This video might be four years old, but it was very helpful. I hadn't thought of not using the charcoal for a planted aquarium, nor engaging the suction cups, nor putting the heater in the pump compartment. Thanks for sharing those ideas.
I just got Flex 15 for my wife. We love it. The look, filtration, and options for bio and additional form for polishing. So hooked we are getting a Flex 32.5 next.
@@KGTropicals Feel like the best they can do is stop labeling it like that. It's obviously going to be jostled and shaken in shipping/packing/storage/stocking/etc. There's no way the substrate doesn't shake around and get dusty all over again.
I used JUN platinum soil for my fluval flex restart, no dust no mudy water at all.Second day i could add fish with no problems, this video lacks of knowledge of substrates,aquarium itself is amazing, ordered second fluval flex.
I have 2 Fluval Flexes now. I purchased a 15 gallon a few weeks ago, it’s not set up yet as my new betta is still in quarantine. Yesterday, I realized I have baby fish in another tank, and as I was moving a 5 gallon tank to set it up for them, I dropped and broke it. I purchased a 9 gallon Flex and decided to set it on my nightstand. After setting it up, I realized it was SILENT!!! I love this thing. Excited to get the 15 gallon set up, but I still need to paint the room it’s going into. That’s going to the top of my to do list. :)
Just set my flex 15 up with stratum substrate and had the same issue even after rinsing alot. Couple hours in I added a bunch of filter floss into first overflow area and it cleared up by morning. Loving the tank so far.
I am waiting for 9 gallon fluval delivery and ran across this very humble video! I love the compact compartments for easy set up & sleek look. Hi Carl, bet your a fun little visitor🐾🐾
THANK YOU so much for this video!! I'm very much a beginner (Also watched your beginner videos lol) and am thinking about getting this tank and planting. Trying to do all the research before diving in. :D
i have used floramax. i have never washed it. never had my water cloud up like that. just put a dish in the tank to disperse the water as i added it. tank got a little cloudy, but not like that. great video John. cant wait to see the finish of the tank, and the fish you choose to place in there.
polyester fiber would have cleaned it more effectively the first compartment has plenty of room for it I've used in all my tanks and it keeps things crystal clear and gets rid or cloudiness almost over night with out much effort.
I know this is an old video. But my Fluval stratum substrate was messy even though I rinsed it. But the filter clears it up super quick thankfully. I was worried too haha
KGTropicals I used that first big compartment and filled it with filter floss (just a big handful) and threw in some chemipure green next to the pump. But you can wait it out too no big deal.
Cool new tank. I have a fluval spec v. It uses the same filter system. You mentioned you don't want to use the cart on since it is a planted tank. Why is that?
I know this is a old video , but wanted to know your thoughts on using this setup for saltwater. I've seen a few videos of ppl using with with saltwater, but nothing on if anything needed to be changed out to make it work . If not can you refer a nano tank I should look into that will work great. Thanks for your time
Hi John ! First off I love your videos, I learned a lot from them since I'm new to the hobby. I have a fluval flex 15 gallon as well and I was wondering what is the heater you are using with it ? I can't find it in the video description. Thanks in advance !
I love how clean of a look/setup that the flex gives Looking hard at the flex 15g or try and find a bare 20 long and pick all the parts for a planted tank. Love to do bigger but I will need tp move the set up in a few months if i buy it soon
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?
But that doesn't solve the problem of not rinsing the substrate through to get rid of all the dust before putting it in the tank . What you suggest is fine to avoid further disturbing the cleaned substrate .
You mentioned before you will be keeping shrimp, have you done anything with the rear vents because they seem to be too big and your shrimp will soon disappear into the back.
hi have you tried API water cleaner I use it its very good I have a fluval flex I put a log in mine I should of put in a bucket for a few week to get rid of the tanning then my tank looked like yours but the API did the job it cleaned the water you just put in one or two drops per gallon I really recommend it its about £3.95 that's three pounds and ninety five pence in united kingdom pound sterling only thing I have in my flex is these white worms Swimming about I don't think they do any harm I have no fish in it yet its going through a fishless cycle my substrate is a German one its a 6 in one then topped of with fine black gravel my plants are coming on ok up to now it's a nice tank only thing I don't like is when you take your lid off and get water every where that's the only small fault I am thinking of getting the bigger model as mine is only 34L cheers happy fish keeping
Setting up my Flex as we speak, this was a big help in figuring out what position that plumbing goes in. Would you recommend an additional air stone in this for some dwarf frogs, snails, neon tertras, and cherry shrimp? Or is the plumbing enough?
Carbon can filter out fertilizers you give your plants sometimes. Liquid ferts especially will be filtered right out by carbon. If you don't need to dose your plants though, use carbon, it won't hurt them!
Does anyone else that has this tank have really bad silicone ? I mean I just got mine today and the silicone is so uneven and on one corner it doesn't even go all the way to the top, it just stops about half an inch short! Wtf is this normal?
Mm that's so strange. I had the 15 gal flex tank and since my tank was still full of water, I just dump everything in the tank and only darken the tank for 20min and after that it is all good and super clear. My fish are happy with this
Good setup BUT the flow of the return nozzle is too strong and moves the substrate around. Light didn’t work, got another light and it didn’t work either. Hopefully the supplier will get it sorted as it’s meant to be a planted tank.
If you add substrate to a tank like this and plant it, it makes life easier to add the water slowly to the rear of the tank and keeps disruption to a minimum, I think its a terrible waste of water how this guy sorted his out.
i am wanting to change my substrate to something more fish and plant friendly my tank i keep as a quotient tank is a 10 gallon do you think it would be OK to use this during the substrate change and how long would it be ok to leave them in there for why the tank is cycling my fish include two nitrite snails 5 neon tetras 2 cories two glass tetras a 1 black molly and some gost shrimp all of my fish or 1 inc sept the molly shes a little over 2 inc
Just a few hours running the watter?? You waist a lot of water, you know how many gallons you waste? It will be easy if you just rinse the susbtrate with the same water in the aquarium and then ad new water
I know it's been a while since this was posted, but I have a couple of questions while I'm waiting for my flex 57 to be delivered. Did you use the fluval M series heater or will any heater fit the compartment? Roughly how much substrate did you use?
hi have you tried API water cleaner I use it its very good I have a fluval flex I put a log in mine I should of put in a bucket for a few week to get rid of the tanning then my tank looked like yours but the API did the job it cleaned the water you just put in one or two drops per gallon I really recommend it its about £3.95 that's three pounds and ninety five pence in united kingdom pound sterling only thing I have in my flex is these white worms Swimming about I don't think they do any harm I have no fish in it yet its going through a fishless cycle my substrate is a German one its a 6 in one then topped of with fine black gravel my plants are coming on ok up to now it's a nice tank only thing I don't like is when you take your lid off and get water every where that's the only small fault I am thinking of getting the bigger model as mine is only 34L cheers happy fish keeping
This video might be four years old, but it was very helpful. I hadn't thought of not using the charcoal for a planted aquarium, nor engaging the suction cups, nor putting the heater in the pump compartment. Thanks for sharing those ideas.
I just got Flex 15 for my wife. We love it. The look, filtration, and options for bio and additional form for polishing. So hooked we are getting a Flex 32.5 next.
As much as these companies are charging for sand and gravel you'd really think they would have the decency to pre-rinse it before packaging
The funny thing is the bag says "pre-rinsed and requires minimal rinsing" lol. Soooooooo not true!!!
@@KGTropicals Feel like the best they can do is stop labeling it like that. It's obviously going to be jostled and shaken in shipping/packing/storage/stocking/etc. There's no way the substrate doesn't shake around and get dusty all over again.
Even if they rinse it, it might be a year before you buy it.
I used JUN platinum soil for my fluval flex restart, no dust no mudy water at all.Second day i could add fish with no problems, this video lacks of knowledge of substrates,aquarium itself is amazing, ordered second fluval flex.
I have 2 Fluval Flexes now. I purchased a 15 gallon a few weeks ago, it’s not set up yet as my new betta is still in quarantine. Yesterday, I realized I have baby fish in another tank, and as I was moving a 5 gallon tank to set it up for them, I dropped and broke it. I purchased a 9 gallon Flex and decided to set it on my nightstand. After setting it up, I realized it was SILENT!!! I love this thing. Excited to get the 15 gallon set up, but I still need to paint the room it’s going into. That’s going to the top of my to do list. :)
Just set my flex 15 up with stratum substrate and had the same issue even after rinsing alot. Couple hours in I added a bunch of filter floss into first overflow area and it cleared up by morning. Loving the tank so far.
I'm probably a bit late, but scaping and planting is easiest when the water level is only at or slightly above the substrate.
I am waiting for 9 gallon fluval delivery and ran across this very humble video! I love the compact compartments for easy set up & sleek look.
Hi Carl, bet your a fun little visitor🐾🐾
Great review, thank you for providing it. That Carl looks like he's a bit of a character.
Gotta love Carl💕
THANK YOU so much for this video!! I'm very much a beginner (Also watched your beginner videos lol) and am thinking about getting this tank and planting. Trying to do all the research before diving in. :D
i have used floramax. i have never washed it. never had my water cloud up like that. just put a dish in the tank to disperse the water as i added it. tank got a little cloudy, but not like that. great video John. cant wait to see the finish of the tank, and the fish you choose to place in there.
polyester fiber would have cleaned it more effectively the first compartment has plenty of room for it I've used in all my tanks and it keeps things crystal clear and gets rid or cloudiness almost over night with out much effort.
