Advice before I order?

[#R_TST]

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]

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

 

[#R_TST]

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]

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

 

[#R_TST]

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

The 32.5 gallon.

 

[Turkey head]

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

 

[SaltwaterandLime]

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]

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

Or Innovative Marine.

 

[chandavi]

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]

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.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/my-fluval-32.796225/