The Fluval Edge is one of the most popular and iconic nano aquariums available today. 2011 will see the launch of the redesigned Edge range with a larger size option and a new ‘Day & Night’ LED lighting system.

Meet Edge’s Big Brother!

As well as the standard 23 litre/6 US gal model the new Fluval Edge range will include a large 46 litre/12 US gal aquarium. The larger aquarium has the same footprint as the standard model, so it won’t take up extra linear space. The ‘double height’ design allows more room for creative aquascaping and a larger viewing area to enjoy the beauty of your aquatic creation.

Light up your life, day or night!

With new Edge comes a completely re-designed lighting system. Super bright LED bulbs (21 bulbs on the 23L model, 42 bulbs on the 46L model) with a 7600k spectrum create a strong, white light. A flick of a switch activates night mode, where 3 blue LEDs cast a cool moonlight glow over your aquascape, perfect as a night-light.

Got an Edge? Go LED!

If you have a Fluval Edge aquarium already you can now enjoy all the benefits of LED lighting without buying a whole new aquarium! The Fluval Edge LED bulb set includes two splash proof high intensity LED bulbs to replace the halogen bulbs originally supplied. LED lighting emits a brighter, cleaner light and with a power consumption of just 1.8W each they are over five times cheaper to run than the original halogen bulbs.

White…it’s the new black!

New Edge now comes in a stunning gloss white finish that will blend perfectly with the latest home décor. Gloss black and Pewter (23L only) finishes are also available.

We asked aquascaping expert George Farmer from the UK Aquatic Plant Society (UKAPS) to ‘scape the new 46L model; to see how it turned out and to get some great aquascaping tips check out the video here:

The new Fluval Edge aquarium range will be available soon from good aquatic retailers. To find a local stockist visit www.hagen.com.

The Fluval Spec is a truly unique and curious little nano aquarium.  Sitting a mere 10 inches tall and just 2 Gallons/7.6 Liters, the Spec presents some intriguing opportunities for both the beginner and expert aquarist. Equipped with a custom filter and LED lighting, the Fluval Spec will support various small species of fish, shrimp, and live plants.

FILTRATION
Unlike the other new Fluval Nano aquariums with separate internal submersible filters, the Spec’s filter is fully integrated into the back wall of the aquarium. Featuring a full, 3 stage filtration chamber with coarse foam, carbon, and Biomax, the overflow-style filter provides mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration. A powerful circulation pump (150 LPH/39.6 GPH) moves water through the media providing unparalleled water quality and clarity in a tank of its size. Frosted glass further conceals the filtration components from view on the sides of the aquarium.

LIGHTING
The Fluval Spec features a sleek, round pendant LED light, which outputs a pleasant full spectrum natural daylight, ideal for growing small plants alongside your tank inhabitants.

Here are some shots of the Fluval Spec taken this past weekend at the Chicago Backer Pet Show:

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Aquatic plants provide a living tapestry that is both captivating and inviting. Featuring various shades of green and red, as well as an abundance of shapes and sizes, there are numerous opportunities to create a living aesthetic underwater world within which fish and other aquarium inhabitants thrive.

Aquarium plants form the basis for reflecting one’s creativity in aquarium aquascaping while providing a fasci- nating opportunity to create balance, both visually through depth perspective and biologically, as plants naturally improve water quality for fish and reduce the chances for unsightly algae growth.

Aquatic plants are not hard to keep, with basic maintenance and some key nutrients for aquatic plants, achieving an underwater garden is within the reach of everyone. Beautifully planted aquariums can be accomplished with two species of plants or many more.

The Fluval Flora is similar to the Fluval Ebi Shrimp Habitat but customized to specifically promote live plant growth. Here’s what comes in the Fluval Flora Box:

7.9 Gallon/30 Liter Aquarium with cover
FluvalFluorescent Light
Flora Internal Filter with spray bar
Fluval CO2 20g Kit
Fluval Plant Stratum substrate
Molded rock background
Thermometer
Planting Thongs
Nutrafin Plant Gro Supplement
Fluval Aquatic Plant Care Guide

Aquarium
The Fluval Flora features the same 7.9 Gallon/30 Liter glass aquarium as the Fluval Ebi. The included glass cover helps minimize evaporation and maintain stable CO2 levels.

Filter
The Fluval Flora internal filter comes equipped with an attached spray bar to diffuse water movement throughout the tank and prevent excessive CO2 escape due to surface agitation.

CO2 System
No discussion of major plant nutrients is complete without the mention of carbon. In fact 40 to 50% of a plant’s dry weight matter is composed of carbon. This key macro element is fortunately easily supplied with a CO2 system, such as the small pressurized convenient disposable systems by Fluval (CO2 20 g and CO2 88 g Kits). Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a major nutrient taken in by plants during periods of illumination. CO2 is usually never present in aquariums at a level required by plants, it must be supplemented. The provision of CO2 is the single most important nutrient for aquatic plants that will both enable strong growth and outstanding condition.

Lighting
Although the blue and red spectrums are without doubt directly related to photosynthesis in all plants, it has been shown in some studies, that the inclusion of green spectrum in certain aquatic plants produced higher rates of photosynthesis. In general, look for lighting sources that emit a full spec- trum with peaks in red, green and blue wavelengths, as found with the GLO brand of Life-Glo and Flora-Glo bulbs or the Fluval Mini Power Compact Lamp fluorescent bulbs.

