Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit Preview
Get the Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit. This highly desirable item is currently in stock. For the price, the Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit comes highly respected and is always a popular choice for most people.
With so many on offer right now, it is great to have a name you can trust. The product is certainly that and will be a excellent purchase. The manufacturer have provided some excellent touches and this means great value for money.
You can trust this review, i hope you can try to buy this product and then you know this product good or no. Next time you can make a review for another people.
** Update/Added Comment: I just wanted to add to this review that Seachem Onyx fractured substrate (sand) is a REALLY good looking addition to these Chi setups. If you want to bring out the color of any plants or aquatic life in a Chi, especially Red Cherry or Ghost shrimp, put the Onyx substrate in there. It's pure black and sets everything off perfectly. It also contributes minerals to the water! ***
*** Update 2012-Jan-31 : A cover is now available for the Fluval Chi Fluval Chi Cover and works for the 5 and 6.6 gallon models. This is great if you're concerned about an aquatic pet jumping out. ***
I didn't purchase my Chi from Amazon, but I've had it for a year and wanted to share my input. This is a perfect aquarium for some aquarium life/plants, or even just to have plants only. In fact, I'm buying two more this week for my living room!
There's several great reviews which go over the Chi in depth so I don't want to reinvent the wheel, if you'd like to see those as well just go check out the 4 & 5 star reviews.
What I want to bring attention to is the fact that most, if not all, of the reviews under the 1 & 2 star section aren't the fault of the Chi, they seem to be the fault of an inexperienced aquarist or someone who hasn't done the research on the type of life they're putting in the tank, with exception of one or two reviews which mentioned equipment problems such as the power supply going bad.
Fluval doesn't put out poor products, they are TOP NOTCH. As such I wanted to share general "good aquarist" habits and my personal experience with the Chi, so all can rest assured it's a solid product. Let me comment on a few common things I found in the "bad" reviews, to help guide those who may be on the fence.. here's a quick index of my review, skip to the section which interests you the most:
Review Index:
* My Present Setup - 1 year and loving it
* Use Live Plants - AKA, how to enhance water quality, aquarium life and cut down on algae
* Lidless Aquarium - This isn't bad, just do research
* Filtration on the Chi sucks - AKA, It's actually a perfect design
* Don't follow the Filtration Instructions - AKA, follow these instead
* Brown Goop on the Cube - This is normal
* Loud Chi/Filtration Noises - AKA, I'm probably not maintaining the proper water level
* I have algae problems because the Chi sucks - AKA, I'm probably not taking proper care of the water
* I had a bunch of fish and the Chi killed them - AKA, I put too many fish in and I killed them
THE REVIEW:
* MY PRESENT SETUP, one year later I'm still loving it
What I have:
* I have mine at work.
* I have 6 live plants in it (mentioned in the section below)
* A compact heater to maintain temperature, which lays in the back behind the cube which sits on the bottom, so it's out of view.
* I have a small air line running in the back over the heater, also out of view--I use this to help maintain gas exchange. This is primarily because I don't want excess C02 to buildup in the water because if the marine life I have in the aquarium (dirtier life than normal). I hardly hear the bubbles.
What I do:
* I turn the light on when I get in, and turn it off when I leave, so it's on 8/off 16.
* I feed my aquarium life every few days, but never to excess, only what they can eat
* I clean the aquarium up once a week at the minimum (sometimes twice), about 1/3rd of the gravel one week, another third the next and so on. I never clean all the gravel at once
* I do a weekly water change of about 1 gallon at the most, sometimes only half a gallon.
