Advice before I order?

#R_TST · Nov 19, 2020

Hi all. I'm new to the hobby. My adult daughter has a saltwater tank and I keep wanting to put stuff in it so she said I need my own tank! I'm completely new to saltwater tanks so I've been spending endless hours researching, learning, and educating myself. I have decided that I really want a reef tank with lots of coral and mushrooms and I seem to really like the invertebrates, CUCs, and there are a few fish I'm thinking about. So I'm looking at a diamond goby, Cardinal, firefish, shrimp, snails, maybe a couple crabs, but mostly mushrooms, soft coral and considering eventually other corals.

Right now I'm stuck on trying to decide what tank I want. I am debating between the Fluval 13.5 gal and the larger Fluval Flex 32.5 gal. I really like the AOI option as a starter and have seen some very nice builds of the 13.5 gal. But I'm wondering if I should bump up to the 32.5 gal Flex so I have room to grow without having to buy a new one and start a new bigger tank down the road. BUT, I've seen some concerning posts here and there about the quality of the 32.5 both in craftsmanship and hearing of structural failure/cracking. I don't know if those are rare cases or if I should be concerned. With all the sales, I'd like to order one this month so any expertise about these 2 tanks and recommendations as to which one I should start with would be great.

Has anyone had any problems with the Fluval Flex 32.5?

vabben · Nov 21, 2020

Bigger is always better. Have you looked into the options from Waterbox?

#R_TST · Nov 24, 2020

vabben said:
Bigger is always better. Have you looked into the options from Waterbox?

I’ve already ordered now. But sounds like I should for future tanks.

Turkey head · Nov 25, 2020

Which size did you order? The bigger one will be easier to keep stable water parameters for corals.

#R_TST · Nov 25, 2020

Turkey head said:
Which size did you order? The bigger one will be easier to keep stable water parameters for corals.

The 32.5 gallon.

Turkey head · Nov 25, 2020

I’m sure you will be more happy with that one

SaltwaterandLime · Jan 15, 2021

Can I ask, where did you order from? I just ordered one and it arrived broken. Looking for other options now if they aren't able to replace it

old salt reefer · Jan 15, 2021

vabben said:
Bigger is always better. Have you looked into the options from Waterbox?

Or Innovative Marine.

chandavi · Jan 15, 2021

I have the 32.5. Im brand new to the reef tanks and I’m extremely happy so far with it. I especially like the all contained filter etc. Lighting is pretty decent and is even controllable with the fluval smart ap. Also very quiet. As to cracking/ durability ive only had it for 35 days so we’ll have to see. ( in the ugly stage). I’m planning on this one being my quarantine tank when I go to a larger size. All in all very happy so far.

skiff21 · Jan 24, 2021

chandavi said:
I have the 32.5. Im brand new to the reef tanks and I’m extremely happy so far with it. I especially like the all contained filter etc. Lighting is pretty decent and is even controllable with the fluval smart ap. Also very quiet. As to cracking/ durability ive only had it for 35 days so we’ll have to see. ( in the ugly stage). I’m planning on this one being my quarantine tank when I go to a larger size. All in all very happy so far.

I’ve had the same tank for a while now. Check out my thread.

Build Thread - My Fluval 32

Ive gotten back in to the game and started with the Fluval 32 Flex Salt water tank. This is about 6months into it though I’ve had it going now a little over a year. I’m just catching up on my own tank thread:)

www.reef2reef.com