Substrate
The Fluval Flora includes the Fluval Plant Stratum substrate with is an essential addition and ideal for growing live plants in the aquarium. Derived from naturally occurring sources, the dark colored Stratum contrasts beautifully against the vibrant colors of the plants and small tank inhabitants.

If you like the Fluval Flora, check out the other Fluval nano desktop aquariums like the Fluval EDGE, Fluval chi, Fluval Ebi, and Fluval Spec!

In particular the dwarf species of algae eating shrimp with their bright colors, small size and gentle disposition are the ideal feature in small beautifully set up planted aquariums. These types of aquariums are easily placed in any environment, from office desktop to bedroom night table, there is really no place you can’t enjoy these fascinating little creatures.

The Fluval Ebi comes with everything necessary to successfully keep dwarf shrimp right out of the box:

• 7.9 Gallon/30 Liter Aquarium with cover
• Fluorescent Light
• Ebi Internal Filter with spray bar
• Fluval Shrimp Stratum substrate
• Molded rock background
• Shrimp Net with telescoping handle
• Thermometer
• Fluval Shrimp Safe & Fluval Shrimp Mineral Supplement
• Fluval Shrimp Granules
• Fluval Shrimp Care Guide

Aquarium
The minimum tank size for a shrimp aquarium is approximately 19 liters (5 US gallons). The Fluval Ebi Nano Shrimp Habitat features a volume of approximately 30 liters (7.9 US gallons) and dimensions that permit the choice of a large number of shrimp species options. A cover is recommended for an aquarium containing shrimp as they can climb. The Fluval Nano Shrimp Habitat includes one.

Filtration
The Fluval Ebi features a small internal filter designed for maximum water clarity and biological capacity. The filter features and integrated spray bar for maximum oxygenation and diffused current.

Lighting
The Fluval Ebi features a 13 watt daylight compact fluorescent light, which is shielded by the plastic cover on the top of the aquarium. The light will support ample live plant growth of low to mid light plants.

Substrate
The Fluval Shrimp Stratum is an essential addition to the nano shrimp habitat and ideal for growing live plants in the aquarium. Derived from naturally occurring sources, the dimensions of this natural substrate will allow newborn shrimp to hide. Additionally, the dark colored Stratum contrasts beautifully against the vibrant colors of the plants and brightly colored dwarf shrimp species.
Decorations
We have designed multiple decorations for the Fluval Ebi that are ideal for keeping dwarf shrimp. Each of these provide aesthetic balance to the aquarium and proper hiding places for the shrimp.

Tell us what you think of the Ebi and other Fluval Nano aquariums in the comments below!

At Fluval, we’re excited about the Fluval chi as we continue to develop and redefine the traditional aquarium into something unique and aesthetically beautiful. As we mentioned yesterday, the Fluval chi was designed to go beyond the traditional rectangular glass box and incorporate design elements of an aquarium, outdoor water feature, and contemporary decor. Now let’s take a closer look at what makes the Fluval chi so special!

First, the Fluval chi is available in two different sizes (5 US Gal/19L & 6.6 US Gal/25 L). Both sizes have a 10″x10″ footprint but range from 12″ – 16″ tall. The 6.6 Gal Fluval chi isn’t just larger but additionally includes a remote control for the light unit for convenient operation across a room.

As you’ve probably noticed in some early pictures and videos, the Fluval chi does not look like your everyday aquarium. Specifically, there is no ugly filtration and lighting unit to muddle the aesthetics and it sports an “open top” design. In fact, the filter and lighting are conveniently hidden in the fountain box at the top of the aquarium.

FILTRATION

The Fluval chi utilizes a full 3 stage mechanical, chemical, and biological filter, specifically designed to prevent water bypass, provide clear water, and promote a healthy nano living environment. Two separate filtration media are available for the chi: the foam pad and filter pad. The foam pad should remain in the filter to foster biological growth while the filter pad removes finer debris and chemical impurities through carbon filtration.

The design of the filter is especially unique to the Fluval chi in that water is brought in from the bottom of the “box,” passed through the filtration media, and bubbles out over the top in a calming waterfall-style feature.

LIGHTING

The Fluval chi features 2 separate cool-white LED lighting units: a 12 LED submersible light unit illuminates the aquarium from the bottom of the filtration box while a second set of LEDs shines upward and lights the water as it flows back into the aquarium. This creates a stunning nighttime visual and casts a soothing aquatic glow onto the ceiling of the room.

ACCESSORIES

The Fluval chi will have a number of accessories including multiple plant, rock, and combo formations. Each piece is unique in that they are specifically designed to fit into the decor tray and planting basket for customization and multiple design possibilities. Check out the slide show below to view each of the available accessories.

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The Fluval chi is an exciting new entrant into the nano tank market and just the beginning of things to come from Fluval in this area. Be sure to check out our other nano aquariums like the Fluval EDGE, Flora, Ebi, and Spec!

Which room will feature Fluval chi? Tell us about it in the comments below!

It’s been an exciting year to be the new Fluval Edge.  While it officially debuted in February at the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, FL, many people saw it for the very first time at the Superzoo show in Las Vegas and HH Backer show in Chicago.

At all 3 US industry events, the Fluval Edge has made big impressions for such a small aquarium.  In fact, the Edge is quietly amassing a list of awards that firmly speak to the innovative design the aquarium has brought back to the aquatics industry.  Congratulations Edge, take a bow!

Global Pet Expo, Orlando, FL

2nd Place Aquatics Category

Superzoo, Las Vegas, NV

1st Place Aquatics Category

2nd Place Overall Best in Show

HH Backer, Chicago, IL

1st Place Overall Best in Show