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I started pulling my Fluval Specs out of storage and found some cracked and others leaking.
So I've begun to replace them. Many of the LEDs are out on some of them as my box I stored the lights in some how got water damage. These are the older Spec V models where the LEDs are not protected, so they were in sad shape after over a year in storage. 9 nannos down the drain. I salvaged 2 LEDs , 8 pumps, and 1 tank out of the whole lot.
I bought these 3 PetCo brand tanks as a trial. 1 Arc (bow front) 6.25 gallon, and 2 Cubic 3.7 gallon tanks.
I went to the store to buy some more Fluval Specs in white, but found these gems.
Compared to the Specs:
Pumps are very similar and appear to have similar flow rates. But you have more room to upgrade with the PetCo brand.
Both LED lights are similarly bright- you are not growing anything but moss and anubius in these.
Both pumps are cheap little low flow adjustable pumps, but you can upgrade the Petco more easily due to more space.
Spec.
Glass with aluminum braced corners.
Cheap plastic top.
LED with only blue or white light on.
I've broken lights switching it off and on.
Fixed droopy light, in the way.
5 ($100) and 2.5 ($60) gallons.
Larger sponge.
Good fit hose and nozzle
Cramped filter area for heater.
Thin plastic frame base (some of mine cracked).
PetCo
Comes in white or black.
All glass with black silicone
Glass top
Blue and white on, only blue, or only white on
Touch sensor switch- very nice
Light can swivel and pivot out of the way.
6.26 ($70) and 3.7 ($40)gallons
Slightly less biological filtration
Hose is short and nozzle not snug to outlet hole
My large hands can fit in filter area, heater space
All glass with solid plastic pedestal
Just black color
So I've begun to replace them. Many of the LEDs are out on some of them as my box I stored the lights in some how got water damage. These are the older Spec V models where the LEDs are not protected, so they were in sad shape after over a year in storage. 9 nannos down the drain. I salvaged 2 LEDs , 8 pumps, and 1 tank out of the whole lot.
I bought these 3 PetCo brand tanks as a trial. 1 Arc (bow front) 6.25 gallon, and 2 Cubic 3.7 gallon tanks.
I went to the store to buy some more Fluval Specs in white, but found these gems.
Compared to the Specs:
Pumps are very similar and appear to have similar flow rates. But you have more room to upgrade with the PetCo brand.
Both LED lights are similarly bright- you are not growing anything but moss and anubius in these.
Both pumps are cheap little low flow adjustable pumps, but you can upgrade the Petco more easily due to more space.
Spec.
Glass with aluminum braced corners.
Cheap plastic top.
LED with only blue or white light on.
I've broken lights switching it off and on.
Fixed droopy light, in the way.
5 ($100) and 2.5 ($60) gallons.
Larger sponge.
Good fit hose and nozzle
Cramped filter area for heater.
Thin plastic frame base (some of mine cracked).
PetCo
Comes in white or black.
All glass with black silicone
Glass top
Blue and white on, only blue, or only white on
Touch sensor switch- very nice
Light can swivel and pivot out of the way.
6.26 ($70) and 3.7 ($40)gallons
Slightly less biological filtration
Hose is short and nozzle not snug to outlet hole
My large hands can fit in filter area, heater space
All glass with solid plastic pedestal
Just black color
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