Fluval Spec V
Fluval Spec V is a 52 × 19 × 29 cm (20.5 × 7.5 × 11.4 in) aquarium, rated at 19 L (5 gal). Its footprint is 52 × 19 cm and the water stands about 23 cm deep once a 6 cm substrate layer is in — the two numbers that decide what you can plant in it and what you can stock it with.
At a glance
| Size | 52 × 19 × 29 cm (20.5 × 7.5 × 11.4 in) |
|---|---|
| Volume | 19 L (5 gal), as sold |
| Water after substrate | About 21 L (6 gal) with a 6 cm substrate layer |
| Footprint | 52 × 19 cm (20.5 × 7.5 in) |
| Water depth | 23 cm (9.1 in) |
| Substrate needed | About 6 L for a 6 cm layer |
Before it goes in
- Fluval Spec V is 52 × 19 × 29 cm (20.5 × 7.5 × 11.4 in) — rated at 19 L (5 gal), and roughly 21 L (6 gal) of actual water once a 6 cm substrate layer and the hardscape are in.
- That layer takes about 6 L of substrate, which is what you order by.
- 9 of the 160 animals in this library list a minimum tank at or under 19 L (5 gal). The biggest of them that still fit are Betta and Thai Micro Crab. Amano Shrimp and Crystal Red Shrimp need more than this.
- The water sits about 23 cm (9.1 in) deep over the substrate. Plants that get taller than that — Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Water Sprite — reach the surface and start growing along it, which is a look you either want or trim.
- Its footprint is 52 × 19 cm, and that is the area a carpet has to cover — the number that decides how many pots you buy, not the volume.
What are its dimensions?
52 × 19 × 29 cm (20.5 × 7.5 × 11.4 in).
How much water does it hold?
It is sold as 19 L (5 gal), and roughly 21 L (6 gal) of actual water once the substrate is in. Stocking works off the second number; minimum-tank-size advice works off the first.
How much substrate does it take?
About 6 L for a 6 cm layer.
What fits in it?
9 of the 160 animals in this library list a minimum tank at or under its volume, and the water depth of about 23 cm sets which plants can grow without reaching the surface.
What fits in it
- Animals this size will hold: Betta, Thai Micro Crab, Cherry Shrimp, Snowball Shrimp and Nerite Snail.
- Plants that stay under its water line: Anubias nana 'Petite', Cryptocoryne wendtii, Dwarf Hairgrass Mini and Frogbit.
Often compared with
| Fluval Spec V | 36P | 45F Shallow | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 52 × 19 × 29 cm | 36 × 22 × 26 cm | 45 × 24 × 16 cm |
| Volume | 19 L | 21 L | 17 L |
| Footprint | 52 × 19 cm | 36 × 22 cm | 45 × 24 cm |
| Water depth | 23 cm | 20 cm | 10 cm |