* I replenish (top off) evaporated water every few days
* Only when the filter starts losing water flow do I clean the white filter element, and I only clean it in dirty water-change water (see my notes below)
* I suppliment the aquarium once a week with a small dose of calcium - I use Seachem's Aquavitro. This is for the snail's health, and helps balance hardness. Aquavitro Calcium is branded as a Marine (saltwater) product, but is perfect for Freshwater as well
* I suppliment the aquarium once or twice a month with plant nutrients from Flourish - This is only if you're serious about lots of plants, for most, just putting the plants in is enough
* I prepare tap water before it goes in to the aquarium. The product I use is Seachem's Aquavitro Alpha. Aquavitro Alpha is branded for Marine life (reefs, saltwater, etc), but is PERFECT for freshwater. It's very concentrated. Only .5ml is needed for 15 gallons. In other words, a couple of drops for a gallon. Swish it around, and within a minute it's ready.
* I enjoy every moment of having the Chi in my office
What I don't have, notice or do:
* I never hear the Chi pump making noise unless the water gets too low (usually after a 4 day weekend).
* I don't have algae
* I've never had algea blooms all over the place covering the walls or rocks or gravel
* I don't get my hands wet when turning off the light (not sure why some people do, you just reach for the back of the switch, not the top)
* I don't have cloudy water UNLESS a mini-cycle has occured because of the poor water quality where I work, and usually only after changing too much water
* I don't frequently clean the filter or replace it--you never should...only clean it when you NEED to, and you should never HAVE to replace a filter
* I've never replaced or cleaned the black filter element
* I've never blamed the Chi's design, or Fluval, for a mistake I made
* I don't have poor water quality, my Chi is fully cycled and the bacteria eat up a bunch of the waste--the plants do the rest. The filter merely cleans out any debris.
* I haven't had to clean my white filter element in 2 or 3 months
My Aquarium Life:
* 5 Mystery snails (I breed them at home, 2 of them are over a year old and fathers to the other 3 which I brought to work)
* 2 Nerite snails
* A few pond snails
* A few Malaysian trumpet snails
Something to note, Mystery Snails poop a lot, they're basically food processors. This is why I have to clean the gravel more frequently than if I only had a small fish or Betta. Nerite, Pond and Malaysian snails have a very low bio load and are much cleaner (they poop MUCH less), so I suggest them in any combination with fish. Don't put 5 Mystery snails AND fish in a Chi. You could have one Mystery and some fish though, or several Malaysian Trumpet/Pond snails and fish.
For food, I use algae chips mostly, supplimented with some flake food. Algae chips produce less ammonia/nutrient waste as it sits in the water, compared to flake food. Flake food in any level of excess, will cause a cycle (cloud in the water) because it breaks down so much quicker. Keep that in mind.
It's sometimes good to have Malaysian Trumpet snails in any tank, or a Mystery snail. They don't eat your plants, and they're like Canaries in the sense that if something is bad in your water quality, MTS will usually run to the top of the tank to try and get out, and Mystery snails will usually curl up in their shells. So keep that in mind. Also if you have Mystery snails constantly trying to escape, you may have water quality issues.
Contrary to what you might think, my water quality is actually good. Little to no ammonia (less than .25 measurable), and the nitrates/nitrites are insignificant. This is due largely to the live plants and the gas exchange I have incorporated into the Chi. With fake plants, these inhabitants would've died shortly after being put in.
I have had my male Betta in it, but took him out because he wanted to try and jump no matter what I did and didn't feel comfy with him being there while I was away from work.
Again, something to keep in mind, I've had my Chi up and running for a year with no loss of life due to the Chi.
* USE LIVE PLANTS NOT FAKE ONES
I mention this first because it can help solve a couple of problems. For one, live plants don't cause algae.. they usually prevent it by filtering the water from excess nutrients and poison. They also look better, and your aquarium life will love you for it.
Please do the research on the right plants to put in your aquarium, because the Chi's lighting system can only support a certain amount of plants (low light level plants). You have to get low light level plants, or might be able to squeeze by with moderate light level plants as well. Also, dosing with plant nutrients from the aquarium store can help over time, but that's for another review another day. Talk to your local aquarium expert on that particular expert.
