup was, (bottom to top) a whole compartment was filled with bio matrix, Purigen, floss, sponge, floss. What I also did was I plugged the little hole up about 2/3 of the way down of where the media basket would go. I used those little furniture screw covers or, I found you can use super glue GEL to glue with water in the tank too and it is harmless to the fish. People use Super Glue Gel for aquascaping, look it up. Anyways, with how I had my media setup my water was crystal clear in about 2 days. I think it takes a little longer for the Fluval Spec V because of the small little pump it uses. Hope that helps.

Also - have you checked the pump setting? it has a high/low switch.

 

When I first started out with my SPEC V I noticed it would take a few days to clear things up. Not exactly DIY, but I went ahead and bought the InTank media basket which you can find on amazon. it is expensive, given it's a market niche. How I have my InTank media basket setup was, (bottom to top) a whole compartment was filled with bio matrix, Purigen, floss, sponge, floss. What I also did was I plugged the little hole up about 2/3 of the way down of where the media basket would go. I used those little furniture screw covers or, I found you can use super glue GEL to glue with water in the tank too and it is harmless to the fish. People use Super Glue Gel for aquascaping, look it up. Anyways, with how I had my media setup my water was crystal clear in about 2 days. I think it takes a little longer for the Fluval Spec V because of the small little pump it uses. Hope that helps.

Also - have you checked the pump setting? it has a high/low switch.

Yeah it's on it's highest setting and then baffled for the betta. I have an in tank for my biocube, was hoping to hold off on one but I can see it might be necessary. I'll try the super glue gel I forgot about using that for coral drags back in the day. Thanks!

 

Yeah - try to cover that hole for better filtration through your floss and sponges. Try messing with a variation of sponges/floss. Let me know how it does in a few days.

 

Okay, yeah it seems with the fine polishing pad it would be super clear but more than I thought could be escaping through that hole!

Just ordered an intank, the sponge never made much sense to me as it doesn't force water through the media.

 

Update:

My previous scape:


Updated scape:


Since the transfer I've only noticed levels of nitrates to I'm hoping the old media and gravel propagated the BB into the biomatrix.

Intank will be here Monday as well as the current orbit.

Clarity still seems to he an issue, the filter takes care of large debris quickly but can't seem to get the fine particles out. Could debris be the issue?

 

I am thinking, since you are blocking some of the output flow, it is restricting the filtration from it's intended design. Usually after an algae glass scrub and what not my tank will clear up in 24 hours.
However, yesterday, I had added more bio media, matrix into the InTank basket and forgot to rinse it and it's have a very hard time getting the really fine particles out as well. So my thoughts are, it can filter normal debris, but if it's something like bio media dust that did not get a pre-washed it might be a bit of a stretch for a small pump.
Do you know what particles are floating around? I have also noticed a difference in water clarity in having a Purigen and no Purigen running.

 

I am thinking, since you are blocking some of the output flow, it is restricting the filtration from it's intended design. Usually after an algae glass scrub and what not my tank will clear up in 24 hours.
However, yesterday, I had added more bio media, matrix into the InTank basket and forgot to rinse it and it's have a very hard time getting the really fine particles out as well. So my thoughts are, it can filter normal debris, but if it's something like bio media dust that did not get a pre-washed it might be a bit of a stretch for a small pump.
Do you know what particles are floating around? I have also noticed a difference in water clarity in having a Purigen and no Purigen running.

It looks like very fine white or gray dust.

Because I moved from an old tank I think it's just too dirty to keep up. I'm going to do a water change today and try and let things settle on the bottom first.

I added the Intank and did some modifications to it to make it a more snug fit.

Also you the current satellite plus and loving it!

I added purigen yesterday I had left over from my last reef tank, no difference yet.

With the current satellite:

Lovin life:

Used to make the Intank more snug:

Put back in the filterfloss over the intank because I hated seeing debris going around the intank.

 

First of all.
Dude, your betta looks nice and your tank setup. Nice work. From the pictures your water looks really clear. If it's a few dust/particle specs here and there I don't think the stock filtration can completely clear it up especially with the output baffled.
If you have extra pumps laying around, maybe do a make-shift bottle+floss skimmer and run it for an hour or so with your fish out?