Happy New Year!! I love this time of year because I get to look forward to all the potential upcoming projects, articles, and reviews I’m dreaming up for the next year at Spec-Tanks.
I have some significant potential projects over the next few years that will be entertaining and informative to the Fluval nano aquarium community. First, a look back may be in order:
A Look Back at 2019:
I had quite a bit of activity in product reviews in 2019. I started with using our Seneye Reef to test the light output of the stock Spec V lights (both the pre-2016 version and the current version), and I tested the light performance of some old lights (such as our Finnex Planted+) and two new lights.
Those were the Finnex Planted+ 24/7 SE (obsolete – don’t buy) and the Finnex Planted+ 24/7 HLC (very good light). The HLC is my new favorite light for the Spec V aquarium.
I threw in a detailed review of the Seneye Reef aquarium monitor and light meter.
Beyond the product reviews and testing, we rescaped our Spec V in January 2019. I spent much of the year struggling with algae issues and slow plant growth. It’s interesting how things have slipped over time, and I ended up battling several issues simultaneously. By the end of the year, I had almost figured out our issues, and the tank was back looking good again.
I finished the year with an article on Dry Dosing fertilizers for planted tanks. This one has been in the works for years, and I finally got it done. It has a nice calculator to help determine a schedule and dose quantity for your tank size and type.
A Look Forward at What is Upcoming in 2020:
Here are a few ideas of upcoming projects/articles/reviews for 2020. . .
- Rescape the Spec V: It could go a bit longer, but the substrate is about a year old and it’s getting a bit broken up and depleted. I have used Up Aqua Aquasand since 2015. It is a good substrate, but I have always been curious about ADA substrates. I have a bag of Amazonia II that I plan to use on the next tank breakdown.
- More Planted Tank Articles: Based on my struggles over the past year with our planted tank, I have a few articles to discuss lessons I learned.
The most significant potential development is in starting a Nano Reef! I have always been fascinated with saltwater aquariums but have never had the courage and resources to make it happen. Given that Fluval has several marine-specific All-In-One Aquarium options for saltwater, I might just have a go. Going with a marine aquarium will open up numerous opportunities to learn and share.
- Fluval EVO 13.5: Full setup and review. This will be interesting as I will be doing this as a first-time reefer. I’m sure many mistakes will be made, and it will offer lots of insight to others who may want to follow along in their own saltwater adventure.
- In-Tank Aquatics Media Basket: I have never seen the benefit of these aftermarket media baskets for freshwater Spec aquariums. For the marine tanks, I understand there can be many benefits to getting rid of the stock sponge filter (that Fluval also provides with their saltwater tanks).
- How to Make Saltwater: Just filling up a marine aquarium is an adventure. I anticipate setting up my own water factory, and that will involve a RODI system and a saltwater mixing station.
- Saltwater Tank Ancillary Equipment: There is a ton of supporting equipment and accessories that I will have an opportunity to use and review for a saltwater aquarium. This could include a refractometer, aquarium salt, power head (Wavemaker), Auto Top Off (ATO) system, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) meter, and aftermarket marine LED lights.
- Saltwater Aquarium How-To: In addition to saltwater mixing that I already mentioned, there are many Marine aquarium skill sets to write about. A few off the top of my head: saltwater parameters and testing, how to make a mesh aquarium top, filter options, how to cycle and start a saltwater aquarium, and how to grow coralline algae.
If all of this saltwater adventure comes to fruition, don’t worry – I will still keep our planted Spec V up and running as well.
If you have any thoughts on projects you’d like to see or other product reviews, please leave them in the comments. Thanks!
