Fluval Evo 5 Owners Thread

[Snowb34]

You can check on my thread, it's called My Fully Modded Evo 5

[Reefsamurai]

My only mods to the tank we setup is a wavepoint 6" light. Basically got it for free but have been looking seriously at the primes even though you have to turn them down so much for our tank size. 

I'm about to put in an order to intank for the media basket/surface skimmer/hole plug and upgrading to the mj606. Has anyone put the hydor FLO on their outlet? It's very high up so I'm concerned spill out. Thoughts?

Has anyone had success with doing the fuge light mod for the media baskets middle chamber? We don't have any plans to add livestock beyond corals and what pops out over time (stars, dusters, etc). 

Pics because 5g!!

[tk-it-ez]

Here is my 8 year old Daughter's minimalist pico.

[bruinhd]

Here is my 1.5 month old Fluval Evo V:

 

Fluval Evo V tank

InTank Media Basket (floss, chemipure elite)

Cobalt 606 Return Pump

100w preset heater 78F

innovative Marine Spinstream RFG Nozzle
AI Prime 16HD

Low tech gravity ATO (Evian water bottle)

 

20% water changes weekly

Fritz RPM reef crystals, spec grav 1.023

 

Link to my build thread.

 

 

 

 

 

[Reefsamurai]

6 minutes ago, bruinhd said:

Here is my 1.5 month old Fluval Evo V:

 

Fluval Evo V tank

InTank Media Basket (floss, chemipure elite)

Cobalt 606 Return Pump

100w preset heater 78F

innovative Marine Spinstream RFG Nozzle
AI Prime 16HD

Low tech gravity ATO (Evian water bottle)

 

20% water changes weekly

Fritz RPM reef crystals, spec grav 1.023

 

 

 

 

 

I just installed the spinstream this week and I seem to have issues with it staying on that elbow. Did you upgrade your elbow? How is it doing with the increased flow from the 606? Also how is your water level so high, did you add something to raise the level? It appears almost an inch taller than mine which would give me more volume.

Your ai, is that the reef or the Sol version?

[bruinhd]

3 hours ago, Reefsamurai said:

I just installed the spinstream this week and I seem to have issues with it staying on that elbow. Did you upgrade your elbow? How is it doing with the increased flow from the 606? Also how is your water level so high, did you add something to raise the level? It appears almost an inch taller than mine which would give me more volume.

Your ai, is that the reef or the Sol version?

For spinstream, you're right. Unfortunately I had to go to the hardware store and buy a plastic elbow adapter that was 1/2" to 3/4" 3/8". It is doing fantastic with the 606. I don't think you can use the 606 without a good RFG to cut down the flow to a livable turbulence for fish.

 

I'm not sure what level you're referring to. The water level?

 

For the AI, I have the reef version.

[Reefsamurai]

42 minutes ago, bruinhd said:

For spinstream, you're right. Unfortunately I had to go to the hardware store and buy a plastic elbow adapter that was 1/2" to 3/4". It is doing fantastic with the 606. I don't think you can use the 606 without a good RFG to cut down the flow to a livable turbulence for fish.

 

I'm not sure what level you're referring to. The water level?

 

For the AI, I have the reef version.

The water level in the main display.

 

So just to be clear, you're using a ½ to ¾ elbow but still using the OEM rubber tubing that came with the SS correct? Are you using the white nylon barbed fitting?

 

Did you have any issues with fitting the elbow through the hole in the false wall or did you need to modify it? 

 

[bruinhd]

56 minutes ago, Reefsamurai said:

The water level in the main display.

 

So just to be clear, you're using a ½ to ¾ elbow but still using the OEM rubber tubing that came with the SS correct? Are you using the white nylon barbed fitting?

 

Did you have any issues with fitting the elbow through the hole in the false wall or did you need to modify it? 

 

I apologize. Let me clarify everything better. I went back and found all the parts I used from Ace Hardware. I bought the following parts for $2 a piece:

 

1. 1/2" nylon hose barb elbow:

 

2. 3/8" to 1/2" nylon hose barb adapter

Then I dremel cut both pieces and mad an elbow adapter to go from the pump tubing (1/2" thick), then the 3/8" portion slides nicely through the hole and out to the tank from the sump area. Then you can slip one of the Slipstream adapters over the 3/8" portion of the elbow you make. It looks exactly like the following:

 

 

The way the water level is so high in the tank, is because the negative pressure on the sump side is really high from the power of the 160gph MJ606 pump, and allows me to have higher level on the tank side, with lower level on the sump side. DO NOT be discouraged by the loud clicking noise that the Slipstream RFG makes, it goes away on the order of days. It took mine only 24 hours for a small film to develop and dampen the noise away. Every negative review online literally gives the noise as the reason people returned the unit.

 

I really hope this helps.

