Hi all,
I just wanted to share my journey/plan for converting the Fluval Flex 15gal freshwater tank to a super-nano reef aquarium. I just got back into the hobby after 10 years of just doing freshwater tanks with the last couple of years dabbling in aquascaping. It's been really fun but I miss keeping saltwater tanks so... here I go!
I have a freshwater white Fluval Flex 15 gal that is aquascaped and I thought it would be a great idea to make a "matching" saltwater one.
For the freshwater tank, I basically used all the stock filtration and lighting as it is a really great AOI tank for anyone looking to do a super easy freshwater setup. For the saltwater tank, I made some pretty substantial modifications to allow it to support corals.
Here is what I am doing:
Return Pump/Flow:
I replaced the stock Fluval return pump that comes with the AOI kit with the Eheim compactON 600. It works well with 1/2" tubing from BRS. The reason for this is because the stock return pump does not provide good flow AT ALL and the Eheim pump circulates about 600L/hr, which is exactly where I want to be for the 15gal tank.
I also added a Fluval DC pump for 15 gal aquariums to increase the flow.
Filtration:
I replaced the stock sponge filter and stock biological media in the second filter compartment with only biological filtration in mesh bags. I used the Seachem Matrix media because it has the highest SA of any biological filtration media I know of. I kept the activated carbon bag and placed it on top just to clarify the water.
Instead of the stock sponge in the second compartment, I bought filter mesh and placed it in the first compartment to catch particulates. I placed it right before the gratings that allow the water to flow to the second compartment to catch particulates. This makes for really easy maintenance as I can just cut a new piece and replace the old one in 5 seconds.
I also added the Tunze Comline 9001 DC skimmer to the first filtration compartment. As it is a nano tank, I believe this step was not really needed because such a small skimmer won't make that big of a dent, but instead of changing the water every week, I might get away with every 10 days with the skimmer... who knows.
I might add some chaeto later on in the second or third built-in compartment, but I want to establish my tank and see if that really will be necessary later on for more nutrient export.
Lighting:
I replaced the stock LED's with a Hipargero Aqua Knight LED. I've read many reviews saying that this is a great budget nano reef light and I'm excited to see what softies and LPS corals will do well with it! I have not decided yet if I am going to cut a hole in the aquarium cover and mount it on there, or do a topless nano tank and mount the light on the rim. I am concerned about having the light so close to the water with evaporation causing electrical problems and the light being too intense for the fish and corals I will be keeping. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated!
Hopefully, Awesome Pictures to Come!
I just wanted to share my journey/plan for converting the Fluval Flex 15gal freshwater tank to a super-nano reef aquarium. I just got back into the hobby after 10 years of just doing freshwater tanks with the last couple of years dabbling in aquascaping. It's been really fun but I miss keeping saltwater tanks so... here I go!
I have a freshwater white Fluval Flex 15 gal that is aquascaped and I thought it would be a great idea to make a "matching" saltwater one.
For the freshwater tank, I basically used all the stock filtration and lighting as it is a really great AOI tank for anyone looking to do a super easy freshwater setup. For the saltwater tank, I made some pretty substantial modifications to allow it to support corals.
Here is what I am doing:
Return Pump/Flow:
I replaced the stock Fluval return pump that comes with the AOI kit with the Eheim compactON 600. It works well with 1/2" tubing from BRS. The reason for this is because the stock return pump does not provide good flow AT ALL and the Eheim pump circulates about 600L/hr, which is exactly where I want to be for the 15gal tank.
I also added a Fluval DC pump for 15 gal aquariums to increase the flow.
Filtration:
I replaced the stock sponge filter and stock biological media in the second filter compartment with only biological filtration in mesh bags. I used the Seachem Matrix media because it has the highest SA of any biological filtration media I know of. I kept the activated carbon bag and placed it on top just to clarify the water.
Instead of the stock sponge in the second compartment, I bought filter mesh and placed it in the first compartment to catch particulates. I placed it right before the gratings that allow the water to flow to the second compartment to catch particulates. This makes for really easy maintenance as I can just cut a new piece and replace the old one in 5 seconds.
I also added the Tunze Comline 9001 DC skimmer to the first filtration compartment. As it is a nano tank, I believe this step was not really needed because such a small skimmer won't make that big of a dent, but instead of changing the water every week, I might get away with every 10 days with the skimmer... who knows.
I might add some chaeto later on in the second or third built-in compartment, but I want to establish my tank and see if that really will be necessary later on for more nutrient export.
Lighting:
I replaced the stock LED's with a Hipargero Aqua Knight LED. I've read many reviews saying that this is a great budget nano reef light and I'm excited to see what softies and LPS corals will do well with it! I have not decided yet if I am going to cut a hole in the aquarium cover and mount it on there, or do a topless nano tank and mount the light on the rim. I am concerned about having the light so close to the water with evaporation causing electrical problems and the light being too intense for the fish and corals I will be keeping. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated!
Hopefully, Awesome Pictures to Come!
Last edited: