Mega Flex: Planted

Today we finally get some plants in the 32 gallons 123L Fluval Flex. The Mega Flex has been a great deal of fun to set up and I look forward to watching this tank come together.
Kickstands
www.etsy.com/l...
Heres some stuff I like to use on my amazon list. Check it out if you do shop on here it helps me directly. But no pressure if you don’t want it don’t buy it. It’s still a good source for info if you are curious.
www.amazon.com...
Pecktec shirts? Why yes it's a fun way to help out and a cool shirt.
teespring.com/...
If you buy a shirt I wanna’ see you in it! Send a photo I’ll put you on a video!
Find me online here:
Facebook: www.facebook.c...
Twitter: @Pecktec101
instagram: / pecktec
Bumper music by Jayme Gutierrez / jaymegutierrez
Business inquiries and collaborations welcome. Write [e-mail] with collaborate in the subject line.

[@dawndare3949]

Peteck is the very first source I look to, for info regarding Fluval. You rock!

[@kathleensauerbrei5199]

Thank you, I have often wondered if you would ever get close enough to show the paintings you have on your walls because from far they always look so intriguing to me. They are beautiful and as an artist I have to say they are extremely well done and congratulations to your daughter for her I artistic ability ability. Your family is very very talented. Now fish talk. I have learned almost everything I know about the small planted tanks from you. The fact that you talk like a beginner , To those of us who are just learning, (with your extensive knowledge) Is so helpful to us that I’m still on the learning curve. So many people speak about their tanks with incredible knowledge but what they know and what they do and what they use is way above the average beginners head. I am so glad you’re back thank you for the videos please keep it up. We need you.

[@milogger7556]

Looking great! We are started week 3 of everything planted. Added 12 CPDs and 6 Armanos. There were 12 Cherry added last week. Everyone is doing well. We planted using full ADA substrate system and used Amazonia Light. Only had ammonia for the 1st week. Now nothing. This was a completely new tank with nothing to seed with. Using Seachem Stability to help and only the sponge and ceramic media that came with the tank. It's so cool watching yours progress and you've helped us so much! Thanks!

[@darrylmoore5847]

Holly and your Mother are extremely talented. Oh the tank is looking great too.

[@annalee7403]

I love the art, and the plants, and your channel. You are blessed.

[@dawndare3949]

I love your scape. Wonderful way you draw the eye. So artistic!

[@MusingsFromTheDen]

I really love this scape. 😊 I love the artwork too! I think the dark walls really make the colours stand out. 😊

[@plcc07777]

What a gorgeous tank !!! I really enjoyed this video, but I must confess that I'm waiting with bated breath for your break dance video. Please post it ASAP.

[@twunderaquatics1770]

I have a 15 gallon flex planted of course. It is doing great! Bought a kick stand. Thanks so much!

[@jrob8071]

A. Love the Mega. Great scape! B. I enjoy your tee shirts! C. Love the artwork! It’s always nice when people decorate with things they or loved ones have made.

[@riverclay79]

Haha! A breakdown break dance video, now that's a video we all need to see! Great video, scape, and artwork!

[@FishForThought]

Love the hardscape. Amazing work

[@denisepollitt1021]

Beautiful! The lids on these things definitely drive me screaming up the wall! I have two 15's, and the water dripping everywhere, everytime I so much as raise the lid an inch, is a complete pain in the arse! Also the water runs down along the 3 cables that are fed through the hole at the back. I have drip loops but still end up with water where I definitely don't want it. I love these tanks, but I HATE the bloody lids, haha!

[@gedheaton1415]

Another great video Peckz, I'm hooked thank you for taking the time to help others mate, A1 from the UK, Your artwork is awesome big chuck up to all.

[@pecktec]

Thanks a bunch!

[@Kaddith]

Great looking tank! Also, absolutely love how talented your family is. The art was beautiful.

[@Gunkaleh]

Love the artwork. A very talented family.

[@nolasdollsandaquatics9386]

It's looking good...nice and full of plants.

[@nancyware7282]

A Betta sorority would look great in there!! Beautiful tank, Sean. And as long as you are doing -something - with the water besides pouring it down the sink, you're not "wasting" it.

[@dominicremaro8687]

That tank looks gorgeous in my opinion. You did a great job with the plants on the woodwork. I’m setting up a 40 breeder soon and will be using this Aquascape as a template. Love it. I can’t find wood like that though it’s been rough finding the right ones I want. Yours is EXACTLY what I am going for.