I know this is an old video. But my Fluval stratum substrate was messy even though I rinsed it. But the filter clears it up super quick thankfully. I was worried too haha
No worries I've mud clouded more than a few tanks the same way. :)
I'm so jealous of how clear yours is. I guess it's easy to tell the difference between a pro and an amateur lol
KGTropicals I used that first big compartment and filled it with filter floss (just a big handful) and threw in some chemipure green next to the pump. But you can wait it out too no big deal.
pecktec same here...took a week for my 125 to settle.
Cool new tank. I have a fluval spec v. It uses the same filter system. You mentioned you don't want to use the cart on since it is a planted tank. Why is that?
EVERYONE has done this before and if they say they haven't they are LYING
I know this is a old video , but wanted to know your thoughts on using this setup for saltwater. I've seen a few videos of ppl using with with saltwater, but nothing on if anything needed to be changed out to make it work . If not can you refer a nano tank I should look into that will work great. Thanks for your time
Hi John ! First off I love your videos, I learned a lot from them since I'm new to the hobby. I have a fluval flex 15 gallon as well and I was wondering what is the heater you are using with it ? I can't find it in the video description. Thanks in advance !
that is how I always rinse my substrate, in tank with water in and water out. nice video John, so far I'm liking the fluval flex.
Thanks Phil!
Smart on running the two hoses to clear it up! I'll make sure to rinse that stuff if I decide to get it lol thanks for showing us brother!
I love how clean of a look/setup that the flex gives
Looking hard at the flex 15g or try and find a bare 20 long and pick all the parts for a planted tank.
Love to do bigger but I will need tp move the set up in a few months if i buy it soon
I appreciate the voice over.
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?
I'm pretty sure purigen does a great job of taking out the cloudiness!
Neat stuff.....love humble people....great vid
you could have put a plastic bag over the substrate and then poured the water on the bag...
But that doesn't solve the problem of not rinsing the substrate through to get rid of all the dust before putting it in the tank . What you suggest is fine to avoid further disturbing the cleaned substrate .
You mentioned before you will be keeping shrimp, have you done anything with the rear vents because they seem to be too big and your shrimp will soon disappear into the back.
Any idea on how to add filter floss on this tank bro ??? I’m in need of polishing my water in my flex
Is the pump replaceable? I'd be concerned about it dying and not being able to get one that matches.
what is the seawater tank next to it called as I like the look of it more.
Never mind found it on your channel (Fluval Evo 10531)
Fluval Evo?
Plan on getting this for a pea puffer setup. Can't wait.
Any suggestions on what to use over the inflow holes if you want to use the tank for fish breeding ?
hi have you tried API water cleaner I use it its very good I have a fluval flex I put a log in mine I should of put in a bucket for a few week to get rid of the tanning then my tank looked like yours but the API did the job it cleaned the water you just put in one or two drops per gallon I really recommend it its about £3.95 that's three pounds and ninety five pence in united kingdom pound sterling only thing I have in my flex is these white worms Swimming about I don't think they do any harm I have no fish in it yet its going through a fishless cycle my substrate is a German one its a 6 in one then topped of with fine black gravel my plants are coming on ok up to now it's a nice tank only thing I don't like is when you take your lid off and get water every where that's the only small fault I am thinking of getting the bigger model as mine is only 34L cheers happy fish keeping
Setting up my Flex as we speak, this was a big help in figuring out what position that plumbing goes in. Would you recommend an additional air stone in this for some dwarf frogs, snails, neon tertras, and cherry shrimp? Or is the plumbing enough?
Why not the carbon for planted tanks? Glad I watched this before my set up
you made a comment about not using carbon with plants, can I ask why? thanks
Carbon can filter out fertilizers you give your plants sometimes. Liquid ferts especially will be filtered right out by carbon. If you don't need to dose your plants though, use carbon, it won't hurt them!
is there an alternative filter media to the mechanical filter you can recommend or do you HAVE to buy the fluval replacement?
Ryin88 Nah.. a stocking with your own media is fine.
How come you don't use the carbon for planted tanks? Does it harm the plants?
I am really enjoying this series!
@kgtropicals is it ok to buy a filter that hangs off the tank and use instead of the built in one?
i love this! im so happy with my fluval 9 gallon for my betta! I tried to make a few videos but HAHA
What's the tank you have next to the fluval flex?
Awesome video John, I might just have to go pick up a flex for myself 👍🏼
You should, it's awesome! Hopefully Fluval sees this comment lol
How often do you have to replace filter media or do you not have to?
Does anyone else that has this tank have really bad silicone ? I mean I just got mine today and the silicone is so uneven and on one corner it doesn't even go all the way to the top, it just stops about half an inch short! Wtf is this normal?
