Last Updated on April 24, 2023 by Coral Realm
In this article we will give a complete run down of the Fluval Spec range of fish tanks. The Fluval Spec Range includes the Fluval Spec III, Fluval Spec V, and the Fluval Spec 16.
Fluval are one of the most well known brands in the aquarium industry, offering high quality products ranging from fish food to water conditioners. They even have saltwater specific reef tanks in the Fluval Sea Evo Range.
The Spec series of fish tanks are no different. All three models are brilliant small aquariums which offer built-in filtration and LED lighting. It is no surprise that the Fluval Spec V is found both on our list of best fish tanks and best 5 gallon fish tanks.
Each Fluval Spec fish tank can be used as a planted tank; all you need is a good aquarium substrate and your aquarium plants will thrive.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Design
First things first, let’s talk about the design of the Fluval Spec fish tanks. They look amazing! With etched glass and aluminium trim they are very sleek and elegant, as well as being highly durable and scratch resistant.
The triple stage filtration is not only powerful, as we will discuss in the next section, but doesn’t take away from the main body of water. All of the filtration media and pumps are hidden in the side compartment. This compartment is covered with a honeycomb trim which looks very elegant and prevents you from seeing inside.
Even the LED lighting looks incredible. In the Fluval Spec III and Fluval Spec V the LED light seems to flow out of the side compartment to hang over the top of the aquarium. This really does look very good, especially when the fish tank is placed on a worktop or desk. In the Fluval Spec 16 the LED lighting is integrated into the hood, which also pulls back a little for easy feeding.
A brilliant design addition is space in the hidden side filter compartment for a fluval heater. Fluval heaters are sold separately but there are many different ones to choose from, all of which will fit and work nicely! For small fish tanks this is a huge design plus, as it means that the heater won’t be taking up space in the main body of the tank. For small tanks space is premium!
Triple Stage Filtration
Taking on from the sleek and elegant design, the filtration system in the Fluval Spec range is very good indeed. Powerful triple stage filtration is found in all three models of the Fluval Spec series.
Mechanical filtration is found in the form of oversized foam sponges, which is the first line of cleaning. The foam sponges filter out large floating debris such as fish feces and any leftover tropical fish food. Replacement foam filter blocks are incredibly easy to buy, they are found on amazon by following the link: Replacement foam filter for Fluval Spec.
Second up is the chemical filtration media. This is provided by activated carbon, which removes odors and impurities such as tannins, which cause discoloration. Again replacement carbon filtration media are very easy to get and are simple to replace in the filter compartment.
Finally the third stage of filtration is provided by Fluval’s very own BioMax rings. These rings are very porous and provide a perfect place for beneficial bacteria to colonize. These nitrifying bacteria remove dangerous nitrogenous compounds ammonia and nitrite from the water column. Again replacing BioMax rings is very simple and easy.
When you buy any Fluval Spec fish tank you will receive all of the filtration media included. This is extremely handy; all you need to do is put the media into the filter compartment and you are ready to start cycling your tank.
Fluval is extremely good at offering replacement parts which is a huge plus. If anything goes wrong with the pump, a Replacement pump can be found very easily for all tanks in the Fluval Spec range
High Output LED Lighting
The LED lighting which is provided with the Fluval Spec fish tank range is a big plus point. For many aquarium kits with filter and lighting included, the major downfalls are exactly those things. The filter isn’t powerful enough and the lighting isn’t strong enough. The Fluval Spec range tanks don’t have these downfalls; we have said how good the filtration is, and the same can be said about the LED lighting.
While the lighting doesn’t have the features of a specialist LED light such as the Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus or the Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Aquarium LED Light, they are extremely bright and promote photosynthesis.
The bulbs are high-output 7000K LEDs which provide brilliant lighting for enhanced plant growth and fish colors.
An all-aluminum, waterproof casing houses the LED lights, which prevents water damage and looks exceptionally sleek and stylish.
A convenient touch switch enables you to easily change between the night and day illumination settings. If you have the Fluval Spec fish tank on a desk or countertop this nighttime illumination setting can really take the tank to another level.
Fluval Spec III
Dimensions: 10.8 x 11.8 x 8.7 inches (27.5 x 30 x 22.3 cm)
Color: Black and White
Pump Output: 46-66 US Gal/h (170-250 L/h)
Lumens: 738 lm
Aquarium Capacity: 2.6 Gallons
Fluval Spec V
Dimensions: 20.5 x 11.6 x 7.5 inches (52 x 29.5 x 19 cm)
Color: Black and White
Pump Output: 55-80 US Gal/h (210-300 L/h)
Lumens: 821 lm
Aquarium Capacity: 5 Gallons
Fluval Spec 16
Dimensions: 21.8 x 11.5 x 17.5 inches (55.5 x 45 x 29 cm)
Color: Black
Pump Output: 132 US Gal/h (500 L/h)
Lumens: 1272 lm
Aquarium Capacity: 16 Gallons
Conclusion
Hopefully you have found this article helpful and informative. The Fluval Spec range of fish tanks are brilliant aquarium kits which have powerful LED lighting and triple stage filtration.
It is easy to see why they have become so popular and why they have such good reviews!
If you want some ideas in how to set up your new Fluval Spec aquarium, have a look at this great video by Fluval themselves:
