I Need Ideas For My Fluval Spec V

I have a 5 gallon, Fluval Spec V arriving tomorrow and I need some ideas on how to scape it. I would like to have sand, but I also want to try and have a carpeting plant. I have no idea what to do with this tank and I'm feeling "uninspired" to say the least. It's going to be for my betta fish and possibly some shrimp if I decide to go that route. Does anyone have this aquarium? Or does anyone have a 5 gallon scaped tank that I can use as some inspiration? Any ideas are good ideas! I want something fun and somewhat natural looking! Thank you!

 

I had a few of this tank not so long ago and I can definitely recommend modifying the filter slightly so the outflow isn't as strong. I chose to use the technique of cutting small holes in the lift tube from the pump to reduce the strength of the flow.

As for the plants, I used play sand in mine and my plants grew fine. I had the old style though with the weaker lights. I presume you have the newer version with the plant lights.

 

Here is a great article to read through:



I would definitely recommend working with smaller plants to give the scape a larger feel. Because you have a relatively small footprint, it would be easier to create dramatic slopes or terrain. That may be harder with sand, but you could use hardscape elements to hold it place while your plants root and stabilize the substrate.

Carpeting plants can be demanding, but you should be able to work with them provided you have enough light. I know dwarf hairgrass is fairly easy, but that might be more of a midground plant at your scale.

 

I had a few of this tank not so long ago and I can definitely recommend modifying the filter slightly so the outflow isn't as strong. I chose to use the technique of cutting small holes in the lift tube from the pump to reduce the strength of the flow.

As for the plants, I used play sand in mine and my plants grew fine. I had the old style though with the weaker lights. I presume you have the newer version with the plant lights.

Ive seen people put a small sponge filter on the outtake to decrease it a little bit so that's what I have planned. I do have the new version, but what sorts of plants would you recommend? I have anubias and java fern that I'm transferring into it. Any ideas on what kind of carpeting plant that I could use that isn't suuuuper complicated? Haha

 

Here is a great article to read through:



I would definitely recommend working with smaller plants to give the scape a larger feel. Because you have a relatively small footprint, it would be easier to create dramatic slopes or terrain. That may be harder with sand, but you could use hardscape elements to hold it place while your plants root and stabilize the substrate.

Carpeting plants can be demanding, but you should be able to work with them provided you have enough light. I know dwarf hairgrass is fairly easy, but that might be more of a midground plant at your scale.

I tried dwarf hair grass in my 3 gallon but it died within 2 months. It wasn't getting enough lighting because my tank is tall as opposed to long. I'll give it another try because it was going good for a while until my fish move the plant behind his driftwood.

 

How about natural sand substrate with root tabs to give it some juice. I really like narrow leaf chain swords. They have a light green coloration and could be both a fore and mid in a 5g. Plain 'ol LEDs will keep them alive and with some ferts, you can get them to start running pretty quick. I think the natural sand color with a few black rocks and the chain swords are an awesome contrast/combo for the super color colorful variations of beta's out there.

 

Ive seen people put a small sponge filter on the outtake to decrease it a little bit so that's what I have planned. I do have the new version, but what sorts of plants would you recommend? I have anubias and java fern that I'm transferring into it. Any ideas on what kind of carpeting plant that I could use that isn't suuuuper complicated? Haha

For carpeting, crypt parva. You could try monte carlo, but not sure how it will do with sand substrate and root tabs. Also, as well as anubias nana petites, buces would give some contrasting colors. They stay small and attach to wood/rock.

 

I like pygmy chain sword for a grass-like plant that's easy to grow!

 

Awesome!! Thanks the suggestions! I'm going to my LPS tomorrow to get everything I need. I'll post pictures once I get the tank all set up!