Fluval Edge 46l

Hi Folks
I am sorry for posting this topic, all I wanted was some advise.

Thank you Natalie 

Hi Folks
I am sorry for posting this topic, all I wanted was some advise.

Buranda - absolutely no need to apologise at all. I was hoping my post would give you an alternative tank to think about other than the Fluval Edge. I have no experience of the Fluval - but I have of the Cube40 so I thought I'd point some differences between the two. Keep posting and asking for advice.... but it is only a view-point of a stranger and you're free to accept it or not.

Hi Colin, while scanning through this topic I saw this comment.

I haven't squeezed out my AquaCube40 sponge for at least 6 months.

I have cut my sponge in half so I can rinse it out alternativly rather than the whole thing. Thought that maybe something useful for your tank too?

Hi Buranda,
Going back to your questions.  4 out of my 6 fish tanks are small tanks, so maybe I can post some suggestions? I hope I will not set your head spinning as there are as multiple combinations / options as any imagination can bring.  Fluval Edge. I agree with Jesnon – it is created to be “trendy” – and there is nothing wrong with it. The Edges do look superb, indeed. However, what Jesnon said is correct – they have a “fiddly” entrance for maintenance and also have limited options on live plants. A while ago, when Jesnon was creating her set up, I posed a link for her with George Farmer (a very famous “aquarium plants person”) planting an Edge – for the sake of me, I cannot remember now what was the name of the thread... maybe Jesnon can remember?
Colin’s suggestion is good as well – plenty of media can be put there so it is a definite advantage. However, that LPH question (sorry, Colin!) and the fact that the output of the filter – I believe – is fixed and cannot be adjusted may pose a little bit of problem if you intend to put live plants in...
Most of my relatively small tanks have external filters – I find it very convenient, easy to maintain, aesthetically pleasing (no bulky internal filters inside) and certainly very well “overfiltered” and flexible – you can play with positioning of inflow and outflow. Mind you, all my tanks are “open top” – e.g. there are no hoods which I dislike and this also allows greater flexibility of arranging things. I do have covers – custom made glass ones with the cuts for equipment. I know this is a more expensive option but apart from your space, it also depends on your budget.
Maybe it would be a good idea just take one day and travel around aquatic shops in the area close to you, seeing what they have on offer? There might be something which you never saw before but rather like... Possibilities are endless....

Thanks Daniel, that cleared part of the question - it is always good to have people keeping various makes of tanks to get a first hand experience / information on various options. One more question - perhaps you know the LPH for this tank? The reason I am asking / concerned is that planted tanks need a fairly high LPH (if one is serious about not just having a tank with a few plants but going "fully planted")... I don't know what Buranda has in mind regarding live plants but I think any information will help her...

Good tip about the filter sponge, Daniel - thanks. DJT covered the pump bits - I'll just add that I use an air pump for surface movement to help gas exchange and to help circulation in the bottom corner of the tank. Plus, I like the bubbles. 

But definitely - shop around.... and make sure you either budget for a stand of make sure you have a sturdy bit of furniture to put it on. If you can't sit on the furniture safely then you shouldn't put a ~50litre tank on it.