[@SequoiaElisabeth]

Thanks for the explanation of using the 210 water, it makes sense. I love the Parva! Remember it likes harder water as do most crypts, though they seem to adapt well to most any water.

[@pecktec]

Ahh I didn’t know that about the harder water but that makes so much sense. Thank you! I’ve just started experimenting with crushed coral. Maybe adding that will help. It’s done cool things for my tank at work.

[@deancornett4432]

Great looking tank Getting one this fall. I use a 200 lumen headlamp to work on my 16 gallon flex. Works well and only $15.

[@vampgaia]

The new tank is looking great! I really want one now!

[@dawndare3949]

Oh my such talented artists!

[@davidadkins8805]

Makes sense to me putting water in the new tank to clean up the excess, from the 210. So really you’re only taking water from the tap to refill the 210 and the other water goes to pond. People don’t feel like you need to address these folks all the time because they will find something else to be upset about. Looks great.

[@dk73938]

Been enjoying your flex updates and have just got a megaflex set up myself. The only issue is the pump has a loud buzzing noise to the point where its unuseable in my lounge. Have tried a few things to quieten it but no luck. Can you confirm if this buzzing is normal? Or are my expections to high? Also noticed the instructions show the pump having suction cups but it actually came with feet. Appreciate any response.

[@pecktec]

I would say no. I can sit right next to it and have never noticed a sound. I would check the impeller to make sure it isn't warped or something weird.

[@IFIXCASTLES]

Looks great! Now to maintain that beauty.

[@pecktec]

That’s the trick right. When I set one up I think. Well this is the cleanest this tank will ever look.

[@sal9842]

I love that Fluval tank .. I couldn’t wait to see how you scape it and of course you did a great job . All ur tank are so nice looking . Your videos inspire me , I want a fluval 32 so bad ... keep up the great job can’t wait to see your next one 😁

[@jackadair6225]

All of the artwork you showed at the end is amazing, especially the painting of Kerrigan. Love the scape in the mega flex as well, and can’t wait to see what becomes of it down the road! Also good luck with learning how to breakdance lol

[@joefav76]

Another great video Sean! Perhaps next week we can watch a vid of you break dancing?👍

[@jimmysirlonewolflauritsen1831]

Looking great. I added Crypt. parva to my latest tank a couple of months ago, and I'm loving it. Before that I didn't know of the Crypt. parva. I really love that Fluval includes a controllable light right out of the box, and the feature to add a second light if needed. Now they just have to make medium to big sized tanks with a straight front ;O) Wow, those paintings are beautiful. Holly really is talented and your mother too. Thanks for all the videos, Sean.

[@pecktec]

They had bigger tanks a while back. I wish had huge “kit” ones like this.

[@jimmysirlonewolflauritsen1831]

@@pecktec Me too. I would buy one right away, and worry later about where to put it :-P

[@MississippiKitten]

Buying the kickstands right now--thank you!

[@heave4744]

Where did you buy kickstands for lid?

[@MississippiKitten]

@@heave4744 - www.etsy.com/listing/678312387/fluval-flex-hood-props-covers-15gal-rear?ref=hp_rv-1

[@GrowingInterest]

Very cool build, will grow in nicely :) next week we want to see some moves :D

[@beta5770]

Just got the 9 gallon tank. Can't wait!

[@thelastdragon5551]

The presentation is strong with this one.

[@ericj1500]

Thanks for sharing your time with us i enjoy your videos brother. The tank looks awesome as well, guess i am officially planning a new tank as well.

[@jodymarty3179]

Love your channel and videos. I need your advice. I have many successful planted tanks. But I am struggling with my 220gallon discus tank. I assume because of the high water temp for the discus. Any advice for warm water plants?

[@robertnixon449]

Jody Marty java fern maybe?

[@fishlover9353]

Like the touch of humor 👍

[@EyeoftheWhiteWolf]

Looks awesome! I had planted some crypt parva in one of my tanks a while back. I thought most of it had died but when I broke that tank down recently, I was surprised that I had so much parva! Dang, I need to step my art game up! Your wife & mom are really talented! That inspires me to have more personalized art in my home. Lol at the break dancing. Good luck! I hope you don't actually break something! :p

[@pecktec]

I’d probably lose a hip. :)

[@abhijitvengurlekar6617]

Awesome video as always Sir. The bloopers at the end haha funny but also shows that it's not as easy as it looks to speak on camera, thank you for all your efforts towards making this channel and the videos for us. Love them. ^_^

[@keith.morgan]

You killed me with the breakdance lessons at the end! Can’t wait to see the results next video... Oh and btw great tank! Lol

[@Evil_Genius_888]

Looks sweet! I’m trying cryp parva in my 45 gal for the first time. High light and CO2, but with inert substrate. Hopefully I don’t just kill it. The artwork is very cool!