Mm that's so strange. I had the 15 gal flex tank and since my tank was still full of water, I just dump everything in the tank and only darken the tank for 20min and after that it is all good and super clear. My fish are happy with this
Good setup BUT the flow of the return nozzle is too strong and moves the substrate around. Light didn’t work, got another light and it didn’t work either. Hopefully the supplier will get it sorted as it’s meant to be a planted tank.
Awesome video, very informative! Do you think this would do well as a nano SW set up?
+Bear Necessities I think it would, it even has a little pop out area in the lid where you could put the protein skimmer.
And a upgrade of the lighting to support coral! :)
What kind of heater are you using or recommend in this tank?
Are the intake slots big enough for small fish to get through? I plan on keeping pea puffers in it, and I don't want them getting into the filter.
William Heinrich yes the slots are quite large I did 2 set ups in a store I worked at and tryed zebra danios and they swam straight through it
is there any modification you can think of for this tank?
If you add substrate to a tank like this and plant it, it makes life easier to add the water slowly to the rear of the tank and keeps disruption to a minimum, I think its a terrible waste of water how this guy sorted his out.
what about the Activated Carbon insert? why you didn't put it inside , you recommend not to use it?
question, was this the 9 gallon or the 15 gallon
Great video. What is the saltwater tank? Is it a flex also?
+Tropical Fish Success No it's a 12 gallon Evo.
Can i use this fluval flex for saltwater?thanks for sharing this video
i am wanting to change my substrate to something more fish and plant friendly my tank i keep as a quotient tank is a 10 gallon do you think it would be OK to use this during the substrate change and how long would it be ok to leave them in there for why the tank is cycling my fish include two nitrite snails 5 neon tetras 2 cories two glass tetras a 1 black molly and some gost shrimp all of my fish or 1 inc sept the molly shes a little over 2 inc
Can someone explaqhy not to use carbon in a planted tank?
Basically the carbon will destroy the chemicals that you put into the aquarium including the chemicals for your plants (liquid fertilizer & etc)
What was the big green pipe in the tank
Is this the 9 or 15 gallon?
is a 100 watt heater too much?
Help, why is my pump compartment water level so low?
You need to fill it up there to the inlet. Most likely water is going out more than going in.
Is that a tomato clown in the saltwater tank? What do you have in their as of right now?
+nikko2thep yeah it's in there with a royal gramma basslet and a watchman goby.
KGTropicals cool. Do they get along pretty well? I have a tomato clown as well, and I'm still choosing its tankmates.
+nikko2thep so far so good🤗
great video thanks for sharing
it's going to look great dont sweat the small stuff. Are u going to add co2? I like this set-up may have to get one.
You had a saltwater tank?
is 2 sord tails 4 guppy 1 small Catt fish and 2 Glass cats ok for a 10 gallon tank
A/B Sciance and Gaming no swords get quit big
Tanner Merwin thanks
Just a few hours running the watter?? You waist a lot of water, you know how many gallons you waste? It will be easy if you just rinse the susbtrate with the same water in the aquarium and then ad new water
im going to buy this
I know it's been a while since this was posted, but I have a couple of questions while I'm waiting for my flex 57 to be delivered.
Did you use the fluval M series heater or will any heater fit the compartment?
Roughly how much substrate did you use?
Omfg it's a baby John lol still looking good bud
Can i use it for saltwater
nice tank John, and looks like some sweet plants too :)
Thanks:-)
Can raise shrimp?
Great video
Hello friends
I like the guppy tank.
Me too, it keeps me company on my desk he he
This tank and it’s filter sucks up fry badly.
I would appreciate a response can you add shrimps??
First comment John love the channel even though I am more on the marine side of the equation
I have 3 fish that are1" they will grow to 2" in a1.5 gallon tank is the tank to smoll?
Yes try a five to ten gallon to ensure the happiness of your fish
I hate flora max it didn't help my plants at all they kept rotting
dang. are all of you using the same songs for your videos
Talk about water waste bro jesus 🤣🤣
hi have you tried API water cleaner I use it its very good I have a fluval flex I put a log in mine I should of put in a bucket for a few week to get rid of the tanning then my tank looked like yours but the API did the job it cleaned the water you just put in one or two drops per gallon I really recommend it its about £3.95 that's three pounds and ninety five pence in united kingdom pound sterling only thing I have in my flex is these white worms Swimming about I don't think they do any harm I have no fish in it yet its going through a fishless cycle my substrate is a German one its a 6 in one then topped of with fine black gravel my plants are coming on ok up to now it's a nice tank only thing I don't like is when you take your lid off and get water every where that's the only small fault I am thinking of getting the bigger model as mine is only 34L cheers happy fish keeping