Fluval Edge Aquarium with LED Light, White

There are plenty of detailed reviews on the original Fluval Edge. This one, with the 21 LED lighting is the newer model, so when I decided to make my purchase I went with this one, even though it's several dollars more. Personally, from all the comments regarding the lighting issues on the previous model I wouldn't hesitate spending the extra money and opt for this newer model. In reading the other reviews, there isn't much that I can add that hasn't already been said. However, these are the things that I think are major pros and cons:

Biggest Pros: The lighting expands throughout the tank from edge to edge, not just in the center. Better design if you're keeping live plants. Plus, the lights don't get warm at all.

The blue night-lighting is a very nice feature. I use this setting about an hour before I go to bed and it's really relaxing to watch the fish swim in the blue light.

The tank itself is the coolest design I've ever seen. It is extremely impressive to view, and gives the feel of everything being almost weightless. Very soothing.

Biggest Cons:

As everyone has stated before, the opening is small, but I can reach my hand inside from corner to corner without any trouble. Something to think about, though: I bought the bamboo wall accessory and it made the opening even smaller, as it sits right below it. I ended up removing mine and stuck with live plant and rock decorations. It looks just as nice that way, and I have more room to get into the aquarium when needed.

If you want to do any cleaning or need to stick your hand into the aquarium for ANY reason, you MUST remove some of the water first. Otherwise it will spill out of the opening and all over the place.

Bottom line: if you are looking for a tank that is visually stunning to look at and want something completely unusual, you won't be disappointed IF you can live with the few quirks this tank has. If you like rearranging your tank or need to get in and out of it quickly, you may find this more annoying than its worth. I've kept tanks on and off for over 15 years and for me, the beauty of it outweighs what some people would call a nuisance.

I wanted to test the Fluval Edge 46lt/12gl for a few months before jumping in to write about it. When I first received the tank and upon inspection, I found that the column did not have the two clips that attach to the glass tank. Hagen was nice to send me a replacement column but still it was a hassle to disassemble the lighting unit in order to change the correct part.

The first thing that anyone buying this tank must understand is that they are trading usability and functionality for aesthetics. I found myself challenged to make up for the inconvenience of having a small 5"x7" opening where all interaction with the outside world must "fit in". These are the areas that I found the most challenging and dysfunctional about this tank:

FILTRATION:

The form is such that the tank is exactly the same length and width as the smaller 23lt/6gl Fluval Edge only that it is twice it's height. Still this version of the Fluval Edge uses the same HOB Filter as it's smaller counterpart. If the effectiveness of the filter in the 6gl version was good, now it is half as good. I was able to corroborate this fact when I started to develop algae problems in my tank. When I invited a marine biologist/experienced aquarist friend to see my aquarium, the first observation he made was how stagnant and poorly oxygenated the water was towards the bottom half of the tank. As we all know, this lack of aeration and movement is a major cause of poor water quality and algae development. The solutions I found were to replace the HOB filter with an external unit and to add a micro pump like the Koralia 240 Hydor Koralia Nano 240 Aquarium Circulation Pump, 240 gph which worked well. I also tried a Jardin filter sponge with good results Jardin Fish Aquarium Mini Cylinder Soft Sponge Water Filter, Black. Perhaps if the tank would have been longer or wider as opposed to only taller, the opening could have been larger enabling the option of a larger, more powerful HOB filter.

LIGHTS:

Even with the LED improvement, the lighting unit that comes with the tank is only good enough for non-planted tanks or low-light plants such as anubias or ferns. Any other plants requiring medium or high lighting would likely suffer. Problems associated with the low lighting are exacerbated by the poor placement of the lighting unit which is confined to the 5"x7" opening towards the middle back of the tank. Any plants in the aquarium would fare better only if placed directly below this 5"x 7" area. Another limiting factor is that the lighting unit needs to be turned off and raised up in order to access the tank for maintenance. Unless the tank is located next to a bright window (an unlikely scenario) you will basically find yourself performing maintenance in the dark. The addition of an external lighting unit is almost a necessity, even more so in a planted tank. I found a unit called the Padlite by Truelumen TrueLumen Padlite TrueLumen Aquatic LED Strips which worked quite well but it was not cheap.