[@allipatton84]

You're so talented! That tank looks beautiful. I hope the next video intro is you in an 80s outfit showing off your breakdancing skills.

[@joehalbop1928]

Now that would be worth watching...x

[@richardwhite3521]

100% not learning to break dance. I’m learning to crypt walk instead. 😂 I appreciate your coverage on the flex series. I have two 15s and have recently set up the 32 with Congo tetra and praecox Rainbows. They really are incredible freshwater tanks. I wouldn’t do a saltwater without a sump. But for freshwater, the flex series is incredible for smaller fish.

[@davidprince4144]

What dimension is the back piece to the glass? I am looking to get this tank for 2 goldfish. However; I am concerned that part of the tank is going to be too narrow. I have looked for the dimensions but they are not posted anywhere! Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[@richardportelli1983]

looks awesome, some buce would look good in there also.

[@CaylorsReptilesAquatics]

Very nice style, vlog, but yet tutorial. Nice outcome. Guessing someone has been to McKay's and purchased that vinyl. Thanks Sean!

[@pecktec]

Yeah my daughter was there this week. :)

[@EpicConspiracy]

Where did you get the wood in that tank?

[@timavison7395]

Hi I have just set up a planted mega flex too in the uk. If you like to see some photos just let me know I will send them across. I love the mega flex and most of Fluvals equipment. I got mine in white which really shows off the plants. It’s only 3 weeks into the flex but looks amazing already. Yours looks amazing too can’t wait to see it develop in time. Keep on fishing x

[@pecktec]

My email is at the bottom of the description. Or send in Facebook if you want. I’d love to see what you did.

[@timavison7395]

Thanks for the response I have sent you an email with some photos in Thanks Tim

[@AndyP126]

I want one of these now.

[@Hunter-vz6ve]

TFS a great vlog; great tank work, art, making sure to keep your wife happy, but the break dancing?! You will risk less by trying some hip hop 😉...lol. Either way; break a leg, but NOT really.🤸🤸

[@loolieloft14]

What's the pump noise like compared to the flex 57? My 57 is a bit noisy. Some very talented people in your home 💜

[@sunnycal2293]

Thank you so much for showing your wall art. I appreciate it for I was so curious. It's all gorgeous. Your Mom, Holly, and you are extremely talented. Is Holly your wife? Love how you scaped your new tank here too. Hardscape looks great. Edit:. You should see if your Mom or Holly would paint a shrimp. Blue or Cherry! I bet it would look spectacular and very detailed 🤩

[@edwardpinner]

Great update. Any moss going on the wood?

[@pecktec]

I’m over moss at the moment. :)

[@joshdean2376]

Hi pecktec love your vids! I'm going to be purchasing this soon. Think my plants will be easy to medium growers in a good substrate. But wondering is the second light really necessary? I understand each one is only 21 watt which is quite low for a tank this size! Thanks!

[@pecktec]

I do for plants. But I didn’t try it so it may be ok for the low light friendly ones.

[@joshdean2376]

@@pecktec Brill. Cant wait for an update!

[@jpbsc2009]

Should have known you had art in your blood. I too am cursed, or blessed that way. Not sure which it is. I do enjoy your channel. It seems to project your personality which is nice to know is here.

[@justbaquatics2512]

The art of planted.... Keep tanking

[@FullMoonAquatics]

Other creators in the family as well. Beautiful artwork. When did you spend time with horses? I recognize those sounds in your last blooper clip.

[@pecktec]

My Dad raised them for a while.

[@FullMoonAquatics]

Ah hah! Awesome. Well, you are in KY. I’m in TX, been around them myself a few times. 😉 Thanks for the response. Your tanks are really looking good. Crypt Vesuvius is going to take over the world. It’s become one of my favorites too.

[@joehalbop1928]

Howdy our big Sean. Another great vid. Sean, do you ever play the guitars on your wall? Id love to see that. Good or bad..dont matter..lots love from Scotland...Joe

[@peetos-chan2835]

Why did you decide to run 2 aquasky instead of the one that comes with it?