[Reefsamurai]

7 hours ago, bruinhd said:

I apologize. Let me clarify everything better. I went back and found all the parts I used from Ace Hardware. I bought the following parts for $2 a piece:

 

1. 1/2" nylon hose barb elbow:

 

2. 3/8" to 1/2" nylon hose barb adapter

Then I dremel cut both pieces and mad an elbow adapter to go from the pump tubing (1/2" thick), then the 3/8" portion slides nicely through the hole and out to the tank from the sump area. Then you can slip one of the Slipstream adapters over the 3/8" portion of the elbow you make. It looks exactly like the following:

 

 

The way the water level is so high in the tank, is because the negative pressure on the sump side is really high from the power of the 160gph MJ606 pump, and allows me to have higher level on the tank side, with lower level on the sump side. DO NOT be discouraged by the loud clicking noise that the Slipstream RFG makes, it goes away on the order of days. It took mine only 24 hours for a small film to develop and dampen the noise away. Every negative review online literally gives the noise as the reason people returned the unit.

 

I really hope this helps.

I'll be doing these mods later today, results to follow. My 606 is on order and I'm looking at a eflux 660 as well to really get the current moving in the tank. The final goal is SPS. The wave point will go at that timeframe but until then the palys and zoos seem to happily open up under it.

 

I see several people with the diy ATO instead of something like AutoAquas ago or even their ATO/auto water changer. Space?

[debbeach13]

Vhexxen, Azer, Reefsamra1, Patty, Totimmortal363, reefadore, AyeNick, -R- Do you have a journal or thread about your tank? If not is your tank still up and running? If it is can you post an update? A little robot once said Need Input.  Thanks in advance.

[Reefsamurai]

46 minutes ago, debbeach13 said:

Vhexxen, Azer, Reefsamra1, Patty, Totimmortal363, reefadore, AyeNick, -R- Do you have a journal or thread about your tank? If not is your tank still up and running? If it is can you post an update? A little robot once said Need Input.  Thanks in advance.

I hope this is sufficient. Circa March 8th 2020 at 9:18am

[Reefsamurai]

How's everyones tanks? I finally rearranged my rocks and broke the big weird flat triangle inhalf. I've modded my return elbow in prep for the mj606. I tried to sleep on the OEM return nozzle to the front on the IM slipstream but the back pressure keeps the end from rotating. I'll try again when I install the bigger return pump as I've seen these nozzles handle some serious flow.

Added in a jbj ATO nano My lfs talked me into an ai prime which I'll pick up on Friday. 

I've included a pic of my top off jug. Why you ask? Funny story true story... Don't have an open 5gal jug of ro/di next to the area you are cutting up frag plugs with snips, otherwise your paly plugs will explode and go "bloop" through this opening... In an unrelated topic, I have an extremely pissed off paly polyp who doesn't like ro/di baths...

[Reefsamurai]

On 7/25/2019 at 7:33 PM, falcooo said:

I know there's a thread for the Fluval Evo 13.5, but I've recently set up a Evo 5 and would love to see if anyone else has and what they've done with the tank. The plan for here is to be a clean and simple bulletproof softie pico. Maintenance wise; no testing or dosing, just a simple weekly 2-gallon water change and replace filter media. Below is a list of the upgrades/equipment I've added, and a picture of the scape before most of the upgrades.  I'll upload some new pictures soon, but am curious to see what everyone else has going on with this very cool little tank.

 

Fluval Evo V (sealed up the back wall and rear divider wall holes)

InTank Media Basket (floss, phosphate pad, chemipure blue)

InTank Surface Skimmer attachment

Cobalt 606 Return Pump

NeoTherm 50W Heater

RFG Nozzle
Current Marine LED 

DIY ATO

 

Falcoo, how did you go about sealing up the first chamber hole? I have the front hole sealed from the plug intank gives upon a media basket order. 

 

I've finished my mods so far to the tank. The ai light is on the tank now and a week into the acclimation mode using the Saxby settings. The corals love this new led and look so much better both in color and polyp extension. I've added added the mj606, including bruinhd's elbow mod and put the slip stream on it. I trimmed down the gasket so everything is almost flush and as tight as possible. I don't think I was getting as much flow just from the SS, so I added the original RP to the main display under the SS.  I've moved the nozzle to a 10 o'clock setting so there's constant but random flow as the rotation cuts through the water flow. The result is alot more coral movement including the hydnophora blew back up and sent out some serious tentacles. The P. Damicornis looks even fluffier and the zoos are finally moving around. 

 

 All in all, this 5g has been my close favorite off all my tanks over the past 20 years of planted and reef.

[tk-it-ez]

In case if anyone is looking for an inexpensive pump upgrade for their Fluval Evo V, they might want to try the below pump. I got it for mixing salt but tried it for my Fluval and the flow is amazing. I removed the flow adjuster and back plate and was able to push it down the back chamber for a snug fit but fits perfectly. i bought it on eBay for $7.99 shipped, with fast and free shipping too. i think you might find it on Amazon too.

[debbeach13]

Good morning everyone. My new MJ 606 pump arrived yesterday. Testing and cleaning right now. I apologize if these questions have been asked and answered many time. Since I will have to drain water and possible remove the rock I want to do any other modifications at this time. I have watched some U tube videos on modifications for this tank and would like to know if any of you did any of them and if your glad you did.

1.A When you replaced the pump did you make any holes in the return pump hose to help with water circulation. This is supposed to prevent stagnant water and help the heated water flow into the tank rather than sit in the chamber.

1.B If you did make holes in the return hose which most likely reduces the flow did you then have to place a power head in the display.

2. Did you fill in the slot between the chambers to help more water flow through the filter media before entering the second chamber.

I did fill in the front slot between the tank and filter chamber already.

3. Did you cover any part of the bottom of the intake grid to get more surface water flowing into the filter. 

Thank you in advance any and all comment/replies are appreciated. 

[Reefsamurai]

This thread has been so quiet. I hope everyone and their aquariums are doing well. 

Deb to answer your questions I did not drill my return line. It is in a solid state straight to my IM slipstream. I did use the chamber plug to seal the main display from chamber one but I have not yet don't the chamber 2 mod. Mostly due to laziness/work schedule. I did use the surface skimmer that also came with the media tray and that not only helps with water level but filtration I feel. 

 

Here is some updated photos from right now 6:24p CST, 6/9/2020

 

[OMNGR]

Is there anyone here trying to upgrade the Fluval Seo Evo5 pump? I just cannot find the mj 606 anywhere on the internet. Apparently it was discontinued. What other good pumps are you guys using to replace the OEM?

[russell.dexter]

On 1/11/2021 at 3:19 PM, OMNGR said:

Is there anyone here trying to upgrade the Fluval Seo Evo5 pump? I just cannot find the mj 606 anywhere on the internet. Apparently it was discontinued. What other good pumps are you guys using to replace the OEM?

Check out the pumps available at https://intankaquatics.com/ . The 'Newa Mini Submersible Water Pump' is a perfect fit! You have to take off the front and back covers and trip off a bit of the tubing. It's a terrific upgrade

 

[ReefTaco]

Should rename this thread "fluval 5 gallon owners thread" see if a mod can sticky this thing. Anywho new Evo V owner reporting in. Just getting back in the hobby after a 3 year break without having a tank. I'm see if I can run a low maintenance. Mushrooms/ sexy shrimp tank. Maybe on clown goby. After I full upgrade the filtration. So far I got the intake basket with floss, carbon, and marine pure bio gems. In the process of cycling. 

[Seadragon]

@Instant_taco What kind of Aquarium Cleaning Magnet are you using for the Fluval Evo 5 gallon?

 

This thread is amazing!  As some of you may know, my new Fluval Evo 5 arrives next week along with a ton of premium upgrades.  I also noticed the OP and someone else is using a Current Marine LED on this aquarium...  Well, it just so happens I have a spare Current Marine LED lying around from the previous School Nano Reef that closed down due to the pandemic.

 

Can't wait to see how this all turns out... I'm also going to try to design a Negative Space Aquascape (NSA) for the first time.  Let's see if I can create the ultimate Fluval Evo 5 gallon tank! 🙂

[ReefTaco]

@Seadragon
most people use the nano mag by 2 little fish (its super thin), I got a good deal on a mini mag float by mag float for like $5 bucks. I was also looking at flipper nano by FL!paper, it's to expensive. I'll just keep my old school, bulky, mini mag float. 

[Seadragon]

Thanks @Instant_taco, I showed my wife the options you mentioned and we both also liked the Mag-Float Mini because it can probably clean the glass a bit faster than a tiny little circle can.

[ReefTaco]

7 hours ago, Seadragon said:

Thanks @Instant_taco, I showed my wife the options you mentioned and we both also liked the Mag-Float Mini because it can probably clean the glass a bit faster than a tiny little circle can.

Keep in mind that the mini is bulky stage your tank before you fill with water and pretend to clean glass to make sure it clears the rocks. Don't be like me where I fillrd the tank and then had to remove wet rocks and then hammer and chisel it to fit.😬 🤓

[1st reef]

Here's my new set up. Still cycling.

Light will be current usa orbit. 

Just added a powerhead(240gph)

Plans are clown, cleaners, lps. 

 

[ReefTaco]

3 hours ago, 1st reef said:

Here's my new set up. Still cycling.

Light is stock 11000k. 

Just added a powerhead(240gph)

Plans are clown, cleaners, lps. 

 

Idk but your rock scape is oddly interesting. It's just a pile of rocks but it feels like one of them weird abstract paintings you look at in museum, trying to understand what it means but cant look away.