MAINTENANCE

A major hassle in all respects. For a planted aquarium, trimming plants is almost a nightmare. You are limited by the angles and require large curved scissors. Also all the cuttings accumulate on the top glass and it is quite difficult to clean them up completely. I found that using a sponge soaked in aquarium water helped. A floater magnet cleaner Mag Float Floating Magnet Aquarium Cleaner is a good idea in order to eliminate bubbles and move the accumulated debris/cuttings off the top glass. However I do not recommend this product to clean the glass as the inside magnet/bristles are very rough and will invite any particles floating in the water that will scratch your glass. Catching fish is quite challenging. I have large rocks so imagine trying to catch a pygmy cory through the 5"x7" opening with a fluval edge net?! I resolved, basically, that any fish or invertebrates that go inside the tank stay in the tank forever.

That said, I agree with almost all reviewers here that the tank looks amazing and the fact that all electrical cords and tubing can be hidden inside the back column is a blessing. At least we get a little something in exchange for all the pain.

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I've owned Fluval products for years including some large aquariums like the Osaka, and I have to admit I'm a fan. I received the Fluval edge about a week ago and I immediately set it up for my 5 black phantom tetras. At times, I felt like I was setting up a ship in a bottle; it can be a little tight getting your arm in the opening, but overall it wasn't a frustrating venture. No problems with the power filter; I enjoy the easy to access flow adjuster. I decided to add a fluval water polishing pad to the top of the filter media compartment for a little extra shine. I'm just now noticing the nitrite levels starting to rise; so, that's a good sign. I was a bit concerned with the oxygen level issue considering that the actual surface area is only about 5"x 7"; I placed a bubble wand on the tank floor right below the opening. The bubble wand added a nice effect to the tank as well as a visual screen for the power filter intake tube and the heater on the back wall. So far, I have not noticed any fish "panting for air" or any surface breathing. You have to really level the tank if you want to avoid large amounts of air pockets on the top; I have small bubbles form on the top which I'm positive are from my bubble wand, but nothing that can't be remedied by a little manipulation by my small magnet cleaner. I really enjoy the LED lighting; it illuminates the entire tank so well. I also enjoy the moonlight setting. The one water change I did was not that bad, I had to get a gravel vacuum that was much smaller than the one I use just to be able to get the distant corners, but overall not a difficult thing. Overall, I'm enjoying my purchase, and I'm pretty sure my tetra are also.

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Amazon sent 3 of them to me and each one arrived damaged. Ouch... Factory box is poorly designed and simply can't offer enough protection. I had to purchase the tank at my local store. Of course Amazon issued me a credit no question asked. So good luck getting yours without a damage. Hope you will.

When you receive your tank, don't get too excited and spontaneously unpack it. Inspect it first! You can easily look inside and check the glass without removing it from the box. Now, if you unpack it first and find any damage later, good luck putting it all back together. Took me long time and it was very irritating.

The tank itself is great. I already own original 6 gallon Fluval Edge and had been hoping for a larger model for a long time.

New tank offers double the capacity (12 gallons) and new improved light. Instead of two halogen bulbs that would last just few weeks, now you get a nice setup of white LEDs with a night mode. Night mode is actually great. Three, dark blue LEDs offer pleasant, ambient light that is non aggressive. You can leave it on for the night.

Assembling is super easy and takes no time. You should be done in just few minutes. I just don't understand how some people find it confusing and challenging.

Light switch is from hell. Hard to access (you must remove the top cover). Once you get there, switching it ON/OFF/NightMode is a pure exercise in patience. Don't give up, it will eventually work. Oh, there is one trap...the light assembly is attached to the power supply via somehow hidden connector inside the rear post where the filter and power cables are located. Double check the connection.

Because of the design of the tank plan ahead of time where you want your plants and decorations. Once the tank is full, you will need to remove some water to put your arm in and make changes.

The tank looks great! It is elegant and classy. I love the clean, simple lines. I used it to replace my 16 gallons conventional tank with an ugly traditional hood. My only regret I waited for too long to switch.

The price is great. You get the glass, light, hood, filter with the media and even water treatment chemicals. All put together it is a nice deal. So if you decide getting one Enjoy!

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I got the 12 gallon cube set up for freshwater. Lighting is fine, filter is quiet and efficient and has flow regulation. It is soooo beautiful, but bear in mind you're sacrificing a certain amount of convenience for that beauty. That's why I deducted 1 star. The problem is the small access port on the top of this tall tank. This makes reaching down into the tank awkward and difficult. You'll find that frustrating. One important tip before you set up this tank: Google "aquarium plant anchors." Whether plastic or live, make sure your plants and decor are WELL ANCHORED as you set this tank up. It's a big PITA to re-position uprooted plants after you've filled this tank. That said, once you get it set up and going, it's such a beauty you'll be glad you got it.

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