[@dawndare3949]

Where did you get the kickstands???

[@viniciusfurtado1768]

Beautiful tank and great clean aquascape (as always). I have one question: what is the plant that you have planted on the left of your tank? Is this the “Contortion Vallisneria” or “Asiatica Vals”. Should it be suitable for my Fluval Spec 16g? Thank you!

[@pecktec]

That is a sword plant. Vesuvius sword. Like the volcano.

[@bobbyboyd72]

On this tank...what light, if any do you use overnight? Also for plant growth can you get away with one led strip only?

[@pecktec]

I do the no light at nighttime thing.

[@TheLilHoshi]

Pecktec can you grow high light plants with just one aquasky or do you need two in the megaflex? I keep a lot of highlight plants and am upgrading from the flex 15 and wanted to know if I needed to add the extra light or not. Thanks.

[@pecktec]

I would go with two.

[@TheLilHoshi]

I just picked up my second at work yesterday installed it last night I'm super excited

[@wcdunn]

If you were going to add CO2 to this tank, would you put the bubbler in the back center chamber where the heater goes, or would that cause it not to distribute throughout the water very well?

[@pecktec]

That could work the main goal is for it to dissolve into the water as much as you can. So if it gets into the water there before it’s sent around the tank it will work fine.

[@wcdunn]

@@pecktec Thanks!

[@randomtechpriest8460]

Simply glorious

[@malcolmmaughan6697]

Great information!

[@amandathorn5275]

What black sand brand are you using?

[@pecktec]

Thats ADA Aquasoil. The video before this one will give you more info on it. I have a mix in there.

[@davidreid9973]

Where did you get the kick stands from? I really need those.

[@pecktec]

Etsy I have a link in this description or maybe the video befor this one.

[@klaasbeerens8714]

Hi mr Pecktec, greetings from Holland. I've just subscribed to your channel. Love the video's. I've got a special interest in your mega flex video’s because I just bought one last week and I’m starting it up. I’m going to buy the kickstands soon because they look better than the carpenters folding ruler I use now  I’m scrolling to your video’s and I was wondering if you have any mods done to the mega flex? For example did you alter the intake with filter foam to prevent shrimps and small fish to go in? Or do you have an alternative solution? Like to know if you have any mods. Keep up the good video’s and kind regards from Holland!

[@pecktec]

Not yet there is a lot more space in this one. I don't think my shrimp are in and real danger. The way this one is set up seems a lot less likely to trap a fish in there. Im still kind of feeling it out though. I have baby fish and shrimp in there as we speak. When I do its update I'll be sure to speak on it.

[@klaasbeerens8714]

@@pecktec that's true. There's a lot more spade behind there. It's also not really easy to stuff it with filter foam. I'll give it a go without. Thank you for your reply.

[@ardscorner]

Quality.....Pectec 2 is Electric Boogaloo

[@theedapperdad8208]

What second light do you recommend adding?

[@pecktec]

So it comes with one but it has room for two. Probably the easiest thing is to get a second one. It’s special made for this tank. So you will need to search out the part number. These lights are great though. Some of the best I’ve had.

[@theedapperdad8208]

@@pecktec looks like there are several options. Curious as to the one you added.

[@gerritmedina4498]

Fluval meglaflex 123l is compatible with fluval plant 3.0 32w and 46w?

[@pecktec]

It actually has its own special light. But mechanically it’s the same.

[@triple10tanks10]

Love the scape

[@tv4184]

It’s funny cuz usually with Amazonia the theory is to do daily water changes for a week then every other day for second week and can space it further apart as u progress...probably not as bad since you didn’t use the powersand

[@chrisshaw9328]

Buy large media bags an fill them with bulky media and put I in the chamber over the pump or where ever I like to use the flex filters as sumps

[@elitediamondgamming34]

You should definitely add a number of scarlet badis!

[@MrTerryTurtle]

i am new to your channel i have the flunal flex 57 litre when i do my water change should i clean the media in the water i have taken out of the tank

[@pecktec]

Yes that’s the easiest way to make sure you don’t lose a lot of beneficial bacteria. Try to do it before the water gets too messy. And don’t do it all the time. Once a month is normally ok.

[@charlesw.3245]

We'll be waiting on the breakdancing 101 video. Will it be on here or the Pectec Gaming channel? 🕺🎶

[@jeromehorn7333]

this may be your best scape yet! Love it!

