Fluval Flex: Unboxing and Setup

[@dabhenjiman8694]

I change mine to red every time I feed. And now they know what red means and swim round like piranhas

[@dennisgall2237]

Why didn't I think of that - I've had this tank for almost a year I've only used blue and white, white during the day and blue all night as a nightligh. LOL.

[@dabhenjiman8694]

dennis gall it amazed me that they know the red light means food now. Train yours with a colour. The reason I thought of it was some fish didn’t realise food had been dropped in, and then miss feeding I thought there must be something to let them know it’s feeding so I tried it. It took a few times but not long

[@dabhenjiman8694]

Todd Sanderson laugh all you like buddy... it’s a true story

[@belle369]

That’s super smart

[@Biffinnbridge]

Pavlov’s fish

[@vicaroo001]

"If you want to give your fish a seizure..." lol

[@tink37713]

thunder storms stimulate breeding

[@factumDiabolus]

@@tink37713 Fish also like to cozy up near the fireplace when it's stormy outside.

[@linkfromhyrule6840]

"Bold curve design,just like me" lmao I died 😂

[@pecktec]

I had to point that out. LOL

[@dmichaelsfishden]

Lol - that was great - or....could have gone with "the Flex has an all in one filter system, just like me."

[@jareen19871]

ha ha ha

[@dib1497]

Thanks for the quick reply

[@themightyren]

Me too!

[@formeraide529]

Be careful if you fill it completely. The top has a dome area in the middle back to allow cords and airlines to be brought in. If it is completely full the fish can swim into the filter area and then to the intake chamber or pump chamber. As the water level drops they become trapped in the back. I have found both fish and snails in the pump side several times.

[@Divinelyintricate]

Just commenting back to bring more attention to this comment for other 💕

[@toneloke5145]

@@formeraide529 have you got the covers to stop them getting through.?

[@thebigfellacole3757]

This is by far my favorite tank I own. Sure, people have massive 15000 gallon reef tanks, and 200 gallon Cichlid tanks, but the look and simplicity of the flex makes it so cool.

[@BreakerInc]

Just ordered mine, so excited!

[@MississippiKitten]

My Fluval Flex was just delivered a couple days ago and I was looking for aquascape inspiration. I'm so very glad I came across your video. I also watched several others, including the mods you made. As I'd like to keep shrimp for the first time, I really appreciate the info on using sponges on the big filter intakes. That could've been a costly mistake for me. Your plant recommendations are spot on and helped me with my ordering. Thank you so much for this. I'm now a subscriber and probably a fan for life. In the past, I've had as many as 20 tanks going, from 220g to 5g. I'm just now getting back into it and the new products on the market are amazing. I appreciate you breaking them down for me! Cheers!

[@eccentrichydroponics6386]

I have to say, even though at this time I don't have the time anymore for tanks. I always found more relaxation and enjoyment in the actual setting up of them and building wet/dry filters. So these videos allowed me that zen time without the hassles or debt :-) Thanks for posting them! It was time well spent watching an empty tank transform.

[@pecktec]

+Eccentric Hydroponics ha! Thanks so much! I'm happy to do that for you.

[@jamesfletcher9268]

I just picked up one of these 15 gallon tanks a few weeks ago...nothing but happy with it. My plants are growing like crazy.

[@pecktec]

very cool! Thanks for watching!

[@RachelOLeary]

looks like it woud be easy to add additional strip LED DIY style in that lid at least. I have one of these sitting in my basement as well. i actually don't like the honeycombing, interrupts scaping a bit depending on what youa re doing. Looking forward to seeing how this does in time.

[@pecktec]

+Rachel O'leary I was thinking the same thing about the lights. The frosted tops on the other tanks they do it a bit nicer. I noticed it seems to block the light a little too when your closer to eye level. So I wonder if that was part of the decision to put it around the top instead of just the filter part like the specs. I'd be interested to hear what ideas you have for all that space in the filter area.

[@pepethefrog1267]

i have one of these... do you recommend as a saltwater tank? or just use it for my pea puffers and crayfish?

