Fluval Tanks

[NWAquarium]

I have 2 Fluval Flex tanks. A 15 gal and a 9 gal. I’d like to turn one into a basic quarantine tank and the other into a Clownfish/anemone with Live rock.

Has anyone done this? Is there a nano mat filter that would fit in either?
Looking for recommendations.

Picture of 9 gal when I it was initially set up for FW 2.5 yrs ago

 

[Fish Fan]

I think that's a nice looking freshwater tank!

But if you want to go saltwater, you can. You're not likely to need a roller mat or even a skimmer or any other fancy equipment on your tank, tanks of these sizes can be typically managed by just doing regular, partial water changes.

I would consider adding an Auto Top Off (ATO) unit to automagically replace evaporated freshwater, which makes your salinity more stable. And I'd consider going with a heater controller that will prevent a heater from sticking "on" and overheating your tank, which happens frequently in saltwater tanks.

I would look in our member tank section for other's who run those Fluval tanks for inspiration:

Member's Aquarium Discussion

Please share your aquarium set ups here! Whether you have nano aquarium, mid-size box of glass, or an indoor swimming pool for fish this is the place to be.

www.reef2reef.com

I'd suggest this article if you're new to saltwater tanks:

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is nowhere near simple. This task is going to take patience, a...

www.reef2reef.com

Some members don't care for these videos, but I think this is a great way to learn about the hobby if you're new to saltwater:

Saltwater Aquarium Beginner’s Guide - Bulk Reef Supply

New to saltwater aquariums? Learn how to set up and maintain a thriving reef tank with our complete Saltwater Aquarium Beginner’s Guide from BRStv.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

And if you want to QT your fish (which I HIGHLY recommend) I'd suggest following the R2R approved protocol at this link:

Current Quarantine Protocol

2024 Quarantine Procedures Jay Hemdal David Scarborough Protozoans (Cryptocaryon/ich, Amyloodinium/velvet) and Metazoan trematodes/flukes are by far the most common parasites found on newly acquired fish. A carefully managed, proactive quarantine process can effectively eliminate these...

www.reef2reef.com

I hope that helps, and please post back with any questions we can help with!

Goo luck!!

 

[Fish Fan]

Oh, I'll add that the light may work for a saltwater tank, but its spectrum is geared towards freshwater, and it may look a little funny with corals. If you want to, that light can be upgraded to something reef-specific in the future.

Good luck!!

 

[NWAquarium]

I think that's a nice looking freshwater tank!

But if you want to go saltwater, you can. You're not likely to need a roller mat or even a skimmer or any other fancy equipment on your tank, tanks of these sizes can be typically managed by just doing regular, partial water changes.

I would consider adding an Auto Top Off (ATO) unit to automagically replace evaporated freshwater, which makes your salinity more stable. And I'd consider going with a heater controller that will prevent a heater from sticking "on" and overheating your tank, which happens frequently in saltwater tanks.

I would look in our member tank section for other's who run those Fluval tanks for inspiration:

Member's Aquarium Discussion

Please share your aquarium set ups here! Whether you have nano aquarium, mid-size box of glass, or an indoor swimming pool for fish this is the place to be.

www.reef2reef.com

I'd suggest this article if you're new to saltwater tanks:

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium

The Supreme Guide To Setting Up A Saltwater Reef Aquarium Introduction The marine environment is one of the most complex systems on the planet. The aquarium you are about to set up is only a tiny sliver of the vast ocean, but it is nowhere near simple. This task is going to take patience, a...

www.reef2reef.com

Some members don't care for these videos, but I think this is a great way to learn about the hobby if you're new to saltwater:

Saltwater Aquarium Beginner’s Guide - Bulk Reef Supply

New to saltwater aquariums? Learn how to set up and maintain a thriving reef tank with our complete Saltwater Aquarium Beginner’s Guide from BRStv.

www.bulkreefsupply.com

And if you want to QT your fish (which I HIGHLY recommend) I'd suggest following the R2R approved protocol at this link:

Current Quarantine Protocol

2024 Quarantine Procedures Jay Hemdal David Scarborough Protozoans (Cryptocaryon/ich, Amyloodinium/velvet) and Metazoan trematodes/flukes are by far the most common parasites found on newly acquired fish. A carefully managed, proactive quarantine process can effectively eliminate these...

www.reef2reef.com

I hope that helps, and please post back with any questions we can help with!

Goo luck!!

Thank you. I have an 8 mos new RS 350G2 Max mixed reef. Finally past multiple ugly phases.

Hoping to do the QT 9gal and clown/nem/LR for 15.

Do you have a nano ATO you recommend? Heater?

I’ll check out the link to see what others have done. These are so similar to the Happy Reef tanks, and just sitting empty, I thought they’d be an option

 

[Fish Fan]

I have come to like titanium heaters, they are more durable, and double as an electrical grounding probe, which is a safety device. I like the titanium heating elements from Bulk Reef Supply, but I think Hydros and Finexx make popular choices. The Eheim Jagar glass heaters are popular, but they are all very, very long for the wattage, so make sure it fits in your tank before you purchase one.

I think that the Tunze Osmolator ATO's are trusted. There is a solid one that's about $70, but I can't think of it right now I'm sure it will come to me, or someone else will know.