PFK recently visited the Rolf C. Hagen show, which saw some tweaked new products, and some re-facing of old.
Most obvious of all goodies was the new 46 l/10.2 gal Fluval Edge nano aquarium. This delightful little number carries the same footprint as the original 23 l/5.1 gal model, but with twice the height.
Format remains the same with the filter still being hidden away at the back of the tank, and with the water coming up all the way to the top pane.
Aquascapers will love this new version, and the examples that had been played with by George Farmer and Dan Crawford had been put to very pleasant use. In their freshwater capacity, I think aquatic gardeners will get on well with them, and I’d be keen to see the first pioneering reef invert set ups with them – email us images when you get going, everyone. In the meantime, you can check out a video of George aquascaping the new Edge below:
But the biggest difference is the inclusion of LED lighting instead of the old bulbs that not everybody got on with.
And speaking of those old bulbs, for existing owners of the smaller Edge aquarium, there is now the option to buy LED replacement bulbs that fit straight into the old fitting. Low cost, the first thing you’ll notice using these is the intense rippling effect of the water.
Owners of the Fluval Chi will be able to get peace of mind with the new (and very smart) frosted plastic covers to go on their tanks. Some keepers were noting that fish could jump from the tank, rather ruining their own chi in the process.
These are separate purchases, so it’s not something that will only be available to new Chi buyers – we can all have a cover if we want.
The Fluval external canisters have received a big overhaul internally, and culminated in the release of the new ’06 range. These are direct replacements for their ’05 counterparts, and do much the same thing, with much the same shape, but the tweaks are welcomed.
Firstly, the impeller well has been better shaped in the new models, not only increasing flow by around 10% across the board, but also reducing the operating noise of the unit and reducing wear and tear on the impeller. Combined with a new impeller well cover fitting, it looks as though they’ve taken the long-term functionality of the 06 units very seriously indeed.
As well as impeller changes, there are also alterations to the priming handle, which had an annoying habit of bending when used vigorously before. The new handle is harder to snap, as well as having a more satisfying action. Those people that have played report that priming is achieved far faster and easier.
And for any resident 'filter spotters' out there, you’ll note that the trim and nozzles are all now in a fetching red. A minor detail, but I liked it.
Other additions to the Fluval range include a permanent CO2 checker to accompany the growing range of planting equipment, some new airpump kits, and redesigned cabinets for the Fluval Roma range.
A personal favourite, though, is the 'Moss ball' for shrimp tanks. This synthetic ball looks the real deal, just like Chladophora, except that in reality it is a phosphate remover. It just sits in the bottom of the tank for two months at a time, gobbling phosphate and nitrites, and gets swapped over for fresh after that.
More in depth reviews of these products will be appearing shortly in the next few issues of Practical Fishkeeping magazine.
Why not take out a subscription to Practical Fishkeeping magazine? See our latest subscription offer.