[@3056398]

Would you ever keep freshwater Angelfish?

[@pecktec]

Sure I’ve kept them a long time ago. Mine tended to fight. I may do it again latter.

[@dawndare3949]

Can I order the kickstands from you? Got to have them!

[@pecktec]

Link in the description.

[@heave4744]

What is that kickstand for lid and where can I find it?

[@pecktec]

Etsey I have a link in one of the mega flex videos. But I think just one fellow Is selling them.

[@deroolukas3572]

Yow . Finally have your t-shirt hier in Belgium . Representing packtec europe . Greetings

[@pecktec]

De Roo Lukas YES! Send a photo I’ll put you on the show. :)

[@deroolukas3572]

How do you do that ?

[@deroolukas3572]

Hai send it true facebook normally

[@pecktec]

That works for me or my email at the bottom of the description. Thanks!!

[@alistairstalker8715]

Hi do you use two aquasky 21w lights ? Thanks

[@pecktec]

Yes I have the two lights. The ones it uses are made specifically for this tank.

[@Ncbuechler]

Pecktec, you mentioned Amazonia, but what’s your go to substrate for a planted tank? Hope that break dancing worked out for you! 😉

[@pecktec]

I use Fluorite and some type of soil substrate (most very similar) in my most successful tanks. I almost never do it the same way twice. In this one I added crushed coral.

[@Ncbuechler]

@@pecktec Thank you! Is that Flourite sand or Flourite clay gravel? It looks small and I see both on Amazon.

[@squeethesane]

Kraken rum... yummy.

[@rafaelapena4701]

Hello..i need help...how you get rid of the little spagettis worms..they live in the substrate really tiny and white..i have guppys and maybe eat one or two ,but in the substrate are like millions and millions..pleaseeee help me

[@pecktec]

Over feeding can bring them on. They actually won’t hurt your fish. I found that my Cory cats will eat them up.

[@zoodoosnear]

Anyone know what size aquasky light you need for this aquarium?

[@pecktec]

It’s a special one made for that tank.

[@jaredpulley8593]

Do you use co2.

[@pecktec]

Only in one tank right now. Check out the update from a few weeks ago for the full rundown.

[@thenaturecreater8906]

A littel mose on manazanita Wood hade sett it off 😉

[@pecktec]

After the into the woods tank I got sick of moss.

[@thenaturecreater8906]

With all these tanks you have. i understand its much work keeping it prestin 😯

[@C172Pilotdude]

Tank size ?

[@pecktec]

It’s 32 gallons or 123 L

[@chrisscoggins8998]

Red would still grow things. Plants actually need dark to rest.

[@pecktec]

Yeah lots of grow lights are red or pinkish.

[@liberalsandblowjobs]

fish food itself will turn into ammonia as it rots so you can you that to start the cycle without fish.

[@pecktec]

It goes to far though. Makes algae fast. I’ve done that a few times and it works ok. Just more work. Not that I know for sure how this will go. Just trying something else.

[@liberalsandblowjobs]

@@pecktec huh, i never heard that. i'll try it your way next time, i could always use less algae. keep up the awesome channel!

[@lotusmantis9152]

Could anyone that owns the flex 123 tell me how many inches of space the filter area at the back takes up? Thanks

[@pecktec]

Like all of it? That would be tricky because it slopes a bit. Or the sponge parts? Or the space between them?

[@lotusmantis9152]

@@pecktec just how much it impacts the depth of the tank as it says 40cm but I need to know how many centimetres are lost due to filter area. Thanks

[@pecktec]

Ok remember it slopes on both sides. But this is the whole filer area. At the widest point I count 48cm. At the narrowest it is 40cm. And 9 cm deep.

[@lotusmantis9152]

@@pecktec that's great, thank you for letting me know!

[@lotusmantis9152]

@@pecktec I got the tank, its brilliant, do you have any tips how to slow the flow into the filter part? I've put sponge on the outflow parts, but current at bottom is a bit strong.

[@KKLemonade]

First comment that isn’t an emoji! Does that count?

[@myusernameisthisduh]

no

[@hangdogdaddy38]

I know this is an old video but a two inch by four inch long piece of black flex seal tape on each corner makes a great hinge for the top. Very durable stuff.

[@pecktec]

Neat idea! I eventually found some cool 3D printed kickstands I use nowadays.