Here's plants I presently keep in my Chi which have flourished (what I mean is, they haven't died and they continue to actually grow and expand):
* Amazon Sword - I started out with a little 3" plant a year ago, and right now it's reaching the cube and has bushed all the way out to cover a large portion of the center part of the Chi. It started out with only a few leaves, it now has over 20.
* Anubius Nana - This is the smaller Anubius, but you could use the full size. The smaller just looks better. This has branched out a little bit over the past year, the good news is it hasn't died.
* Pennywort - Good floating plant, it can be planted or left floating. Bettas and shrimp LOVE these. You can also easily cut these to whatever lenght or arrangement you desire, they branch out from both cut ends.
* Hornwort - Good floating plant which can be planted or left floating. Bettas and shrimp LOVE these. You can also easily cut these to whatever lenght or arrangement you desire, they branch out from both cut ends.
* Anacharis - Some call this a weed plant. It's very hardy, and can be planted or left floating. You can also easily cut these to whatever lenght or arrangement you desire, they branch out from both cut ends. Even without light these things grow.
* Italian Val - This guy has streamers running all over the Chi all the way to the surface
* Banana Plants - These things are neat and super hardy. Just grab a few and toss them in any tank, even without light these things grow.
One thing I suggest if you have a planted aquarium is to ensure the water surface is being constantly agitated. The Chi's filtration cube does this well, but for even greater live plant performance and healthier water for your fish, a tiny air line running in the back pushing bubbles to the surface will do nicely. It just has to flow enough to break the surface tension.
* LIDLESS AQUARIUM
The Chi is a lidless aquarium, as part of its styling...it's not meant to kill your fish on purpose! Being lidless will contribute to a little bit more water evaporation than normal if the water/air temperature is above the mid 70's. Also if you have any life which might hop out (such as an African Dwarf Frog, Betta, Snail, etc..), be aware of this fact. It's up to you to take care of them. Most dog owners wouldn't leave their gates open while the dogs are in the yard, without a collar. Don't put Betta or ADF into a lidless aquarium.
If some part of life you put in the aquarium flies out, it's not because of a poor design on Fluval's part, it's because you weren't responsible enough to manage the situation.
IF YOU WANT A LID OR NEED A LID OR EQUIVALENT, then check this out. If you absolutely needed a lid you could have one made (yourself or ask someone) out of acrylic or glass, and would cost less than $10. Or, here is a natural healthy alternative: Floating plants. Yes, floating live plants.
You could get some Hornwort or Pennywort from most aquarium stores (sometimes even free if you just ask), and let it float in the top. Pennywort covers more surface area than Hornwort, but everyone has a preference. What this does is help keep the water clean by absorbing poisonous nutrients from the water, and encourages hopping fish to stay in the water. Even if they tried hopping, enough surface plants will prevent them from getting out. Also fish enjoy natural foliage, many times you'll see a Betta just floating beneath leaves, they truly enjoy it.
For most Bettas, this will prevent them from wanting to hop out. I found that Betta personalities vary greatly. One of mine won't be tempted to jump if the surface of the water is calm, but if its rippling (as with the Chi), he'll want to hop out.
I successfully had an ADF in the aquarium by merely covering up the corners with some clear plastic or screen-door screen (he would crawl up the corners). I had a Betta who liked trying to jump out, I prevented that by lowering the water level to about 1" under the lid of the glass.
* FILTRATION ON THE CHI SUCKS, when in actuality it doesn't
The filter works just fine for the Chi as long as you don't overload the system and let the aquarium fully cycle! If you have a Chi which seems cloudy or "milky", the water isn't dirty, it's cycling. If you do a search online for 'aquarium cycling' you will find a plethora of information. Don't presume the filtration isn't working because the cloudy water is actually proof that it IS working. The best method IMO is "fishless cycling", so check that out.
Whether you cycle with or without something in the Chi, it will take about a month to fully complete the cycle. This is because the Chi is small and it's very hard to get the biological balance perfect. Slight ammonia spikes will cause a mini-cycle, so don't worry about that. Depending on your life load in the aquarium, you should be vacuuming the gravel once a week (take care not to vacuum all of it fully.. perhaps just half of it fully, then the other half the next week).
* DON'T FOLLOW THE FILTER CHANGING INSTRUCTIONS, follow these instead
This relates to cycling. Fluval would have you changing the filter very frequently, which will prolong cycling (see above) and is actually unhealthy for your inhabitants. The only filter maintenance you should ever have to do is if the water flow in the filter starts dropping drastically. At that point, remove the white filter pad and gently clean off SOME of the goop (not all) in a bucket of WATER CHANGE WATER.. the stuff you drain out of the tank during a water change. DO NOT CLEAN IT IN TAP WATER. You could also "squeeze" it rather than wiping off goo, if that's better for you.
You will never have to replace a pad for many many months, if at all, if you do this properly and the tank has fully cycled. The black sponge shouldn't ever need replacing. Right now I've had my Chi a year and have never replaced the black pad, and only replaced the white filter pad once due to me messing up a filter pad once.
If you do need to replace a pad for whatever reason, put a new one in the top of the cube and let it sit there for a few days so that the cleansing bacteria can attach itself to this new pad, and then install it.
Some people prefer to unplug the filter to clean it, I simply flip the cube over and take care of business. I then flip it back. In all, filter maintenance takes me at most 90 seconds. Remember to turn off the blinding light first. If you handle your filter in this manner, you will enjoy your Chi forever and your aquarium life will love you for it.
* BROWN GOOP ON THE CUBE IS NORMAL
This is good bacteria typically. In a properly cycled aquarium with bacteria cleaning the water for you, any area of prolonged exposure to "water fall" (thin sheets of water flowing), you will have these bacteria grow. For the health of the water, it's actually best not to clean it off. This isn't algae, this is good bacteria. If you do need to clean it off, clean the front only, or if you must, whatever side you view the most.
If you clean all of it, do NOT clean it off the backside. You want some to remain, otherwise you could have a mini-cycle as the bacteria need to "regroup" and build their life back up.
* LOUD CHI/FILTRATION NOISES ARE NOT NORMAL, it usually means you aren't properly maintaining water level
If this is your situation, your water level isn't high enough or the pump isn't primed. If your water level is actually high enough and the pump is primed, then something has gotten into the pump somehow which isn't normal. Contact Fluval if that's the case.
For average water/air temperatures in the mid 70's, if the water was originally filled to about 1/8" from the top of the lid, you can go about 3 days before water needs to be added. By the end of the 3rd day, the pump may start struggling to pump water (you'll notice the noise and gurgling). In other words, every 2 or 3 days top off your water.
Water level can be up to the edge of the lid (though in many cases I wouldn't suggest it), and as low as about 1/4" from the bottom of the filtration cube. Those are your MAX/MIN LIMITS. Do not try to operate the aquarium beyond those! Ideally you will want the water level to be filled up to about 1/4" from the top of the lid for aquarium life which does NOT JUMP, and for anything which does jump you'll want it about 1" from the top. Bear in mind this will NOT guarantee something can't escape. An African Dwarf Frog (ADF) CAN ESCAPE even if the water level is 2" below the top. You need something like a lid to keep an ADF in the Chi. The Chi isn't the best aquarium for an ADF anyhow, but that's for another review.
Once your water level drops too low, either due to evaporation or whatnot, you need to replenish it. Too low is easily identified by loud pump noises or when the pump stops pumping altogether. Also it's easily recognized as getting too close to the bottom of the cube. So let's review:
Max Water Fill: Up to the lid
Average Water Fill: 1/4-1/2" from the top of the lid
For Jumping Water life (Betta, ADF, etc): 1" from the lid + you might need a lid (or plantlife.. see my section on LIDS up above!)
Never let the water drop below the cube or close to the bottom!
* I HAVE ALGAE PROBLEMS OR POOR WATER QUALITY BECAUSE THE CHI SUCKs, which usually actually means you aren't taking proper care of the Chi
The Chi is a small volume aquarium, and with small volume comes high responsibility. Don't expect to just toss stuff in and let the filter take care of it. Let me try to explain biological balance with another type of balance:
Grab a pen or pencil and balance it on the tip of your finger, by simply laying it on there. You should find balance in the middle of the pen/pencil, and you'll probably find it very quickly. If you move your hand around you'll find it tends to keep its balance for the most part. Pretty simple isn't it? Imagine the pen/pencil, laying on its side, as a large volume of water, such as 50 or 100 gallon aquarium.
Now, take the pen or pencil and tip it up on either the writing-point or the other end, and try balancing it on the tip of your finger. You might find it's a bit harder to balance, and even the slightest movement causes it to lose stability. Imagine that as a small volume of aquarium water. This is what you have with the Chi. You have to find balance, and you don't want to lose that balance.
This relates to aquarium cycling which I mentioned earlier, you can research 'aquarium cycling' and find plenty of info.
WHY ALGAE??? Usually algae is the result of excess nutrients (typically the bad kind), enough light, lack of water circulation, excess C02, lack of filtration, or any combination. In many new aquariums (ones where the water/bacteria haven't matured), you'll quickly get brown or tan colored algae, but over time as things mature it will go away.
Greenish and blue algaes are typically because you're not doing enough to clean the water (excess feeding, not enough gravel cleaning, etc). Do a search for 'reasons for aquarium algae' and you will find plenty of information on it. Here are two VERY helpful links which explain the reasons for, and how to cure, an algae problem:
[...]
[...]
By the way if you do have some algae or concern yourself with algae that could appear, here's a couple of healthy natural suggestions:
> Live plants. Yes.. they actually do not CAUSE algae, they help prevent it by sucking up the excess nutrients/poison.
> Freshwater Nerite Snails are known to mow down algae quicker than it can grow, and they're hardy creatures
Basically if you're having out of control algae, don't blame the Chi, because it's probably not the filter or the Chi or Fluval. Something else to keep in mind is water surface gas exchange. I mention this under the Live Plant section. The Chi's filtration cube does a good job of keeping the water surface moving, but the more you break the water surface the more gas exchange (C02 out of the water, Oxygen into the water) can occur. This helps prevent algae as well. A small air tube running into the back of the Chi can do wonders.
* I PUT A BUNCH OF FISHIES AND LIFE IN TH CHI AND THE CHI KILLED THEM ALL, no actually you killed them by suffocation
I hear this a lot with any aquarium, but especially the small ones. Many experienced aquarists will tell you that once an aquarium has fully cycled (and not before), you can have about 1" of adult fish per gallon. This doesn't mean 1 fish per gallon, it means 1" of surface area of the fish per gallon. This is a GENERAL rule, as some fish are cleaner (have less bio load) than others.
For example, Goldfish tend to be dirtier than a Neon Tetra. By the way, speaking of Neon Tetra, they are grouping/schooling fish meaning you'll need to have 6-12 or more of them for the fish to be happy. You can't put that many Neon Tetra in a Chi. A single Betta in a Chi will work well. Several Ghost Shrimp will work just fine (you could probably have 5-10 actually, as shrimp have a very low bio load).
I can't go over all the fish combinations, but do some research on the kind of fish you're going to put in there. Generally you won't have more than 5, or even 3. If you put too much life in there, no matter the combination, they die of suffocation in their own filth. Imagine locking yourself in the bathroom, filling the entire room halfway up with water, and living in it for a month. You wouldn't make it. If you did make it, you wouldn't want to have made it.
There's other life you can have in the aquarium also, not just fish. You can have snails for example. Mystery Snails are popular. They poop a lot, trust me on this, I have had several hundred at once (not in a Chi of course) and it's overwhelming. So you could have 1-5 Mystery Snail in a cycled Chi without an issue as long as you clean up after them (which will be every few days).
Here's what I suggest, if you want a Betta you could also put a couple of Nerite snails in there as well (Mystery Snails are great, but Betta tend to nip at the antenna). Nerite snails are like tanks, they are hardcore, very strong, their shells are like rocks, and fish can't nip at them. They also clean up algae!
Read the full review. Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit
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Fluval Chi Aquarium Kit Overview
Fluval Chi
With striking artistic simplicity, the Fluval Chi makes a stunning aquatic feature. Inspired by ancient Chinese culture, Chi describes the life force of living things and symbolizes the positive effects of energy. The flowing water of Fluval Chi is believed to encourage Feng Shui, bringing prosperity and good luck to your home.
Fluval Chi looks stylish in any room
Chi is versatile, manageable and provides a stylish habitat for fascinating fish species. As with all Fluval nano aquariums, Chi is easy to set up and maintain and with a beautiful range of accessories to choose from, it allows you to create an individual look to suit your mood or surroundings. The Fluval Chi features a world first- a combined filter, light unit and water feature. The water bubbles and gurgles over the top of the feature, which appears to float in the center of the tank. The Chi is perfect for those who are familiar with aquatic lifestyles.The Chi delivers an appealing aquarium, making the ordinary truly extraordinary. It was designed to radiate positive energy throughout any home. The elegant yet subtle lines and harmonious balance of light and sound create a soothing atmosphere that gently envelops an area. Relax to the gentle sound of flowing water and the graceful movement of fish as Chi brings a peaceful ambiance to your space. Chi includes a safe, low voltage LED lighting system so in low light environments the aquarium takes on a glowing, peaceful beauty of its own.
Fluval Chi is available in two sizes (5 gallons and 6.6 gallons). It is designed with an open top design for tranquility.
The Fluval Chi
Fluval Chi gives any room a serene ambiance
Variety of Features
Filtration System
The Fluval Chi utilizes a full three stage mechanical, chemical, and biological filter, specifically designed to prevent water bypass, provide clear water, and promote a healthy nano living environment. Two separate filtration media are available for the Chi: the foam pad and filter pad. The foam pad should remain in the filter to foster biological growth while the filter pad removes finer debris and chemical impurities through carbon filtration. The design of the filter is especially unique to the Chi in that water is brought in from the bottom of the "box", passed through the filtration media, and bubbles out over the top in a calming waterfall-style feature.LED Lighting System
Fluval Chi features two separate cool-white LED lighting units: a 12 LED submersible light unit illuminates the aquarium from the bottom of the filtration box, while a second set of LED's shines upward and lights the water as it flows back into the aquarium. This creates a stunning nighttime visual and casts a soothing aquatic glow onto the ceiling of the room. The 6.6 gallon model also features a remote control lighting system.Plant Basket
The plant basket easily slips out of the plant box and can be filled with Fluval Chi decor pieces (sold separately) or natural plants to complement the Fluval Chi surroundings.Pebble Basket
Positioned on the top of the filtration cube, the decor tray holds either the pebble basket or additional decor pieces (available separately), which soften the sound of the trickling water.Media Access
The 180 degree rotating filter head and easy access media cover ensures routine maintenance is quick and simple to do.Introducing Fish
Recommended types of fish for the Fluval Chi are Goldfish, Bettas, Guppies and Danios. Allow a minimum of 1 gallon of water for every 1 inch of fish, excluding tail. Fish are usually sold as juveniles, so you will need to allow some extra space for your fish to grow. If you chose tropical fish, remember that some require the use of a heater. Also, some fish may attempt to jump, so the open top design of the Chi could limit your choice of fish.**Gravel, fish and decorations not included