[@ledfed1912]

you can just superglue some mesh netting on the inside to prevent fish getting sucked in.

[@damizza82]

pecktec I've been watching your channel for a few years. I'm so happy you have this aquarium from Fluval to do an unboxing and review on. Ever since Fluval announced it I've been curious because of it's unique shape. I had a Fluval Edge, but sold it due to the limitations in working/maintenance space based on the access port on the tank. I watch a lot of unboxing, review, aquascaping, and stocking videos here on youtube and I have found yours to be one of a couple of the highest calibre. I appreciate you sharing your time with us all as well as your knowledge and passion for the hobby. Honestly, I was so excited to see a Fluval Flex video from you! I'll be curious to see update videos and further reviews of the Fluval Flex from you before I decide ultimately to purchase one. Thank you again!!

[@pecktec]

+damizza82 wow that's so. Ice! Thanks

[@pecktec]

+pecktec lol so.. nice.

[@damizza82]

oh you are most welcome! I also really enjoy your aqua scaping and I love the jungle in the 27 gallon cube I believe it is. In your updates that is one of my favourites and also the monte carlo carpeting in your kitchen Spec V. I'm curious to see how live plants do in the spec as when I get one I'd like to have live plants and try the monte carlo. It's been a few years since I've had an aquarium. I do have one question, with the ADA amazonian aqua soil is it the regular size or the smaller "powder" size recommended for nano tanks in your fluval Spec V? Thanks!!!

[@redwingblackbird8306]

I just went to World of Fish today, for the first time in years. I did not even know there were tiny tanks in this shape. Thanks for showing it off.

[@yungliem6031]

Just bought my Fluval Flex 34L today! Can’t wait to get this set up!

[@bycrooler1132]

Is it good?

[@CatS-te1hv]

"Bold, curved design - just like me!" I had to stop the video and just giggle. 😂

[@lelanidixon7941]

Cool new tank design, I'm looking for a new tank and this may work with the stand I just got. The stand was originally built to display art and is small by sturdy, so I think it will hold the 15 gallon - depending on dimensions. I love dragon stone - you just can't go wrong with it. My favorite line was "If you want to give your fish a seizure" exactly my thought when I saw it. The "Bold curve design" was pretty funny too. Great video!

[@angiekelly9382]

I just got this tank for Christmas off my partner for the side of my bed. You have done your tank so nicely. Thank you for sharing.

[@Avysaurus]

1. SOTD Poster =

[@connorwisowaty784]

such a new and cool tank design. wish i had the space for one.

[@krispewkreme4510]

Bold, curved design. Just like me. I'm sold. Looking into the Fluavl Flex. Eventually I'd like to set up 2 and do an aquarium bridge.

[@pecktec]

+Markywahlbarger wow that would be neat!

[@eugenebarthmallow8350]

With the cut out slot you could either grow bamboo or use it for co2! Awesome set up

[@rickborman3098]

Hiya!! I kept fish for 25 years in tanks up to 260 litres....but sort of drifted away from the hobby about 18 months ago.... However, the word "nano" intrigued me and although not technically nano, I have today bought the 57 litre flex based on your vid (and a couple of others) 😀. I just wanted to let you know that the tank is now fitted with two removable smaller opening grids that clip over the rather large channels in the flex! I am not 100% sure but I reckon the slits are narrow enough to keep most fry and Khuli loaches out!!! Now I am staring at my tank hoping the heater I have ordered arrives tomorrow so I can get it stabilised and begin cycling at the weekend!!!!

[@pecktec]

Yeah they started adding those a few months after this video. Coincidence??? Welcome back to the hobby and thanks for watching!

[@lelanidixon7941]

So, I have set mine up and waiting for it to clear, but really love it. My only complaint is how low the bottom vents are - engineering fail in my opinion. An inch or so higher would have really helped with aquascaping. My fix was to take a prefilter sponge (had one handy) cut off the end and then cut laterally. Opened and pressed against vents, attaching with black zip ties. Seems to work, but I just don't think it should have been necessary.

[@pecktec]

+Lelani Dixon yeah it seems like it should be a bit higher up to me.

[@jamesfletcher9268]

Lelani Dixon I agree...I'm too lazy to modify mine...so I'm fishing small ghost shrimp out of it till they get bigger.

[@dirtybaker]

I've been watching videos and looking at all the Fluval tanks since the Edge came out. Flex seems way easier to maintain. I am just concerned about the ease of cleaning and setting up which is why I have never got one. Thanks for your videos! I've watched a few now.

[@MrDanAng1]

I really like this tank, the only thing is I think the entire filter setup is stupid. It have potential though, and I'm really pleased with it since I had some modifications done. The most annoying thing with the default filter setup is that there is about 2L or half a gallon of filter volume, but about half a deciliter (1-2 oz) of biological media, so I cut up the spunge into smaller pieces, one for the bottom and one for the top and then I had place for biological media in about 2/3 of the space instead of the tiny little bag. But I also filled in the gaps in the wall to the inlets of the second chamber almost to the top so the water have to flow from top to bottom to get maximum time for the water to actually pass the filter media, not bypass it. I'm very pleased with how the filter turned out, it's a huge filter for such a small tank!

[@BreakerInc]

I'm about to get this tank, lol, and.. This is the first time I've enjoyed watching someone scape, very nice :O

[@pecktec]

Glad you like it!

[@rochelled1215]

I really appreciate your videos. You saved me from a bad purchase, then showed me a better one. Thank you

[@kasieleow9608]

I'm getting the black one from my sister's husband as a surprise gift I found out about today! And I absolutely love this aquarium! I don't have it yet but in few days they said I should have it. Which makes me excited. They are personally buying a nice stand for it on Amazon as well for it. And I know it's going to be absolutely gorgeous when fully setup. Love your video I'm a new subscriber and will start following you for this aquarium.

[@aarondavies8486]

Hi mate how is it going with your new tank I have just got the flex 123l they are amazing I would get yourself a filter basket for where the big sponge goes

[@ScottOSaurus]

I watched this as I set my fluval up on Christmas eve as well! Hoping mine turns out :-)

[@kirsten2858]

"Bold, curved design. Just like me." You got me there 😂😂😂

[@jeremywoodard7340]

Thanks, man for this video. I have been watching your channel for a while but this was the very first of your episodes that I watched. I just bought this tank for my bedroom. You've inspired me. I appreciate what you do!

[@flemishitalian]

''wauw that's interesting.. if you want to give your fish a seizure or something." LOL! I just purchased this aquarium myself and my first thought with the 'thunderstorm' function was indeed: ''Ok, but why?'' ..

[@MrTeddycozmik]

Thanks, just unboxed mine. Going from a 5gal Edge to this 15. I'd really like to add my Fluval Spec light in addition. Much appreciate your video!

[@RosiePosieBabie]

Ace video dude right on

[@pecktec]

Thanks Rose!

[@DJ_LittlePea]

I'm super jealous that tank looks great .... hope you had a great Christmas Day Sean 🎄😍

[@its_stone_henge7561]

Super awesome video, I just finished setting mine up!

[@dmichaelsfishden]

Another great vid! Can't wait to try this Flex out. Fluval's designers certainly have been spending extra time in the "think tank." Love your unboxings!

[@pecktec]

+dmichaels fish den thanks I think it's pretty cool.

[@Old.RedFox]

Thank you for highlighitng the dragon stone. I ordered some today!

[@pecktec]

You are so welcome!

[@ericematey6073]

Thanks for sharing. Just purchased the same tank today

[@FishDug]

Great video. We bought two Flex 15 aquariums from Amazon last week (No LFS carried the Flex). When they were delivered one of them contained two plastic 'auxiliary' filter port covers/grates that snap onto the existing filter inlet ports. These 'aux' grates have much narrower openings. I assume this is a 'new' feature of the Flex that will (should) become standard going forward.

[@pecktec]

+FishDug ha! That must be new.

[@malsearle]

first vid of yours ive seen , great job , whish i cud aquascape that easy

[@Cheeky-Wizard]

Just bought this tank and thanks for the tips on how to set it up. I don't think I'll be giving my fish the 'lightning treatment' but the nightlight idea sounds great. A really cool informative video :)

[@dangobycon5664]

Thanks for the video Sean, the Flex looks great and the Aquascape will be very interesting to see over the next few months.

[@pecktec]

+Dango Bycon thanks I have high hopes for this one.

[@TheWinger1008]

Very nice setup. Just picked mine up. You've give me some great ideas.

[@TropicalFishSuccess1]

Haha... "bold curved design.. just like me..." great video.

[@pecktec]

+Tropical Fish Success oh yeah!

[@cathyrobidoux9140]

I love how excited you are. Great video

[@Milquetoast702]

Thank you so much! Just got my Fluval Flex and I needed something effective but not complicated!!! Fingers crossed 🤞

[@pecktec]

Glad to help!

[@Derekl-k6u]

This tank is defiantly made for moding. the large back allows to add bigger more powerful equipment. (Saltwater) the only complaint is that they did not make a Light mod for a coral light. The lid it too low to really add to the lighting. great video and set up!

[@pecktec]

So later on I cut a pice of glass that fit the top and added a better light. It did great for a long time. The mega flex is even better though.

[@marthanewsome6375]

Use moss meshing and glue it on the inside of the sump where the wholes are, then add some more sponge in that area for extra filtration. That's what I did with all mine with sumps like that.

[@pecktec]

+Martha Newsome good ideas

[@GrimFelArt]

This tank is beautiful. Love the aquascape.

[@kg2nc]

Looks very nice I like the way you arranged the rocks. Merry Christmas to you and the family.

[@pecktec]

Merry Christmas to you!

[@GTO2710]

I have the 34ltr with embers and amanos and the lights I find are great my tank is so overgrown withing a few weeks of trimming back I love it. Thanks for the video man 👌

[@Alexandra-fw3qn]

Your comments are the best 😂 "if you want to give your fish a seizure"

[@MP112791]

Love this tank, wish they made it in 20 gallon though. Can't wait to get one!

[@pecktec]

+MP112791 maybe if it does well they will expand up.

[@ghoope3757]

i know this is 2 years old but they make it in 32.5 i think!

[@deanhampton1527]

Great vid! Wanted to make sure I did everything right. Looks great I'm excited to get mine going.

[@julieh0410]

Great video! It helped me decide to get this tank :) They have made the grates in the back smaller, so harder for anyone to go where they, are not supposed to go :) and love you channel, please keep up the good work :D ( sorry if there is a couple of spelling errors, english is not my first language)

[@yeldarbrellef]

Ice video. Thanks for sharing. One question, I just bought a 32.5 freshwater FLUVAL and the store said I can’t put plants in for about 4 weeks until I build up the bacteria? Any comments? Thanks.

[@pecktec]

You can. I always start as planted as possible. The pros do too.

[@juliusmoro261]

The opening on the top is for a (optional) Skimmer PS2 :))

[@APVRulez]

The tank looks awesome!

[@linaelvira]

Love your 'rinsing bucket'! :) genius idea ! Love those stones in the setup, looks amazing!

[@pecktec]

+linaelvira yeah I get the pickle buckets from a local deli for cheep so it seemed ideal for a huge colander.

[@Timbobjr]

Oh God, I want one of these aquariums so bad. I'm not sure how good the light would be for growing plants tho, I might have to add more led lights in the future if I got it

[@welshknight1456]

my plants grow like mad ,i'm always having to cut them back.

[@utdchris]

What type of heater do you have for your tank?

[@BearNecessitiesOfLife]

I have always enjoyed your unboxing and set up videos! Great job and awesome tank!

[@pecktec]

+Bear Necessities thanks! I wish they made more tanks. But I am running out of room.

[@frazzeldazzeldum]

We just got this tank today :)

[@acortez3195]

How do you like it? What's your setup?

[@tizok100]

you make the best aquatic reviews..

[@pecktec]

+Omar Alvarez thanks so much that's very nice of you!

[@planbnewssource8259]

Nice green chair. I've had like 3 of those all given to me by my or another persons grandma's.lol. I'm subscribing i dog it

[@barrelpower8751]

This aquarium looks so neat, do you know the pricing of the 15 gallon one I was looking to put a betta in it.

[@MrTeddycozmik]

$140.00

[@RaymondvanderWoning]

I just bought the 9 gallon tank and noticed it does not have the cutout on the rear of the lid. My big concern with this tank is the lack of replacement parts available through Hagen. If the light or its transformer fail you pretty much need to buy a second tank for spare parts. We have already had to buy a second Spec V for that reason. Not cool. I did see a guy selling a lid on eBay for $65 USD! We only paid $104 CAD for the entire kit. Filling the tank from the filter compartment is genius. We have 4 Spec tanks and never thought of that. Your videos are a great source of info. Thanks!

[@pecktec]

Well Im sure there is some sort of warranty in the short term. A bit longer out and they may offer replacement parts. Hopefully its not as problematic as the spec lights. I had to replace the older specs lights too. The new ones seem better so maybe there is hope.

[@RaymondvanderWoning]

We just got back from Petsmart with a replacement: they were good enough to open a box and give us a light and transformer. Got our Specs sorted! Now I have to scape and plant the Flex. I'm going to use your ideas to mod the filter housing as I'm planning to get tiny fish. Thinking about a small school of green-eyed rasboras.

[@pecktec]

Good deal! Those are pretty fish.

[@matmooNZ]

Another excellent video buddy! Merry Christmas too, hope you had/have a great Christmas day from New Zealand!

[@pecktec]

+Mat Dyer thanks so much! I totally want to visit! What are fish stores like there?

[@PancakeRiots]

after you filled it up and I saw the light I think you'd be able to grow a carpet in that tank. Maybe something like utricularia graminifolia. It's a short tank and 7500K LED's is good enough for a tank that size

[@Hunter-vz6ve]

I saw one of these setup in a fish store last week. It is lovely; prettier than my nano bow front. I gotta check prices.

[@allenreid8267]

For the fluval flex , what's the best way for preventing fry or shrimps from entering the holes for the filter?

[@MrTrollacious]

Only thing keeping me from buying this... maybe a black mesh or sponge?

[@Hummingbirdification]

didn't realise i would have to remove the whole lid /lights and plug and find somewhere near to balance it all Or take the plug from the 3 way extension. Hinges would make a whole lot of difference. I already have an edge, which so far is a better set up. Excellent flip up lid and heater /filter only taking over a corner ,so more useable tank space. But... I was drawn to the shape of the tank/stand and the lights... 🙂

[@Dovietail]

"Bold curve design...just like me!" I seriously laughed out loud, an unfortunate cackle that I'm ashamed of!

[@StephyNicole]

I love the look of this tank!

[@anthonyragan2696]

I dunno, Sean, I think you have a fine aquascape right as you left things at the end of the video: the rocks, substrate, and plants all worked together nicely, and I like the swimming area in the front. Runners will gradually fill that in, anyway, so no need to rush things along. Was it mostly crypts you put in this?

[@KGcichlids]

I love that look of the tank!

[@pecktec]

+KG cichlids me too

[@BronwenBudgets]

Merry Christmas pecktec! Another great video and will look forward to seeing progress updates. All the best for the new year, greetings from London :)

[@pecktec]

A happy Christmas to you! Thanks for spending some of it with me.

[@shortstuff1970]

Pecktec for this fish tank u need to do a video on how to clean it

[@AaronJonesMagic]

I love that tank! I hope it will be released in Japan.

[@pecktec]

+Aaron Jones hey Aaron! I want to see what the Japanese fish shops look like.

[@AaronJonesMagic]

pecktec Ok next time I go I will get some video for you! :)

[@MT-qf7nu]

Love ur videos got myself a flex 15 about 5 months ago got it established. However I want to completely redo it as a planted cardinal tetra tank. What do you think is the best rock and plants to use to get it looking similar to yours and the pic on the front of the box

[@ulinegron1831]

Thanks for the video and information planning get back to my fish 🐠 hobby again , one question what be proper size heater to fit in tank .thanks again

[@pvt_busdriver5454]

completely sold me! thanks for the throughoughough review ;)

[@toneloke5145]

Have you got any idea what the semi cutout square at the back left hand side is for, looks like you can cut it out and put a plant in but I'm not to sure, thanks

[@SugarcoatedChainsaw]

Would it be possible to remove the lights from the lid and to suspend them a different way? I want to get the 123L tank and adjust it for my turtle, so I’d kind of need an open lid

[@pecktec]

Sure I swapped my lid and light for other things eventually. I have a flex playlist if you want to see it’s whole life cycle.

[@pascal3899]

Great Job! Greetings from Berlin 🤘🏻

[@scottthomashipkiss]

I think the cut out in the lid and the big chamber in the back is for a protein skimmer

[@pecktec]

+scott Hipkiss yeah I was wondering if it was something for a salt water option they may be working on.

[@scottthomashipkiss]

pecktec I know the fluval evo has the same sort of design for the filtration and the lid has the same cut out. I think the flex would look cool as a mini reef of course the light would need upgrading

[@jonasjonasen5420]

happy xmas and keep a clean tank ...

[@Raniz88]

Is this a good start up set to begin with? Looking into start my first aquarium.

[@cowboyjoe2005]

Definitely some nice cushion for the...🤣👍

[@lelanidixon7941]

You're a bad influence on me. After watching this video, I checked on line and found the 15 gallon for $170.00, but before clicking 'buy', I checked my LFS and found it for only $150.00 Score! Fits my new stand perfectly. I unboxed it, really could have used the 'mega' and plan to 'scape it tomorrow.

[@GabrielHadarean]

I bought mine locally and paid $128 plus tax. They had the 9 gallon one for $99.

[@pecktec]

+Lelani Dixon lol muhahaha

[@MASSAquariums]

I might have to buy that tank. Very nice

[@pecktec]

+MASS Aquariums I think it's pretty cool.

[@pecktec]

Swap out or mod another light in there for bonus points and make a mini reef.

[@MASSAquariums]

I'm still waiting for you to go salty bro. Happy new year Sean

[@seanofto]

Great video. I do have the same tank… still learning on best practices. How did you add the filter floss? In the 2nd compartment, there is a sponge, media and charcoal… where did you add the floss?

[@pecktec]

I put it in the first compartment before the sponge filter.

[@MrHoney2U]

Looking forward to how this light works out. Was looking at one of these the other day.

[@jamesfletcher9268]

MrHoney2U I've had no problem getting plants to grow in mine

[@cat267]

I’m having problems with noise of the pump. It’s making the lid of my tank vibrate and the pump is loud in running. I made sure pump wasn’t touching the tank and I put a sponge under the pump. Is your pump loud? If so can you recommend a quiet pump for this tank?

[@kevywilliams3304]

Hate fluVal . But love your video ! Thanks for being so happy !!!

[@KisJPEG]

Merry Christmas, Sean!

[@pecktec]

Marry Christmas!

[@TheKiwibirder]

Love this tank! Definitely getting one! Thanks!

[@pattack7]

Not sure if you knew or not but fluval already came out with their evo line which is for salt water tanks

[@pecktec]

+pattack7 I've seen those but they are quite a different shape.

[@pattack7]

pecktec well honestly the evo line is pretty much the exact same as the spec..only difference is the lights and well it having black trim..honestly in my opinion if any one was to do a nano reef I just grab a spec and upgrade the lights and pump..or go with the 13g of the evo line...but back to the flex It's definitely different and honestly super nice with the bow going vertical instead of horizontal

[@pecktec]

pattack7 I think I might make spec moding my thing this year. I have some fun ideas for them. This thing is really visually dynamic and a lot of fun.

[@pattack7]

pecktec awesome! Today Saturday I am actually getting parts for upgrading my little evo..such as new pump to push water flow, and then a drop in media basket instead of the foam filter block and finally a little flow control shield that helps with skimming the tank better..the spec/evo are great little tanks but so much more can be done to them to make them that much better

[@rosemaryknowles7225]

Do you need a airation system to go alang with fluval system. Do i need to have more bubbles