Hello R2R ! I’m just doing a simple Fluval EVO 5 nano build and thought I would post some pictures, information and opinions. All feedback welcome! I will be moving some rock, CUC and a clown into the new EVO from a current established 2 year old tank. I purchased the EVO for $79.99 new, on sale from MSRP $109.99.
I received the EVO and upon unpacking I immediately noticed some scuffs, scratches, the LED bracket was bent and the threaded hole for the screw to tighten against the glass was stripped! I returned and got a replacement. New one arrived yesterday and is perfect. Clearly the previous one was opened and damaged. Moving on...
First thoughts (replacement) on the EVO 5. Build quality seems good for the price! LED housing is waterproof aluminum, plastic tank lid is sturdy and clear, all parts fit snug, glass seals good and clean, filtration is basic but adequate (foam, carbon, biomax) circulation pump is fair and is a tight fit with the power cord. Funny observation the pump says “freshwater only” even though this is sold as a saltwater kit. I assume it’s a spec V with a slightly better light: 11,000k , 7.4W 37 LEDs, 759 lumens.
I replaced the carbon with chemi-pure blue nano packets. Will use stock foam for initial set-up (maybe a little floss) and stock biomax.
Ive used around 5 lbs of CaribSea aragonite dry sand. Rinsed and rinsed until water was clear.
Will be adding some live rock from my existing tank (maybe 5-7 pounds) I plan to add some freshly mixed salt water 2.5 gallons and add remaining water from my other tank (not sure if this is ideal but seems okay; all parameters good)
Here are some first pics:
I received the EVO and upon unpacking I immediately noticed some scuffs, scratches, the LED bracket was bent and the threaded hole for the screw to tighten against the glass was stripped! I returned and got a replacement. New one arrived yesterday and is perfect. Clearly the previous one was opened and damaged. Moving on...
First thoughts (replacement) on the EVO 5. Build quality seems good for the price! LED housing is waterproof aluminum, plastic tank lid is sturdy and clear, all parts fit snug, glass seals good and clean, filtration is basic but adequate (foam, carbon, biomax) circulation pump is fair and is a tight fit with the power cord. Funny observation the pump says “freshwater only” even though this is sold as a saltwater kit. I assume it’s a spec V with a slightly better light: 11,000k , 7.4W 37 LEDs, 759 lumens.
I replaced the carbon with chemi-pure blue nano packets. Will use stock foam for initial set-up (maybe a little floss) and stock biomax.
Ive used around 5 lbs of CaribSea aragonite dry sand. Rinsed and rinsed until water was clear.
Will be adding some live rock from my existing tank (maybe 5-7 pounds) I plan to add some freshly mixed salt water 2.5 gallons and add remaining water from my other tank (not sure if this is ideal but seems okay; all parameters good)
Here are some first pics: